Niagara Nitros Shine at the Youth Flag Football World Championships 2025
The Niagara Nitros once again showcased their dominance on the world stage at the 2025 Youth Flag Football World Championships in Florida. Taking down a remarkable total of nine teams to compete among the world's best, the Nitros left their mark in a big way—securing two World Championships and placing several teams in the highly prestigious “World Bracket.”
The tournament, which hosted over 700 teams from across the globe, is known as the pinnacle of youth flag football competition. For the Nitros, it was an opportunity to prove once again why they are one of the premier programs in Canada. The highlight of the tournament came as two teams captured World Championships—the Grade 12 Boys and the Grade 10 Girls.
The Grade 12 Boys team showed incredible resilience and skill, defending their title from last year to become back-to-back World Champions. Their poise under pressure and high-level gameplay proved why they remain on top of the flag football world. Adding to the Nitros' hardware was the Grade 10 Girls team, who delivered a spectacular performance throughout the tournament and were crowned World Champions. This achievement highlights the growing strength and talent of the female athletes in the Nitros program.
Beyond the championships, several other Nitros teams made deep runs and earned a spot in the coveted “World Bracket,” the top-tier playoff round of the tournament. This further emphasized the Nitros’ growing dominance and ability to compete against the world's best. Notably, no other Canadian program managed to secure multiple World Championships, making the Nitros' achievement even more impressive.
Adding to the individual accolades, Cate Hawkins was named 14U Girls MVP, showcasing her incredible skill and leadership on the field. On the 16U Boys side, Noah Walters earned MVP honors, solidifying his reputation as one of the top players in his division. Both players were instrumental in their teams' success and exemplified what it means to be a Nitro.
14U Girls—Aaliyah Henry, Bethany Ramadeen, Matilda Clara, Elyse Naphin, Danika Spicer, Charlotte Marotta, Emily Ganski, Gracie Cherney, Cate Hawkins, Teagan Clark, Indigo Taha, Matty Hill (Coach), Erin Clark (Coach)
16U Boys—Noah Walter, Travis Boland, Trent Dobson, Justin Cournoyea, Gavin Paxton, Darian Barnes, Dylan Devries, Eric Corriveau, Jack McNeil, Jared Cappa, Sadiekie Hayden, Charlotte Clark (Film), Matty Hill (Coach), Doug Walters (Coach)
Matty Hill, League Owner, and Erin Clarke, Travel Director, expressed their immense pride not only in the on-field performance but also in the first-class behavior exhibited by the players, coaches, and families throughout the weekend.
“The results speak for themselves, but what really stands out is the way our teams carry themselves. The brotherhood and sisterhood formed within our program is something truly special, and seeing families bond all weekend was just incredible.”
The weekend was filled with non-stop fun, bonding, and competition, proving that the Nitros are more than just a program—they are a family. The passion and commitment from players, coaches, parents, and siblings were on full display, making the tournament an unforgettable experience for all involved.
As the Nitros return home, their focus now shifts to upcoming events, including an All-Girls Tournament in Niagara this April and a 7-on-7 Touch Football event hosted by the Nitros program. With momentum on their side and the world watching, the future remains incredibly bright for the Niagara Nitros.
Congratulations to all players, coaches, and families for an unforgettable showing on the world stage. Two World Championships, countless memories, and a program that continues to set the bar—the Niagara Nitros have once again proven why they are the pride of Canadian flag football.