Friday Night Lights in Etobicoke
Expanding the floodlights
Words: Mya P, Toronto
On the second Friday of October each year, no matter how cold, a crowd of over 2,000 people gathers at Centennial Park in Etobicoke to watch Friday Night Lights (FNL). This event sees longtime, down-the-street rivals Etobicoke Collegiate Institute and Richview Collegiate Institute go head-to-head in two of the most competitive football games of the season.
Held at Rob Ford Stadium (formerly Centennial Stadium), FNL holds a prestige that attracts those from the involved schools and others across the region. The event often reaches maximum capacity. Many schools across Toronto take part, putting a particular spin on the event; only a select few get to play in large community venues rather than on their own field. Even other Etobicoke CI and Richview CI sports teams fall short of such treatment, regardless of their accomplishments.
That is not to say both schools’ football programs lack their fair share of success; they each have decorated histories, built by committed staff and students. Cemented in the culture of both schools, Friday Night Lights strengthens student involvement, connection and pride by exemplifying healthy competition and spirit. Everyone puts in the effort required to perform to the best of their abilities. But why are these teams the only ones to get a moment under the floodlights?
Multiple athletic accolades line the halls of Etobicoke CI and Richview CI, yet none of the contributing teams’ games or competitions are on par with FNL, from its professional-style venue to its large crowds. No other event generates as much community attention. Whether on a winning streak or having just won a major championship, these teams and their athletes are often overshadowed by the sheer size of the football programs and Friday Night Lights.
Lack of recognition is merely the tip of a larger issue: inequality in high school sports. Discrepancies are seen between and within institutions; many are ill-equipped to stage an event of such capacity, even if the interest were there. Resources should be allocated to expand opportunities, supporting and strengthening the sense of community.
Another key to community is to shed more light on girls’ sports. While girls are technically allowed to play on their high school football teams, they remain “boys” football teams on paper and championship banners. Some schools have found a solution by creating girls-only football teams, however, there are not enough to run a proper season. Meanwhile, other well-established girls’ sports teams are denied equal platforms to share their talent and achievements.
While Friday Night Lights is a valuable event for Etobicoke CI, Richview CI and the many other schools that host similar events annually, it highlights the longstanding issue of inequality in high school sports. Fostering a more inclusive community between and within each institution requires awareness and active adaptation. Recognition and resources must be allocated and shared to enact meaningful change and create a more equal playing field.
Mya P is a Toronto-based participant in Youth Media Forward: meet the Toronto participants here