Women tackle coaching duties at Ottawa Redblacks training camp

As the Ottawa Redblacks train for the CFL that is upcoming season two women are lending their coaching skills as part of an effort to get more females involved in the league and the sport.

Meagan Ferguson, from Stratford, P.E.I., and Nadia Doucoure, who lives in Ottawa but is originally from France, have been on the field coach that is helping Redblacks defence.

Ferguson began the women that are first tackle football team on P.E.I., while Doucoure learned the game in France before moving to Canada and playing here.

“Football was in my family,” said Ferguson, whose dad played and who watched both Canadian and football that is american up.

But possibilities on her behalf to try out on P.E.I. had been an issue.

“It was not quite here once I ended up being growing up. We really did not even understand feminine football existed until We relocated up to New Brunswick.”

Love at first tackle

It was in New Brunswick that Ferguson was invited by a hockey teammate to play football for the time that is first

“I thought it had been simply likely to be a feeling and toss form of evening, [but it ended up] being female that is full-fledged football,” she said. “[I] fell in love and I wanted to keep involved she returned home to P.E.I., she stayed in the game any way she could — refereeing, coaching, working on executive boards — which led to her coaching at Holland College and at the provincial level.We’re with it moving forward.”

When planning to make it. That is why we are here today

— Nadia DoucouresaidDoucoure learned the American version of the game in France, but like Ferguson, never had the opportunity to actually play the game.(*I was a coach,” she

)” I was a ref,. “we was not a new player because i did not have the possibility.”saidBoth ladies sent applications for the CFL’s feamales in Football system. Ferguson ended up being chosen and Doucoure volunteered to participate after being rejected a spot.

Redblacks defensive co-ordinator Mike Benevides said Doucoure and Ferguson are working difficult during the team to their time.

“They’ve learned a tremendous amount they want to get for their own resumé,” he

.

“But for themselves in terms of what they truly are [man’s sport] putting it on towards the players, together with players are best off because of it simply because they’re great instructors.”saidShifting focus

. We’re just going to talk about best coaches, best personnel to run the football program,” Doucoure said. “We’re going to get there. That’s why we’re here “