Let the Clarington Knights U14 Play: Reconsider the 2026 OFFL Decision
The Issue
My son is one of the young athletes preparing to play for the Clarington Knights U14 team this fall. These children have been showing up, practicing, learning, building chemistry as a team, and preparing for a season they believed was only weeks away.
We have now learned that the Clarington Knights U14 team will not be permitted to participate in the 2026 Ontario Fall Football League season.
The concern communicated has been related to player numbers. However, Clarington currently has more than 25 young athletes committed and participating, with additional registrations still being completed.
For these children, football is about much more than wins and losses. It gives them structure, discipline, confidence, friendship, leadership, physical activity, and a sense of belonging. They have invested their time and effort into preparing for this season, and their families and coaches have supported them every step of the way.
We understand that leagues require deadlines, scheduling, registration requirements, and operating standards. We are not asking for those responsibilities to be ignored. We are asking for fairness, transparency, and an opportunity for Clarington to demonstrate that it has a viable U14 team ready to compete.
Rather than eliminating an entire season for more than 25 young athletes, we respectfully ask the Ontario Fall Football League to work with the Clarington Knights to find a solution.
We are asking the OFFL to:
• Reconsider the decision preventing the Clarington Knights U14 team from participating in the 2026 fall season.
• Allow Clarington to submit an updated and verified roster of committed athletes.
• Clearly explain the requirements and reasoning behind the decision.
• Work collaboratively with Clarington toward a solution that allows these children to play.
These kids showed up.
They practiced.
They committed.
They are ready.
More than 25 young athletes are asking for the opportunity to take the field.
Please sign this petition and stand with the Clarington Knights U14 players and families in asking the Ontario Fall Football League to reconsider this decision.
LET! THEM! PLAY!
389
The Issue
My son is one of the young athletes preparing to play for the Clarington Knights U14 team this fall. These children have been showing up, practicing, learning, building chemistry as a team, and preparing for a season they believed was only weeks away.
We have now learned that the Clarington Knights U14 team will not be permitted to participate in the 2026 Ontario Fall Football League season.
The concern communicated has been related to player numbers. However, Clarington currently has more than 25 young athletes committed and participating, with additional registrations still being completed.
For these children, football is about much more than wins and losses. It gives them structure, discipline, confidence, friendship, leadership, physical activity, and a sense of belonging. They have invested their time and effort into preparing for this season, and their families and coaches have supported them every step of the way.
We understand that leagues require deadlines, scheduling, registration requirements, and operating standards. We are not asking for those responsibilities to be ignored. We are asking for fairness, transparency, and an opportunity for Clarington to demonstrate that it has a viable U14 team ready to compete.
Rather than eliminating an entire season for more than 25 young athletes, we respectfully ask the Ontario Fall Football League to work with the Clarington Knights to find a solution.
We are asking the OFFL to:
• Reconsider the decision preventing the Clarington Knights U14 team from participating in the 2026 fall season.
• Allow Clarington to submit an updated and verified roster of committed athletes.
• Clearly explain the requirements and reasoning behind the decision.
• Work collaboratively with Clarington toward a solution that allows these children to play.
These kids showed up.
They practiced.
They committed.
They are ready.
More than 25 young athletes are asking for the opportunity to take the field.
Please sign this petition and stand with the Clarington Knights U14 players and families in asking the Ontario Fall Football League to reconsider this decision.
LET! THEM! PLAY!
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Petition created on August 13, 2026