INNISFAIL – After weeks of gruelling practice and excited anticipation, Innisfail's football season kicked off last week with a series of exhibition games, live music, a bouncy castle, food and a touchdown celebration competition.
There were more than 200 players, coaches, family and friends at the field on Aug. 26 for the Innisfail Minor Football Association's True Grit Exhibition.
Breaking up the day of games was a live performance by Cole Martin, a former Cyclone and current country recording artist, who had the field jumping and bopping along to his music.
“He's really, really talented, and it was nice to see him come back and congratulate him on his own success,” said Talitha Watkinson, president of the Innisfail Minor Football Association.
Watkinson said it was a good way to bring everyone together to start the season in a relaxed environment with games that have no impact on the season standings.
“It's a chance to stretch the legs on the field without the stress of a regular season game,” said Watkinson.
She added there is a tremendous amount of practice, drills and conditioning work each of the players put in to be ready for games, so it's an occasion to have everyone on the field playing the game, just to have fun.
This is the association's fourth year hosting an exhibition day, and Watkinson said it's a great chance to let the community know the town has football, as the young gridironers are tucked away behind the school and beginning the season before everyone is back from summer holidays, and people aren't always aware of the Cyclones in Innisfail.
They also had three teams from Rocky Mountain House and one from Red Deer play in the exhibition, bringing in people from outside the community and allowing them to interact in a casual setting, rather than during the heat of the game.
The event brought some new recruits – a couple of people registered Saturday during the exhibition – and some interested prospects. Watkinson said they are still accepting registrations for all teams until mid-September.
She urges people to consider football because everyone can play the game, not just those that run fast or hit hard.
“One of the greatest things about football is there's a spot on the team for every level of athleticism and body type,” said Watkinson, adding a team is successful when everyone contributes to the game.
“We need everyone to play a game; there is no one superstar.”
The official season opener is scheduled for Sept.9.
Talitha Watkinson, president of the Innisfail Minor Football Association
"It's a chance to stretch the legs on the field without the stress of a regular season game."
