PHOTOS: Kids play football with BC Lions in Surrey at IYP program tourney
Published 10:00 am Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Another flag football season of the BC Lions-backed Indigenous Youth Program (IYP) came to a close with a tournament in Surrey on Sunday, April 26.
Teams of kids aged 10 to 12 played at Tom Binnie Park while being coached by Lions pro players.
The five-week program, launched in 2022 as an Orange Shirt initiative to build relationships with Indigenous youth, kicked off April 7 with practices across Metro Vancouver.
The IYP, which involved a skills workshop at Richmond Olympic Oval on April 19, is played in partnership with Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I-SPARC).
This year a younger group of kids were given a chance to play.
“Our focus will remain the same to provide a fun engaging experience where youth can learn the valuable lessons that sport teaches, how teamwork and commitment can lead to growth and success in life,” noted Jamie Taras, director of community partnerships for the Lions.
The program “continues to be a meaningful extension of our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation,” he added.
IYP is presented by Prospera Credit Union and LIUNA Local 1611 and supported by BC Hydro, Fortis BC and Leavitt Machinery.