Hamilton Sports Group, the organization that owns and operates the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Forge FC, announced a new three-year partnership with Mohawk College that will aim to “create meaningful opportunities for student learning, mentorship, and community engagement.”
A press release says that the partnership will connect Mohawk College students with both the Tiger-Cats, who play in the Canadian Football League, and Forge, who play soccer in the Canadian Premier League.
Through the partnership, students will be provided “hands-on experience across professional sport operations.”
Mohawk College has several programs that directly relate to professional sport operations.
In regard to business and communications, Mohawk has programs in advertising and marketing, business administration, human resources, corporate communications, tourism, radio broadcasting, television and communications broadcasting, journalism, and photography.
On the health front, Mohawk has programs in health, wellness, and fitness, massage therapy, and physiotherapist assistant that all apply to sport operations.
Kyle Lohnes, Vice-President of Partnerships and Retail at Hamilton Sports Group, commented, “This partnership is rooted in a shared commitment to Hamilton and creating opportunities for the next generation.”
“Working with Mohawk College allows us to give students real-world exposure to the sports industry while continuing to engage with our community in a meaningful way.”
The partnership will focus on experiential learning, giving students direct industry access, including through gameday job shadowing and in-office mentorship opportunities.
A new speaker series will also be offered and will feature Hamilton Sports Group executives, offering insight into the sports industry and potential career pathways.
Hamilton Sports Group includes businessman Bob Young, Stelco Holdings Inc., and senior sports executives Scott Mitchell (Tiger-Cats and Forge CEO) and Jim Lawson (CEO of Woodbine Entertainment).
Forge FC will also be leading technical learning initiatives, including access to a first-team training session and a “behind-the-scenes look at the professional environment.”
Paul Armstrong, President of Mohawk College, commented, “We’re proud to partner with Hamilton Sports Group to give Mohawk College students access to professional sport environments right here in Hamilton.”
“It’s an exciting opportunity to learn, connect, and contribute, while strengthening the community we are proud to call home.”
Community programming will also be offered in the partnership.
Mohawk College’s summer camps program for kids will reportedly feature player and/or mascot appearances this summer, and camp participants will receive ticket vouchers to attend a Forge FC or Tiger-Cats home game.
Hamilton Sports Group says that additional initiatives, including more on-field experiences at Hamilton Stadium and expanded community programming, will be introduced as well over the next three years.
Based in Hamilton, he reaches hundreds of thousands of people monthly on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. He has been published in The Hamilton Spectator, Stoney Creek News, and Bay Observer. He has also been a segment host with Cable 14 Hamilton. In 2017, he received the Chancellor Full Tuition Scholarship from the University of Ottawa (BA, 2022). He has also received the Governor General’s Academic Medal. He formerly worked in a non-partisan role on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
