Although the Sundre Bisons football team does not start practising for the season until August, the club recently held a spring camp to generate interest in advance.
Coach Tyson Dichrow told the Round Up the squad had not held such a clinic in several years, and that the idea was to get potential players talking over the summer about the possibility of joining the team. The two-day, no-contact training session, which was held June 13 and 15, also offered returning players an opportunity to get a refresher, he said.
Additionally, getting the word out sooner rather than later will hopefully secure sufficient sponsor support for the upcoming season. The squad struggled to get off the ground last year and almost cancelled its season because of a lack of funding that in the end came together at the last minute, he said.
"We're trying to stay on top of that more."
Until practices get underway later in August, the coach said there would be voluntary strength and conditioning sessions in the coming weeks to shape up ahead of the season.
"Hopefully, we don't roll into the season all fat and happy!"
The Bisons welcome players of all skill levels ó including females ó in grades 9-12, although grades 7-8 have an opportunity to participate on the practice roster in preparation for the coming years, he said.
"We're looking for more players."
The coach said providing a local option for youth to play football offers them a chance to keep busy while building character and learning to work as a team, which in turn leads to new friendships and improved self-confidence.
The Bisons are part of the Mountain View 9 Man Football Conference, which starts its season in September.
Anyone interested in learning more about the Bisons or perhaps getting involved is welcome to contact Dichrow at 403-638-7340. Alternatively, the squad has a presence on social media under Sundre Bisons Football.
