The Bonnyville Bandits junior football team's spring season kicked off this past week and players have already started to impress the coaches with their speed and skill.
"We have some kids out there that are looking really fit and fast," said Bandits head coach Dan Jubinville.
About 22 returning players and 15 new players picked up their equipment this past Tuesday and hit the field the next night for the start of a month-long spring season of training and practice.
Jubinville said several returning players have come in stronger and faster than last year.
"Some are breaking six seconds in the (40-yard dash). For 12 to 14 year olds, that's pretty exceptional."
The Bandits program is about developing players, especially the ones new to the game.
"The kids that are here for their first time out did not know really what to expect," explained Jubinville. "But we're thinking now that they've done it once, the next time we'll see some big improvements."
With just over 30 players at the camp thus far, Jubinville said he is still looking for about 10 to 15 players to help fill out the roster.
He encouraged anyone interested to come out and try football. All equipment is provided, players just need to pay registration and bring their best effort to the field, said Jubinville.
The coach said the strength of his team going forward will be its youth.
"We have a young team. But if the kids that we have now stick it out and we keep building year to year, we'll be in good shape."
Jubinville said the Bandits program is about building football and life skills.
He likes to see players start young and develop during their years with the Bandits, and then when they hit high school they are much more prepared to excel at football.
This the fourth season for the Bandits and Jubinville feels the program is well on its way to consistently producing skilled football players and upstanding citizens.
But for the time being, Jubinville is looking forward to the upcoming season and another chance to continue to improve.
"If the kids stick to it and don't sell themselves short, we'll have a hell of a team."
