Jr. Stamps camp a big hit with hundreds of youngsters

Almost 400 youngsters join the Calgary Stampeders' rookies at McMahon Stadium for a day of football drills.

The Calgary Stampeders hosted more than 400 kids as part of their Jr. Stamps Camp at McMahon Stadium Saturday.

The camp is for kids aged 6 to 13.

About 45 of the Stampeders’ rookies put the kids through their paces with several drills on the field, which were followed by an autograph session.

“We have the opportunity to get some young kids trying out football in interactive drills,” says Nick Bojda the Stampeders Director of Operations.

“It’s a great opportunity to learn some football and just enjoy what the Stampeders and football is all about.”

The kids enjoyed the chance to learn the skills of the game and even got a pep talk from Dave Dickenson the Stamps general manager and head coach.

“It was really fun,” says Jackson Ritchie,” My favourite part was the tackling or the kicking.”

“I really liked it. It was pretty fun. It was a nice experience,” says Max Switzer. “I liked the catching part; the one where you dive was pretty fun.”

Jr. Stamps Camp helps raise funds for amateur football and awareness for KidSport.

KidSport helps kids break through financial barriers so they can participate in organized sports.

“I think the biggest thing is kids are still trying to figure out what sport they want to get into and they need to be active in a bunch of different sports,” says Bojda.

The Outriders cheer team and Ralph the dog were there, too.

Non-perishable food donations were accepted in support of the Purolator Tackle Hunger Campaign.