Seyran Mammadov
Football
4/25/2025 11:44:00 AM
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As announced by the Canadian Football League on Thursday (Apr. 24), University of Toronto Varsity Blues football assistant coach Carlie Manners has been chosen by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as a participant in the fourth annual Diversity in Football Program, presented by Securian Canada.
“I’m deeply honoured to be selected to join the Winnipeg Blue Bombers coaching staff for training camp,” said Manners. “Getting the unexpected call from Head Coach Mike O’Shea was such an exciting moment – once I actually processed what I was hearing, it really hit me. To know that Coach O’Shea and others within the CFL read my application and saw potential there is incredibly humbling. I’m excited to head to Winnipeg in a few weeks and keep growing as an offensive line coach.
Manners, along with eight other selections, were chosen as each CFL club welcomed one participant from a diverse cultural background to join the team’s football operations department for the approximately four-week program to gain practical experience in working within a professional sports environment.
“One of our core pillars is that diversity is strength,” said Tyler Keenan, the CFL’s Chief Revenue Officer. “Our league and the Canadian football community are stronger when different perspectives are welcomed, and when unique experiences with our game are understood.”
“I care deeply about development and growth in football, and the CFL’s Diversity in Football Program is giving me a chance to learn, contribute, and come back better,” added Manners. “An opportunity like this will help me become a stronger coach, so I can give more to the game and to the Varsity Blues. A rising tide lifts all ships.”
Manners joined the U of T football coaching staff in 2024, under the leadership of head coach Darrell Adams. Manners serves as an assistant offensive line coach with the Varsity Blues, while also serving as head coach of the U18 Women’s Tackle Team Ontario squad outside of the University of Toronto. She additionally is completing her PhD in history, specializing in the Caribbean and Anglo-Atlantic World.
DIVERSITY IN FOOTBALL PROGRAM PRESENTED BY SECURIAN CANADA – 2025 COHORT
​(Team: Name | Area of focus | hometown)
Montreal: Garlins Duclervil | Coaching | Terrebonne, Que.
Ottawa: Thompson McCallum | Scouting/Football Operations | Kingston, Ont.
Toronto: Jada Baptiste | Coaching | Ottawa
Hamilton: Kayla Wong | Strength and Conditioning | Toronto
Winnipeg: Carlie Manners | Coaching | Toronto
Saskatchewan: Donnavan Carter | Coaching | Guelph, Ont.
Calgary: Tyler Scott | Coaching | Airdrie, Alta.
Edmonton: Karen Ashley Garcia | Strength and Conditioning | Brampton, Ont.
BC: Jamila Abrams | Athletic Therapy | Ancaster, Ont.