Youth football is busting out big time.
The Comox Valley Raiders this week announced there is still some room for more players in the UBC Thunderbirds' Best in the West Football Camp, which is coming to Woodcote Park in Courtenay on May 19-20.
The Raiders started their PeeWee season on Wednesday. This program has 30-plus athletes aged eight to 10. Practices are Wednesdays 6-7:30 p.m. and Sundays from 10-11:30 a.m. until Father's Day. "We are still taking registration for this exciting program as well," said Raiders' vice-president Pat Pidsosny.
While the Raiders are looking forward to the arrival of the UBC camp, they are also hoping to expedite the departure of some used equipment.
"We have a ton of old gear that we are looking to ship to some clubs in Mexico. This gear is in excellent condition and is desperately needed," Pidsosny said. "However as a non-profit organization we're short of funds to ship this gear. If we are unable to come up with the funds this equipment will be disposed of. We are looking for a sponsor to get this gear into the hands of those who need it."
Anyone who can help out can check out the Raiders' website www.comoxvalleyraiders.com for contact information.
The Raiders are also looking for coaches at the junior bantam level (11-14). This program starts in August until November.
Meanwhile, the UBC Thunderbirds' Best in the West Football Camp is for ages 11 to 18, and all positions and skill levels are welcome. Full gear and full contact is featured, and cost is $125.
Providing the instruction will be University of British Columbia coaching staff, including head coach Shawn Olson (quarterbacks), Jamie Stoddard (receivers), Paul Orazietti (running backs), Neil Cartwright (offensive linemen), Daved Benefield (defensive lineman), Jerome Erdman (linebackers) and Chris Hoople (defensive backs).
BC Lions' Angus Reid will be working with the offensive linemen, and local organizers say there will be a special guest pro player at the camp as well.
To register or for more information, go to www.ubcfootball.com.
According to the Thunderbird website, the Best in the West camps focus on positional fundamentals and skill development taught by former professional players and UBC coaches. The camp will cater to both elite players as well as inexperienced players through the use of multiple coaches.
Jerseys and lunch are provided. Players are advised to dress for the worst case scenario when it comes to the weather as all sessions will be held outside.
Consent and medical forms must be completed prior to the start of camp by a parent or a guardian or players will not be able to participate.
The forms are available on the UBC website.
