In a dynamic blend of sport, mentorship, and community outreach, the Toronto Eagles Australian Football Club teamed up with Vision Glass Toronto Ltd. and James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic High School to introduce the fast-paced game of Australian Rules Football (AFL) to some of the city’s most promising young athletes.
Home to the Toronto Catholic District School Board’s High Performance Athletic Program, James Cardinal McGuigan is a hub for elite-level student-athletes from across the Greater Toronto Area. The school supports out-of-region students with flexible academics tailored around rigorous athletic schedules. Among their standout athletes are Toronto FC Academy players, nationally ranked tennis stars, and an impressive track and field program that ranks among the best in the province.
With support from Vision Glass, a Major Sponsor of the Toronto Eagles, this partnership was made possible through a unique mentorship initiative. Vision Glass extended its support by embedding their lead automotive technicians in McGuigan’s automotive program, offering real-world industry mentorship to students. The initiative was spearheaded by Mark Block, owner of Vision Glass and a Toronto Eagles club legend, who worked closely with the school’s Athletic Director to bring Australian football to campus.
The result? A two-day footy clinic run by Eagles coach Aaron Falcioni, introducing AFL to a new generation of athletes, many of whom had never seen or played the game before.
“The kids were unreal,” said Falcioni. “They picked up footy and match flow almost instantly. Their spatial intelligence and ability to link up with handball, switch play, and execute overlap runs to attack and kick goals was incredible.”
The sessions focused on fundamental skills, kicking, handballing, marking, and general game play. By the end of the clinic, athletes were already executing advanced movements and tactical plays.
To recognize standout efforts, the Eagles handed out team shirts to the daily Best and Fairest players, all sponsored by Vision Glass. Students also competed in handball races and long kicking competitions, with more shirts given out as prizes.
While the initial program ran for just two days due to scheduling constraints, the impact was immediate and exciting. Discussions are already underway to continue the program and provide a community outreach at the school.
“The goal is twofold,” said Mark Block. “We want to introduce this incredible sport to young athletes and also provide a pathway for graduating students to play with the Toronto Eagles. At the heart of it, it’s about community, opportunity, and the love of the game.”
With Vision Glass leading the way and a strong foundation now set at James Cardinal McGuigan, the future of youth AFL in Toronto looks bright.