Box2Box Academy clinched the championship title at the 2025 Kick Out Hate Crime Tru Sports (KOHCTS) football tournament in Ottawa on Saturday, in an event hailed by city leaders and community stakeholders as a powerful symbol of unity and anti-discrimination.
Organised by the Canadian Hope Transformation Initiative (CHTI), the annual tournament—held at Ottawa Technical Secondary School field—brought together youth teams, law enforcement officers, and grassroots organisations to promote inclusion, trust, and peaceful coexistence across cultural and social lines.
Founded by community organiser Emmanuel Tobi, CHTI launched the initiative to bridge divides between young people and authorities. “Football is a universal language,” Tobi said. “We want people from all walks of life to share the pitch and work toward a community free from hate.”
In a goodwill message delivered at the opening ceremony, Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliff lauded the tournament as “a model for civic engagement and bridge-building,” noting its importance in fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the city’s youth.
Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Chief Eric Stubbs, represented by Sergeant Barmark Anvari, echoed the sentiment, reaffirming the OPS’s commitment to inclusive outreach and community trust.
Dabere Collins Ameachi, outgoing Capoon of the National Association of Seadogs (NAS), Long Island Deck, praised the initiative as “a noble cause” aligned with NAS’s mission of confronting injustice and championing humanitarian efforts.
On the pitch, Box2Box Academy triumphed over Top Strikers of Ottawa 4–3 on penalties in a tightly fought final that ended goalless in regulation time. Earlier, Box2Box had edged OPS 2–1, while Top Strikers also beat the police team 2–1.
In a friendly game to conclude the day, Team CHTI—led by Tobi—defeated NAS 4–1 on penalties after a goalless draw. Both teams received participation medals, while Box2Box took home the golden trophy and Top Strikers earned silver.
Organisers underscored that the tournament’s real victory was not in the scores but in the relationships built on and off the field. “This is what building safer, stronger neighbourhoods looks like,” one volunteer noted. “The game is just the beginning.”
