Rave reviews for Football Jamboree

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Published on Thursday, October 1, 2015

Photo by Eoin Devereux. Football teams from all across western Manitoba converged in Neepawa on Saturday, Sept. 26, for the NACI Football Jamboree.

By Eoin Devereux

The Neepawa Banner

Young football players from across Westman have received some valuable gridiron experience, thanks to the first ever NACI Tigers Rookie Jamboree.

The event, held in Neepawa on Saturday, Sept. 26, featured seven teams, including schools from Brandon, Swan River and Dauphin. 

The players competed in the round-robin style scrimmages, with each team running 10 offensive plays and 10 defensive plays against one another, during each quarter. Coaches were also allowed on the field, to walk the rookies through the playbook, as well as teaching them proper positioning and reading of coverages.

Neepawa Tigers head coach Dave Clark said the day was a great opportunity to run the players who don’t get much on-field experience during the regular season,through some in-game situations.

“It really was a valuable opportunity for us, as coaches to teach the players proper technique as it happens,” said Clark. “[The players] were able to get some time out there to learn at the same pace as during games. That’s really going to assist them as they continue to develop their skill set.”

During the event, Neepawa was able to defeat the Neelin [Brandon] Spartans 26-20 and the Swan River Tigers 38-14, but lost to the Dauphin Clippers in the A-side final 14-0. 

Kelvin Hollier, who along with Clark and Dale Swanton helped to organize the Jamboree, said that the overall reaction from coaches, players and parents was very positive.

“It was a good day. Been hearing a lot of positive remarks from everyone. The weather has been perfect and it’s really worked out well,” said Hollier. “As well, the kids got the chance to play some different opponents. Teams that they never get an opportunity to go up against. All three football programs from Brandon, for example, were able to participate.”

Clark agreed and added that the success of the day bodes well for the future of football in Neepawa.

“The program has really come a long way from even just two, three years ago. Over 40 players came out to training camp, including about 20 or so younger players. Grades 9 and 10. Those numbers allowed us to try an event like [the Jamboree]. The response from coaches and parents was great. They said it was a smooth, well run day. We’ve even received feedback from the refs, who we brought out from Brandon, who thanked us for involving them and were impressed with the coordination and level of interest,” Clark said.