The Innisfail Minor Football Association (IMFA) peewee and bantam teams are preparing for the 2014 football season.
From May 20 to June 5, the Innisfail Cyclones football teams, peewee and bantam, will be holding training camp for their regular six-game season, which starts Aug. 19.
“We held the first practice and 26 kids turned out,” said Jessica Lute, bantam team manager. “It was a good turnout with not having any kids registered so far, but once we hold that on May 26, we will have a better idea of our teams.”
She further said practices will be held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Innisfail Schools Campus and kids aged 10 to 15 are welcome.
“We want to put football into the kids' heads,” said Lute. “Our training camp will prepare the kids physically and get them thinking about football. We will hold camps on August 5,6,7,12,13 and 14, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., in final preparation for the 2014 season.”
Lute noted the bantam team lost to the league champions, the Hunting Hills Lightning, after a successful playoff run.
“It is our hope that we can repeat the success of last year's bantam team, but perhaps go one step further and move into provincial playoffs,” said Lute. “Our peewee team were provincial champions in 2011 but did not make it that far in 2012 and 2013. We will have to see how far we go this year.”
The cost for players to join the IMFA is $375 with $100 from volunteer fundraising credits.
“We do supply everything for the players with the exception of cleats, water bottles and mouthguards,” said Lute. “It is our goal to make the game as affordable as we can for families.”
Lute said football is an excellent program for the youth of Innisfail, emphasizing that the lessons athletes learn go beyond the sport.
“Our kids learn the importance of teamwork, leadership skills, build a sense of confidence and develop a strong camaraderie with the team and coaches,” said Lute. “Even though we only play six games in the regular season, our players develop lifelong friendships.”
The peewee team is open to football players aged 10 to 12 years old and bantam to players 13 to 15 if they are still in Grade 9.
Registration forms are available at the town. For more information about Innisfail minor football, check the Cyclones website at www.innisfailminorfootball.com.
