The CFL is coming to Courtenay.
On May 2-3, the Comox Valley Raiders Football Club will play host to no less than seven CFL players for their Game Ready Football Camp. Kids from age eight to 18 will have the opportunity to be coached by the pro players, who will travel to the Island specially for the event.
Among those scheduled to attend are Parksville-born, offensive lineman Justin Sorenson of the Edmonton Eskimos, BC Lions safety JR Larose and linebacker Jason Arakgi, Winnipeg Blue Bombers fullback Tim Cronk and Edmonton slotback Paris Jackson.
The camp is open to all kids in the Valley, whether they have played football before or not.
Raiders president Jason Daniels sees this as a great chance to get more kids playing football. "This will be a fun way for kids to see what Raiders Football is all about, as well as meeting the pros," he says. "We are like a big family – we play together, we look after each other, we take safety seriously, and we treat each other with the greatest respect."
Trina Hennicke, Raiders secretary, has been instrumental in organizing the details for the camp, and is working closely with Game Ready to ensure this camp is a great success. "We are so excited about giving our Comox Valley kids this opportunity to be inspired by the CFL players," she says. "They can learn such a lot, not just about football, but about hard work and dedication – values which translate to so many other areas in life."
At this time no other club on the Island hosts so many pro CFL players at one time, and it should attract kids from up and down the Island. But Daniels wants the Valley's own players to benefit. "Places are limited, so we are encouraging our own players to register early," he advises.
Registration is just $55 for ages eight-11, and $105 for ages 12-18. This includes gear, an invitation to the May 1 tailgate party hosted by event sponsor Comox Valley Nissan and the chance to rub shoulders with the pros.
Registration for the Game Ready Camp is via the Comox Valley Raiders website, comoxvalleyraiders.com, or at the Lewis Centre. Spaces are limited and expected to fill up fast.
– Comox Valley Raiders Football