Badgers come out for spring camp

By Melissa Piche Times Contributor

The Strathmore Badgers are set to launch their spring football camp May 12-June 6, inviting young athletes to hit the field and learn the game in preparation for the upcoming fall season.

With registration now open for Peewee (ages 10–12) and Bantam (ages 13–15) levels, the local football program is welcoming both returning players and first-time rookies to the huddle.

This year’s spring session places a spotlight on skill development, team culture and unity, with practices hosted at the Crowther Memorial Junior High football field, with full gear provided. 

Beyond the drills and fundamentals, the Badgers are bringing in new leadership and new energy.

One of the biggest changes heading into spring is the appointment of Anthony Young as the new head coach for the Bantam team.

“I’m very excited to work with all these kids, teach them some new stuff and hopefully win a championship,” said Young. “It’s going to be my first season as head coach, so there’s going to be a lot of learning on the fly.” 

Young notes that he’s been around the game a lot and he wants to be the best role model and coach he can be for the players. 

“This is such a crucial time in their lives,” he said. “At 13 to 15 years old, they’re growing from kids into young adults. It’s a huge opportunity to make a lasting impression.”

His goals for the program reflect that mindset: increased community involvement, stronger discipline and a fun inclusive atmosphere.

“I want to get more people involved in the program and make it more well-known in the community.” Young explained. “We’re focusing on teamwork, learning, and making sure the kids are having fun.”

Meanwhile Doug Thiessen, President of Strathmore Community Football Association (SCFA), is eager to see the program continue building on its foundation especially with the first-ever joint jamboree set for early June which will bring together both Peewee and Bantam teams.

“It’s the excitement of getting a new group of kids,” said Thiessen. “And for the first time we’re going to take both teams to a jamboree together. It’ll be a combined effort to build a better group and a stronger football community.”

That sense of togetherness is also showing up in how practices are being structured. Plans are in place to have shared training sessions between age groups and a common playbook helping younger players transition more confidently into Bantam.

“There’s always that fear when kids move up,” said Thiessen. “They go from being the biggest in Peewee to the smallest in Bantam. But they forget – they’re still playing with the same group of kids. This format will help ease that shift.”

“It’s a spot for everyone: boy or girl, big or small, fast or strong. There’s a position for everyone to contribute.”

 Young echoes that sentiment. 

“That’s why I love the sport – it’s so diverse,” he said. “You need the fast guys and the big blockers. Everyone’s got a role.”

Beyond the field the Badgers are also working on new initiatives like securing sponsorships for brand-new jerseys for the fall season. The current ones, as Thiessen noted with a chuckle, are “probably about 20 years old.”

And while spring football doesn’t include a formal league, it plays a crucial role in player development and team building.

“Hopefully they walk away with a better understanding of what football’s all about and a desire to come back in the fall,” said Thiessen.

Coach Young agrees. 

“Spring training is where you learn the game,” said Young. “Don’t be afraid to come out and try it.”

The SCFA spring camp runs Monday to Thursday (6-8 p.m.) from May 12-June 6 at the Crowther Memorial Junior High School field. Players in the peewee (10–12) and bantam (13–15) levels can find more information online (scfabadgers.ca).