Ottawa’s Howard chosen Youth Coach of the Year

Ottawa’s Paul Howard has been named the 2014 NFL Youth Coach of the Year.

The information technology professional has been recognized for his work with the South Ottawa Mustangs.

The Mustangs are based in the Heron Gate neighbourhood, which has been plagued by gang activity and is classified by the Ottawa Police guns and gangs unit as an “affected” community. Howard has been instrumental in using football to help build hope and opportunity.

“Having grown up in this same low-income community himself, Paul understands the challenges and barriers these young people face,” said Sara Dwyer, a resident of the community, in her nomination essay. “He believes so much in the benefits of being part of a football team, and the opportunity that football can provide. The confidence and discipline (that these players learn) translates to their lives at school, in the community and at home. We are grateful to have volunteers like Coach Paul who understand that it takes a village to raise a child, and who are ready to step up to be a part of that village.”

The NFL Youth Coach of the Year award is presented in collaboration with BlackRock Canada, the world’s largest asset manager.

The award was created to recognize community or high school level coaches across Canada who make a positive impact on their communities through football. The award is not based on wins and losses.

In recognition of Howard’s efforts, BlackRock Canada will create $5,000 in bursaries to assist young players in the South Ottawa community who want to play football but can’t afford to participate. The Mustangs will also receive $5,000 in new equipment from the NFL.

Howard was selected from a shortlist of 10 coaches from across Canada. A panel of journalists, BlackRock, NFL and Football Canada officials selected the winners. More than 100 coaches from across Canada were nominated.