Ed Laverty

In 1963, the Ottawa Nepean Touch Football League (ONTFL) was formed by Eden Windish as a four-team men’s division. Ed Laverty was given the reigns the following season and remained as President for fifty years, before being succeeded by his son Gordie in 2015.

During his reign, Ed introduced women’s and coed divisions of play, growing the league into a multi-division juggernaut. Across Winter, Summer and Fall programs, thousands of athletes have competed in the ONTFL, including numerous CFL veterans. Not content with making Ottawa a hotbed of touch football, Ed was also instrumental in enabling 40 years of Provincial and National Touch Championships. He presided over Touch Football Ontario for ten years, and helped to launch Touch Football Canada. Ed was also integral in making Touch Football a big part of the Ottawa school sports line up for decades, where numerous active and alumni ONTFL members coach future generations.

He introduced countless players to the sport of football, not just touch. From kids to adults, second and third generations can be seen playing various forms of football today, including touch, flag, and tackle. His selfless efforts were acknowledged in 2013 when he was awarded the Mayor’s Cup Award for his Outstanding Contribution to Sport in Ottawa. In 2014 he was inducted in the prestigious Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame where he was recognized for his 50 years of dedication as a community builder. In 2018, the fields at McCarthy Park were named after him, known today as Ed Laverty Fields.

In 2018 Ed’s daughter Tammy founded the Ed Laverty Sports Legacy Fund in her father’s memory; a not for profit that benefits and encourages youth in sport.  Ed would be delighted to know that his legacy continues on through his children.

Career

Ottawa Nepean Touch Football League - President 1964-2014
Touch Football Ontario - President
Touch Football Canada - Founder

Awards/Honours

• Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame
  2014
• Mayors Cup Award - Ottawa
  2013