Jr. Gaels Football teams hit the road for season opener

Jr. Gaels Football teams hit the road for season opener

Monday, May 6, 2019 (Kingston, ON) – The Jr. Gaels Football Club (formerly Grenadiers) will hit the road this weekend sporting their new tri-colour uniforms as they open the 2019 season against the Ottawa Sooners at TD Place — home of the CFL RedBlacks.

The Junior Varsity team kicks off Friday at 7 p.m. followed by the Varsity game at noon on Saturday. Can’t make the trip? Follow Twitter @JrGaelsFootball for live game updates.

“We are excited to come back for our home opener the following weekend, Saturday, May 18, to host the Durham Dolphins at Richardson Stadium,” says Jr. Gaels president, Alexandra Reyes-Walsh. “It will also be a Jr. Gaels and minor football theme day. Show your Jr. Gaels ID and/or wear your team jersey to get in to this game for free.”

Single game tickets are available online now at www.gogaelsgo.com/tickets or at the gate on game day. Adults tickets are $7, seniors and students $5 and children under 12 are free. “Or see us at the gate to pick up your $40 season pass that admits two fans to every game.” added Reyes-Walsh. “And there is always plenty of free parking.”

REDUCING PLAYER INJURY BY ENHANCING PERFORMANCE

Again this season Jr. Gaels Football has partnered with Allen Champagne, co-founder of the Concussion Education, Safety and Awareness Program (CESAP), and the Neuro Protection Project. Champagne’s team has captured video of each player doing a series of drills. These will be analyzed and players will receive individual recommendations that will not only improve their technique but ultimately reduce their risk of injury, including sport-related concussions. In addition motion sensors have been installed in the helmets of 30 players to monitor the frequency and gravity of head impacts. Last year, the partnership resulted in a 30 per cent reduction in head impacts for our players.

“In April our players also attended a concussion education program offered through Queen’s University,” added Reyes-Walsh. “Player safety is a top priority for the Jr. Gaels Football Club and we are proud to continue to ‘lead-the-way’ with these initiatives.”

HOME GAME SCHEDULE

Saturday, May 18 vs the Durham Dolphins. Junior Varsity at 2:30 p.m., Varsity at 5 p.m.

Jr. Gaels and minor football theme day. Show your Jr. Gaels ID and/or wear your team jersey and you and one adult get in for free.

Saturday, June 1 vs the Cambridge Lions. Junior Varsity at 2:30 p.m., Varsity at 5 p.m.

Military and First Responder Appreciations Day. Show your ID at the gate to get in free.

Saturday, June 8 vs the Burlington Stampeders. Junior Varsity at 2:30 p.m., Varsity at 5 p.m. Purolator/CFL Tackle for Hunger Food Drive for the Partners in Mission Food Bank.

Saturday, June 29 Junior Varsity vs Vaughn Rebels at 2:30 p.m., Varsity vs Guelph Gryphons at 5 p.m. Wear your red, white (yellow and blue) to celebrate the Canada Day weekend.

Both teams will practice Monday and Wednesday, 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Richardson Stadium complex this season — rotating between the Miklas-McCarney and the North Grass Fields.

 Review the complete game schedule, learn about our coaches or purchase your Jr. Gaels Football merchandise at www.JrGaelsFootball.ca.

To invite Jr. Gaels Football to appear at your community event, contact [email protected]

 

About the Jr. Gaels Football Club:

The Jr. Gaels Football Club (formerly Limestone District Grenadiers) offers AAA summer football at the junior and senior varsity level. Athletes (born 2000-2004) travel to Kingston from Belleville to Brockville to play Jr Gaels Football. Teams travel and host within the Ontario Provincial Football League (OPFL). In addition to learning, playing and enjoying football, emphasis is placed on player safety, sportsmanship, self-discipline, teamwork, academic achievement and community involvement. The Jr. Gaels Football Club is a not-for-profit association overseen by a volunteer board of directors. Volunteer coaches lead these teams, and a dedicated group of parent volunteers’ assist with game-day operations. In 2018, 43 former GMen were listed on University football rosters across Canada.

source: Jr. Gaels Football