Buffaloes' football program prepares for fall season

The Camrose Buffaloes' football program will be operating teams in the atom, peewee and bantam age divisions this fall.

The teams are currently running training camps to prepare for the Capital District Minor Football Association tiering weekend on Aug. 18.

The Rose City Football Association, which operates the Buffaloes, is heading into its ninth season of peewee football, eighth year for the atoms and fourth year for bantam football.

"The success of our program lies with the network of devoted parents and volunteers, and the board of directors. We also acknowledge the help and direction provided to our association by the members and the board of CDMFA," said president Tyson Sikstrom. "A special thanks goes out to our coaches who devote countless hours to the preparation of the players."

The teams are good ambassadors for communities such as the City of Camrose, Bawlf, Gwynne, Hay Lakes, Killam, Viking, Ryley, New Norway, Round Hill and Armena. "The spirit of camaraderie that has engulfed our teams is refreshing and honest. This coming together of our communities has and will continue to be to the benefit of our youth," said Tyson.

"We had a record number of participants in this year's spring camp. The feedback from parents and coaches was great."

Football is open to all boys and girls at all levels and there are no weight/size restrictions.

Atoms must be between the ages of seven and 10 within the calendar year. Peewee players are between 10 and 12 years within the calendar year. Bantams are 13 to 15 years old, but cannot be  entering high school within the calendar year.

A nine-game regular season begins in late August and goes until mid October, followed by league playoffs.

League championships for peewees and bantams progress to provincial semifinals and championships in November. All teams play some home and away games during the season.

It is not too late to register for football. Forms can be found at www.buffalofootball.ca/registration/forms or contact Tyson at 780-672-3969 for more information.