The Bonnyville Bandits bantam football team could use some more players on the field but, with the season beginning in a couple of weeks, coach Dan Jubinville is eager to get the team ready.
“We are definitely looking to recruit,” says Jubinville of the fact that he has 30 players but would like to 40 or more on the roster.
The team held its first practice Aug. 18 and Jubinville and his players are excited about the upcoming season.
“We want to do our best and develop our young guys,” Jubinville says of his two goals for the season. He adds that development is a key in bantam football, especially for The Bandits, who he says, “lost a few key players to the Voyageurs.” He explains that bantam football is not all about the win; it is also about teaching kids life skills and about fair play and having fun. “Wins are a bonus, fun's the key,” he says, smiling.
With development being important at this level, Jubinville believes there must be more communication between the C2, camp organizers and local football clubs. The C2 football camp was cancelled this summer and that could hinder some players' development, as the football camps in the past have been instrumental in player development, explains Jubinville. He also believes the C2 should “publicize and promote their [football] camps more.” This, he says, would help to get more kids involved in the sport.
As for the kids already involved in football, they seem to be enjoying it.
“Football is really fun to play,” says Bandits quarterback Gregory Godziuk. He enjoys when the team completes a play.
Others players, like fullback Micheal Zelisko, enjoy the more physical side of football. When asked what he is most excited for in the upcoming season, he responds with a grin, “Running through everyone.”
Isaac Fagnan plays corner and halfback for the Bandits. He says he cannot wait to get out there and “take them out. . . If we try hard this season, we should do good.”
With excitement abounding at practice for the upcoming season, there is only one thing missing: the fans. Games begin in two weeks and Jubinville hopes to see more fans this season.
“One thing I would love to see is more community support at the games.”
Helping that cause is a new sign at Walsh Field. All Bandits and Voyageurs game information will be posted on the new sign, starting this season.
