ETFL

The Eastern Touch Football League (ETFL) is proud to announce a new community partnership with Fitness in a Bag, which will serve as the league’s Official Performance Training and Injury Prevention Partner for the Spring 2026 season.

Owned and operated by longtime football community member Rob Pacas, Fitness in a Bag brings decades of elite experience in athletic development and performance training. Pacas is a University of Toronto Hall of Famer, a two-time National Champion in soccer (1988), and a 2024 National Champion in touch football.

Pacas also spent more than 20 years as Director of the Birchmount Exceptional Athlete Program (B.E.A.P.), where he trained and mentored over 200 student-athletes annually across more than 40 sports.

Built on the philosophy “No Gym, No Space, No Problem,” Fitness in a Bag delivers fully customized training programs directly to athletes through a mobile app, paired with a comprehensive portable equipment system. Designed for accessibility and convenience, the platform allows athletes to train anywhere — whether at home, on the road, or by bringing the portable backpack directly to the field, rink, or court.

Each Fitness in a Bag package includes three months of customized programming, along with a wide range of training tools focused on strength, mobility, speed, and functional movement. Programs are tailored to the needs of individual athletes, teams, and organizations, making the system an ideal solution for both in-season performance and off-season development.

A major component of the program is its emphasis on injury prevention and performance optimization, particularly through specialized shoulder and hip care protocols. These programs are designed to support athletes competing in high-demand, repetitive-motion sports by reducing injury risk while improving strength, stability, mobility, and overall athletic performance.

Over the years, Pacas has trained and worked with elite athletes across multiple sports, including:

• Steven Stamkos
• Clifton Dawson
• Aaron Brown
• Crispin Duenas
• Tyler Toffoli
• Brittany Crew

As part of the partnership, Fitness in a Bag will also give back to the league by awarding three customized Fitness in a Bag training packages at the conclusion of the Spring 2026 season to the ETFL’s:

• Offensive Player of the Year
• Defensive Player of the Year
• Finals MVP

These awards will not only recognize elite on-field performance but also provide athletes with the tools and resources needed to continue elevating their game.

The ETFL is excited to align with Fitness in a Bag as a trusted resource for athlete performance, preparation, and long-term development. Together, this partnership reinforces a shared commitment to empowering athletes with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to perform at their highest level while maintaining their health and longevity throughout the season.

For more information about Fitness in a Bag, visit fitnessinabag.ca or contact Rob Pacas at ultimatefitness@rogers.com.