TORONTO INNER-CITY RUGBY FOUNDATION (TIRF) AWARDS $72,750 IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO SUPPORT 21 STUDENT-ATHLETES
Toronto, Ont. August 2025 – The Toronto Inner-City Rugby Foundation (TIRF) is pleased to announce the 2025-26 TIRF scholarship award recipients. We want to thank all our applicants and congratulate this year’s recipients. Thank you to the members of the Scholarship Selection committees who dedicate their time every year to the selection process.
For the 2025-26 academic year, $72,750 in scholarship funds been awarded to 21 phenomenal student-athletes. TIRF is proud to support and invest in these remarkable individuals. In addition to playing, supporting, and growing the game of rugby, these students continue to give back to their communities and inspire their peers.
Over the past 14 years, TIRF has awarded approximately $617,750 to 77 outstanding TIRF participants as part of its commitment to help remove financial barriers and assist these remarkable young adults in pursuing their post-secondary aspirations. TIRF scholarships help produce outstanding leaders willing to give back to their local communities through the development of rugby and other social initiatives.
TIRF Scholarship Awards are made possible thanks to the generosity of the Doncaster Foundation, Eventi, YTM Capital Partners, and other individual donors who contributed this year to the 2025-26 TIRF Scholarship Awards.
Applications for the TIRF Scholarship Awards are accepted from February through May through the website: Scholarship Programs
2025-26 TIRF SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS:
MULTI-YEAR AWARDS:
The Doncaster Scholarship Award is a four-year award that recognizes meaningful connections and contributions to the community. Applicants must be involved in rugby and show a solid academic performance. Doncaster Award recipients must remain in good academic standing for the length of their studies.
Doncaster Scholarship Awards (ranging from $5,000 – $6,000 per year)
- Asia Hogan Rochester – University of British Columbia
- Angjelo Kola – York University
- Monae McKenzie – McMaster University
SINGLE-YEAR AWARDS:
These one-time scholarships are awarded to promising candidates who have demonstrated financial need, drive, and character.
Eventi-YTM Capital Scholarship Awards (ranging from $750 – $3,500)
The Eventi-YTM Capital Scholarship Award is a one-time award that recognizes a student’s commitment to their future endeavours. Students can apply for the award at any point in their post-secondary journey.
- Jayna Bernal – University of Toronto
- Kings Simeon – York University
- Jaydon Morris – York University
- Almendra Atlaco Ibarra – Western University
- Hasan Mansour – York University
- Aniya Moncrieffe – Humber College
- Khidar Moses – Centennial College
- Sierra Lin – Western University
- Ronin Varga – Queens University
- Amira Mazraeh – Western University
- Emma Cormier – McMaster University
- Jahlesha Roye – York University
- Dulana Medapitiya – Toronto Metropolitan University
- Najibeh Maghsoudi Kenari – York University
- Tianna Davidson – Toronto Metropolitan University
Paul Myers Memorial Advancement Scholarship Awards (ranging from $4,000 – $8,000)
The Paul Myers Memorial Advancement Scholarship is a one-time award recognizing student-athletes striving to make a positive and long-lasting impact. The scholarship was established in memory of Coach Paul Myers, who played an integral role in the creation and cultivation of TIRF. Coach Myers was an advocate for the sport of rugby, education, and providing the opportunity for young athletes to become capable leaders. This scholarship requires nomination from a coach, teacher or club administrator.
- Asia Hogan Rochester – University of British Columbia
- Monae McKenzie – McMaster University
- Zyann Darlington – Acadia University
- Athena Slater – Toronto Metropolitan University
Bill Webb Scholarship Awards ($2,000)
The Bill Webb Scholarship was established to honour the late Bill Webb, who championed rugby and youth development throughout his life. This scholarship highlights a candidate’s ability and desire to help others and to serve their community.
- Sultan Butt – Humber College
ABOUT TORONTO INNER-CITY RUGBY FOUNDATION
The Toronto Inner-city Rugby Foundation (TIRF) is a rugby-centred community development organization that uses rugby as a tool for social good. TIRF, a registered non-profit founded in 2011, builds community through rugby in 31 of Toronto’s underserved priority neighbourhoods. Sanctioned by Rugby Canada, and Rugby Ontario, and working in partnership with eight Toronto rugby clubs; school boards and community service providers, TIRF reduces the financial, geographical, and cultural barriers that prevent children and youth from participating in the sport.