The VI Raiders had more than 50 players at the spring camp May 24-26. (VI Raiders)

By Dan Marshall

Building a Winner

VI Raiders take a step towards regular season with spring camp

May 28, 2024 | 10:01 AM

NANAIMO — A new season is rapidly approaching for the VI Raiders.

The team has spent much of the last four months working off-field with the playing group, ahead of their spring camp held Friday, May 24 through Sunday, May 26.

New head coach Shawn Arabsky said they had 55 players take part at Caledonia Field.

“Some of them will have their own decisions and some may not make the cut. It was really just about implementing the basic rules of the offense and defence. We got the guys together to see if they can gel. This allows us to see guys in different places as well to determine who we want in the starting lineup.”

After a disappointing 0-10 campaign in 2024, Arabsky said it was good to be back and start the process of building a winning culture.

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“To be successful it starts from the top down. The board supporting the coaches, the coaches doing the right things in terms of trusting each other and putting the kids in the right spots. We need the players to trust me and the coaching staff and it’s a two way street.”

During camp, the coaches introduced the playbook for the coming season and the weekend culminated with a scrimmage game.

Arabsky said getting the players into game conditions was key.

“To play a full game they get really excited. The community was out and it was the most people I’ve ever seen come to a Raiders spring camp. The amount of kids and families out was extremely impressive, and shows how much the community cares about football.”

Moving forward the Raiders will be working five days a week, two on the field and three in the gym.

The team’s season opener is July 20 in Prince George.

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