Cougars Ink Four Australian Recruits for Football Scholarships

The popularity of tackle football extends far beyond North America, with millions of players worldwide participating in the sport. According to Sault College Cougars head coach Paul Orazietti, only one-third of these players come from the U.S. and Canada, highlighting the global reach of the game.

During the U20 World Junior Football Championship in Edmonton, Orazietti had a conversation with Pierre Trochet, the president of the International Federation for American Football, where they discussed the significant number of players outside North America. While Orazietti couldn’t recruit millions of players, he recently signed four talented Australians to join the Cougars’ team. Excited about this new addition, Orazietti mentioned that three of them are offensive linemen, and one is a defensive back, all with a strong rugby background.

Recruiting these Australian players was a strategic move made by Orazietti, who aims to have a diverse roster with international talent. The team’s roster limit for international players is six, and Orazietti is looking to add two more players, including one from Austria and one from the U.S.

With the Cougars’ inaugural season in the Canadian Junior Football League approaching, Orazietti has been actively recruiting players. Currently, the team has commitments from over 30 players, with 20 local recruits and 10 players from other parts of Canada.

To further strengthen the team, the Cougars will host tryout camps in December and March to scout for additional talent. Orazietti emphasized the importance of hard work and determination, stating that the team’s competitiveness will be based on their effort rather than just talent.

In a significant boost to the football program, Algoma Steel recently contributed $25,000 to the team. This funding will cover the cost of new uniforms for the first year and provide scholarships worth $10,000 for future support, showcasing the community’s support for the Cougars.

Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Orazietti is focused on building a competitive and cohesive team. While the team’s performance remains to be seen, Orazietti’s emphasis on dedication and teamwork suggests that the Cougars are gearing up for an exciting season ahead.