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KAITLYN’S SPORT STORIES: OCTOBER 9, 2025

In this edition, we catch up on DoorDash Canada’s national campaign celebrating women’s sports across the WNBA, NSL, and PWHL. We also check in on Team Canada’s women’s football team as they took the NFL stage and introduce The GIST Plus– a new community connecting underserved sports fans. Lastly, we share insights from attending a community screening of Sidelined: The Colour of the Game, exploring systemic barriers in Canadian sport.

DOORDASH CANADA LAUNCHES “BRING IT IN” CAMPAIGN

 

DoorDash Canada has kicked off its national campaign, BRING IT IN. Three Leagues. Delivered., partnering with the WNBA, NSL, and PWHL. The campaign aims to amplify the collective strength of women’s sports leagues while embedding itself in fan culture across the country.

Fans can experience the campaign on television, social media, in-stadium, and in restaurants. In-restaurant activations focus on a network of independent eateries committed to celebrating women’s sports, helping fans know exactly where to watch games in their communities, a challenge long familiar to women’s sports enthusiasts. Game-day promotions will also be offered for fans ordering at home.

DoorDash now has partnerships with the PWHL, WNBA, and NSL, and the campaign unites the three leagues that will soon be competing in Canada in 2026, coinciding with the Toronto Tempo’s inaugural season.

You can watch the campaign video here.

TEAM CANADA WOMEN’S FOOTBALL TAKES THE NFL STAGE

 

Team Canada’s women’s football team made headlines on October 5, playing a halftime scrimmage during the Buffalo Bills game, marking the first time international women’s flag football teams competed on an NFL field.

This milestone comes as flag football gains momentum ahead of its debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. For players, the scrimmage offered a platform to showcase their skills, connect with the NFL women’s fanbase, and grow visibility for women’s football across North America.

It was more than a game-it was an opportunity to show young girls and fans alike that women’s football is on the rise.

THE GIST LAUNCHES THE GIST PLUS, A COMMUNITY FOR UNDERSERVED FANS

The GIST has unveiled The GIST Plus, an online and in-person community designed to connect sports fans who have long felt alienated by mainstream media.

Membership offers two levels: Rookie ($4.99/month) and All-Star ($9.99/month), with varying access to digital spaces, exclusive content, and offline events. The platform responds to a growing demand from fans for a safe, celebratory space to connect over sports.

This launch comes alongside recent research showing that 72% of women identify as avid sports fans, yet 66% feel sports organizations fail to meaningfully engage with them. The GIST Plus seeks to change that by creating a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and included.

GIRLS FORWARD ATTENDS SCREENING OF SIDELINED: THE COLOUR OF THE GAME

 

Girls Forward staff members attended a community screening of Sidelined: The Colour of the Game, hosted by MLSE EDI and Anti-Racism in Sport. The documentary explores systemic barriers faced by First Nations, Métis, Inuit, Black, Racialized, and Religious Minority participants in Canadian sport.

The screening was followed by a panel discussion featuring documentary production team members Daria Jorquera Palmer and Kaelei Knutson, as well as Kirk Brooks (Seaside Hockey Association), and Morgan Young (Toronto Tempo). Key takeaways included:

  • The importance of recognizing and addressing historical and ongoing racism in sports, including microaggressions and harmful stereotypes.

  • The need for better reporting systems and accountability within sports organizations.

  • The critical role of supportive coaches and teammates in fostering belonging.

  • Sport should prioritize participation and community, not just winning.

  • Spaces and programs should be designed to serve as opportunities for healing and growth.

The screening reinforced the urgent need for systemic change, inclusive policies, and education to build a Canadian sports system where everyone can participate, have access, and enjoy the game.

 

The stories of the week show girls in sport and physical activity that:

  • Celebrating Canada’s growing women’s sports leagues, whether in restaurants, fan spaces, or at home, makes it easier for communities to connect and follow their favourite athletes. It’s a reminder that access and community are crucial for women’s sports to thrive.
  • Team Canada’s NFL halftime scrimmage showcased the talent of these athletes while exposing more people to the sport. Moments like this inspire young girls to see themselves in football and learn about the sport.
  • The community screening of Sidelined: The Colour of the Game highlights the importance of belonging and challenging systemic barriers in sport. Screenings like this reinforce the need for inclusive spaces where everyone can feel supported.

 

 

Kaitlyn’s Sport Stories Recap are written by Kaitlyn Lehbert, a passionate and driven sport advocate for girls and women. Kaitlyn holds her Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from Brock University. Learn more about Kaitlyn by clicking here!

Have a sport story you want to share? Contact info@girlsforward.ca and it may get featured in Kaitlyn’s next feature.

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