SAS Football Player Invited to Prospects Game

Noah Vannieuwenhuizen, a grade 11 student at Salmon Arm Secondary, has been invited to participate in the Canadian Football Chat (CFC) Selection Camp in Vancouver in February. If selected, he will have the opportunity to play in the televised National CFC Prospect Game on TSN in May 2025.

Noah expressed his excitement, saying, “I’m proud that all the work I’ve put in these last few years is coming to light.” With his final high school football season ahead, he plans to focus on serious training this off-season, hoping to showcase his skills at university camps this winter and spring. “I also hope to play for Team BC again,” he adds.

“I hope to prove you don’t need to come from large cities to become a great athlete. I couldn’t have succeeded without the guidance of all the coaching staff, who have taught me about grit, being an overall good person and leader, and have expanded my football skills. They’ve instilled confidence in my play which has elevated my skill level,” he says.

Noah’s dedication to developing his athletic skills, leadership qualities, and personal grit exemplifies the District’s commitment, as outlined in its District’s 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, to support students in pursuing meaningful future pathways.

Colin Woodhurst, a coach for the the SAS Golds Senior Boys’ Football Team, shares the excitement of the coaching staff, saying, “Noah is a very talented football player who has a bright future ahead of him in the sport. Noah is relied on as the lead back in our run heavy attack, and he brings physicality to the defense at the middle linebacker position. Defenses struggle to bring Noah down in the open field due to his strength and elusiveness, and he makes receivers and running backs account for him on the field due to his tenacious tackling.”

Noah primarily plays running back, middle linebacker, and kick returner. He is described as a very coachable player with a love of football, physicality, a competitive nature, a desire to improve and mental toughness.

Woodhurst highlighted some of Noah’s season achievements, including a 65-yard run against Vernon Secondary School, the top-ranked team in the province, and an 11-tackle performance against Sardis AAA in Chilliwack. Noah has also scored multiple touchdowns both through the air and on the ground.

CFC runs premier high school football camps across Canada to create a team of top student-athletes for the CFC Game. Over its four-year history, the game has produced several NCAA athletes and, through the CFC100 prospect rankings, has helped hundreds reach the CFL and NFL. The 2025 Prospects Game will feature past and present CFL and NFL coaches and athletes who will mentor the students, providing them with a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn and grow as an athlete. The CFC Camp doubles as a tryout for the Fox 40 Prospect Challenge Showcase which is another premier game for Canada’s top football student-athletes. These games take place in various locations across Canada, with the 2025 location yet to be determined.