About

When the decision was made to “suspend” the CFL’s Ottawa Renegades in 2006, and in the days leading up to that act, I often heard as justification that Ottawa was “not a football town”.

Come to think of it, I often heard that when the Renegades launched! The comment was that the Rough Riders weren’t supported, so why would the Renegades be? Never mind that the Rough Riders were around for something like 120 years.

Regardless, the Renegades were mismanaged, much like the Rough Riders before them (and partially by some of the same people!), particularly in their last two seasons.  They ultimately added to the roughly three decades of frustration that Ottawa (pro) football fans have felt.  The league squandered months and made vague promises about how the Ottawa market would be cared for.  The team collapsed and additional ammo was provided for the “not a football town” chants.

Yet for all that Ottawa is not a football town, it can still boast…

– A top CIS program in the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees.

– Three junior teams, including the QJFL Champion Jr Riders.

– A semi-pro club in the Ottawa Deacon Demons.

–The 14-team National Capital Amateur Football Association.

Not too damn bad, all things considered. And a number of these clubs are fairly new to the city, indicating a growth in football interest.

So I’ve taken an interest of my own in tracking, reasearching and supporting these various clubs.  There is far more football history and tradition that I believe most people realize and I hope to showcase that.