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By Corey Weir
Players ages seven and eight enjoyed a fun evening of football instruction from their gridiron heroes at the 2nd Annual Crunchers Practice at Investors Group Field.
Featuring players from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the Manitoba Bisons and the Winnipeg Rifles, the event was arranged by Old Dutch Foods in partnership with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the Manitoba Minor Football Association and Football Manitoba.
A total of 350 athletes from 23 Crunchers teams took part in the two-day affair, which focused on fun and skill development. The Blue Bombers, Bisons and Rifles players instructed the young players on passing, rushing, blocking and tackling techniques. Each athlete got to participate in drills that taught the various skills.
The idea of the event goes beyond mere skills development.
“This started because we wanted to figure out a way for the kids to stay home as they got older,” said Greg Dick, Senior Director of Sales for Old Dutch Foods. “(The event) would give them a chance to meet the Bombers, the Bisons and the Rifles, then hopefully when they get older, the good memories would entice them to stay at home and play at home.”
Following the practice, all players received a bag of chips and had the opportunity to get autographs from the instructors. One player who showed great enthusiasm and effort from each participating team received a $50 gift certificate to the Bomber Store, courtesy of Old Dutch.
The Crunchers players seemed to be thrilled with the event.
“This is fun,” said Elijah, a Crunchers player. ”The best part is being here with all my teammates. I like learning from the Bombers. I liked the passing drill the best.”
The practice at IGF is just part of a larger commitment by Old Dutch Foods to amateur football. Throughout the 2014 season, Crunchers players received tickets to Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Manitoba Bisons and Winnipeg Rifles games. As well, all Crunchers teams had the opportunity to play at half time of one of those games.
“We’re really proud to be partnering with Old Dutch Foods for the 2nd Annual Crunchers Practice at Investors Group Field,” said Hannah Pratt, Manager of Community Relations for the Winnipeg Football Club. “These seven and eight-year-olds come to Investors Group Field and get to practice for two hours not only with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers players but also with the Bisons and Rifles players. They get to try some drills and have some fun on the field.
“It’s incredibly important for us to get involved with young athletes who are just getting introduced to the sport, It’s part of the mission and vision of the Winnipeg Football Club,” Pratt added. “Being able to be part of skill development as they start their careers is very important to us. Our players love to teach these young athletes and we hope these youngsters remember this experience as they go through club football, high-school football and beyond.”
The night’s activities also pleased parents of the young players.
“This is such an awesome event,” said Charles Carlos, a Crunchers coach for the Fort Garry Lions and a parent of a Crunchers player. “The kids are thrilled to be here, playing on the field with the lights on. It’s pretty exciting for them.”
More activities are planned for the future stars of the sport, as 12 Crunchers teams will play at the next Manitoba Bisons home game, Friday, Oct. 17, 2014. Six of those teams will play pre-game, and the other six will play at half time.
Finally, all Crunchers teams will take part in a showcase series of contests at Football Manitoba’s Championship Weekend. The Crunchers play the morning of Sunday, Nov. 2 at Investors Group Field.
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Players ages seven and eight enjoyed a fun evening of football instruction from their gridiron heroes at the 2nd Annual Crunchers Practice at Investors Group Field.
Featuring players from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the Manitoba Bisons and the Winnipeg Rifles, the event was arranged by Old Dutch Foods in partnership with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the Manitoba Minor Football Association and Football Manitoba.
A total of 350 athletes from 23 Crunchers teams took part in the two-day affair, which focused on fun and skill development. The Blue Bombers, Bisons and Rifles players instructed the young players on passing, rushing, blocking and tackling techniques. Each athlete got to participate in drills that taught the various skills.
The idea of the event goes beyond mere skills development.
“This started because we wanted to figure out a way for the kids to stay home as they got older,” said Greg Dick, Senior Director of Sales for Old Dutch Foods. “(The event) would give them a chance to meet the Bombers, the Bisons and the Rifles, then hopefully when they get older, the good memories would entice them to stay at home and play at home.”
Following the practice, all players received a bag of chips and had the opportunity to get autographs from the instructors. One player who showed great enthusiasm and effort from each participating team received a $50 gift certificate to the Bomber Store, courtesy of Old Dutch.
The Crunchers players seemed to be thrilled with the event.
“This is fun,” said Elijah, a Crunchers player. ”The best part is being here with all my teammates. I like learning from the Bombers. I liked the passing drill the best.”
The practice at IGF is just part of a larger commitment by Old Dutch Foods to amateur football. Throughout the 2014 season, Crunchers players received tickets to Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Manitoba Bisons and Winnipeg Rifles games. As well, all Crunchers teams had the opportunity to play at half time of one of those games.
“We’re really proud to be partnering with Old Dutch Foods for the 2nd Annual Crunchers Practice at Investors Group Field,” said Hannah Pratt, Manager of Community Relations for the Winnipeg Football Club. “These seven and eight-year-olds come to Investors Group Field and get to practice for two hours not only with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers players but also with the Bisons and Rifles players. They get to try some drills and have some fun on the field.
“It’s incredibly important for us to get involved with young athletes who are just getting introduced to the sport, It’s part of the mission and vision of the Winnipeg Football Club,” Pratt added. “Being able to be part of skill development as they start their careers is very important to us. Our players love to teach these young athletes and we hope these youngsters remember this experience as they go through club football, high-school football and beyond.”
The night’s activities also pleased parents of the young players.
“This is such an awesome event,” said Charles Carlos, a Crunchers coach for the Fort Garry Lions and a parent of a Crunchers player. “The kids are thrilled to be here, playing on the field with the lights on. It’s pretty exciting for them.”
More activities are planned for the future stars of the sport, as 12 Crunchers teams will play at the next Manitoba Bisons home game, Friday, Oct. 17, 2014. Six of those teams will play pre-game, and the other six will play at half time.
Finally, all Crunchers teams will take part in a showcase series of contests at Football Manitoba’s Championship Weekend. The Crunchers play the morning of Sunday, Nov. 2 at Investors Group Field.
– 30 –
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