Olds Bulldogs coach Blake Machan says he's excited that the bantam football team has been resurrected after a two-year hiatus.
Two years ago, Olds and Innisfail formed a joint bantam team. Last year, the Olds Amateur Football Association didn't field one at all.
"It's big not only for the kids at the bantam level, but the program in Olds overall. It gives a good number of kids the chance to develop their skills, understand the game and to participate in a high-quality team atmosphere. It's positive all the way around," Machan said.
The Bulldogs recently held their equipment sign-out and practices start this week. Their first game is scheduled for Sept. 10 on the road.
Machan says he will work to develop players' basic skills.
"At this stage, we have to focus on the fundamentals. Football's a really unique game. There's a lot of structure around each play. Each individual on the team has specific responsibilities and it's critical for the kids to execute those responsibilities each and every down," he says.
"We've got wide receivers, a centre snapping the ball, quarterback. There's a lot of unique skills that have to be developed and they take some time."
"Football's a really unique game. There's a lot of structure around each play. Each individual on the team has specific responsibilities and it's critical for the kids to execute those responsibilities each and every down."BLAKE MACHANCOACHOLDS BULLDOGS
