Football Nanaimo is running a fall session for close to 200 kids to learn and develop their football skills. (Football Nanaimo)

By Dan Marshall

Community Football

Football Nanaimo teams nearly full for fall season

Aug 24, 2024 | 6:47 AM

NANAIMO — The preseason is underway for the atom, pee wee, bantam and midget teams with Football Nanaimo.

Club president Wanda Currie said there aren’t many spaces left on any of their teams.

“We’re full for our midget team and our bantam team still has a few spots left. Our junior bantam team is full. We have two pee wee teams and they both have a couple spots left. Our atom still has a few spots left as well.”

Regular season games for the older bantam and midget players start on Sept. 1 at Pioneer Park.

The younger age groups will begin the following week with a schedule still to be finalized.

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Football Nanaimo runs sessions in the fall and then another in the spring but the fall is always the biggest with nearly 200 kids.

Currie explained the field at Pioneer Park will be in use seven days a week for the eight to ten week season.

“It’s a huge commitment. Our atom and JB, they have practices two times a week and then everyone has one game per week. Our bantam and midget teams practice three times a week and have one game as well.”

Football Nanaimo has a full complement of coaches but can still use some help in other areas this fall.

“We have some amazing coaches that have come back and some new coaches who have been great.” Currie said. “Volunteer wise it takes about 15 parent volunteers to run a game so we’re always looing for extra hands. Plus we have to paint our field once a week so we’re always looking for field painters.”

With some of the players at every level having no football experience teaching skills is an important part of player development.

“We always encourage kids to learn more and our coaches are constantly teaching. Fall is our more of a competitive season for our teams. Our spring league is more of our learning league. You definitely leave with life lessons no matter what. With our atom teams it’s all learning because we’re in house.”

Football Nanaimo is able to provide equipment which helps to keep costs down for families.

“The only thing the players need to supply is cleats and we actually have a cleat exchange program. Besides that we supply everything helmets, shoulder pads, mouth guards, socks and pants.”

Currie is grateful for a wide range of community support, including a connection to the BCFC’s VI Raiders.

“We have an amazing relationship with the Raiders. They come out to our games and we help out at their games. Tons of our coaches are actually former VI Raiders so we have a close knit relationship with them. We are grateful for the support we get from other football teams and leagues as well. Football really is a family and that’s what makes it go.”

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