The North Bay Bulldogs Football Club are gearing up for their 14th season of youth football starting this Saturday & Sunday for a training camp featuring 4 practices. Saturday things get going at 10 am to noon and then again at 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.
Equipment pickup is Thursday at 6 pm. Players need to register as soon as possible to take part...even if full payment needs to be made later.
Again this year the BYTFL will see the kids play in 2 divisions - the TYKE Division for kids in grade 5 & 6 which will feature weight limits and “modified tackling”; and the PeeWee Division for kids in grades 7 & 8.
This 2 division system is giving more boys and girls an opportunity to learn the game of football in a safe and less intimidating environment.
Rod Sinclair, a Chippewa Raiders football coach shares his excitement for their program this way.
“My son is going into grade 6 and is fairly small for his age," he said.
"Last year he had a ton of fun, he wasn’t scared, saw some success and as parents, we felt very comfortable with the weight limits in his division.”
The Bulldogs will continue, as always, emphasizing a fun and safe environment for kids to learn the game of football and focusing on skill development, unlimited fun and making sure everyone gets to play lots of football. The structure of the two divisions will ensure siblings playing in different divisions will have common practice times and locations.
Again this year we will see all players from all teams practicing together for the first 4 practices of the season where they will get to know all the coaches.
More importantly, they will all get taught fundamental skills at the same time it will set the basis for continued reinforcement of those skills throughout the season while with their own team.
This year the introductory training camp will take place this Saturday, August 19th and 20th followed by 4 general practices over the next 10 days, then kids will get up to 3 practices per week and 8 games.
The Bulldogs Youth football registration includes a post season banquet where every player receives an award.
Changes to the scheduling are also being made this season to reduce conflicts with early season hockey tournaments.
“We don’t want to force kids to choose between hockey and football,” said Mathon. “Our hope is that we get more kids playing both sports this fall.”
Also included with registration is football equipment rental, photo package to remember the experience and each player gets to keep his/her jersey after they complete the season.
For more information please go to www.northbaybulldogs.com or e-mail [email protected] or call Darlene at 705 498-2589.
