TORONTO INNER-CITY RUGBY FOUNDATION (TIRF) AWARDS $114,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO SUPPORT 24 STUDENT-ATHLETES
Toronto, Ont. August 2026 – The Toronto Inner-City Rugby Foundation (TIRF) is pleased to announce the 2026-27 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 2026-27 academic year, $114,000 in scholarship funds been awarded to 24 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 15 years, TIRF has awarded approximately $731,750 to 101 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 2026-27 TIRF Scholarship Awards.
Applications for the TIRF Scholarship Awards are accepted from February through May through the website: Scholarship Programs
2026-27 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 ($8,000 per year)
- Eden Foster – McGill University
- Halimat Makinde – Queen’s 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 $1,000 – $3,000)
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.
- Jahlesha Roye – York University
- Monae McKenzie – McMaster University
- Janaiyah Karim -University of Guelph
- Mier Jeuls Balungaya – Toronto Metropolitan University
- Mya Barton – York University
- Tianna Urian Davidson – Toronto Metropolitan University
- Aliza Shahzad – Humber College
- Ronnie Umbres – York University
- Mistura Are – York University
- Aniya Blackman-Moncrieffe – Humber College
- Alanna Mrkobrada – York University
- Zoe Coombs-Callahan – Toronto Metropolitan University
- Jack Mammoliti – Wilfrid Laurier University
- Hovanes Mednikov – University of Waterloo
- Koliyawansage Akein Francis – Queen’s University
- Khidar Moses – Centennial College
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.
- Kamila Melikova – York University
- Halimat Makinde – Queen’s University
- Eden Foster – McGill University
- Alanna Mrkobrada – York University
Bill Webb Scholarship Awards ($1,000 – $3,000)
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.
- Athena Slater – York University
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.