Calgary’s Shouldice Park will be a busy place this weekend, with a bunch of football games. It’s a great way to kick off the minor football league season. But it isn’t just about football—it’s also about raising money for charity. Close to 1,000 football players will take to the field on Saturday for the 16th annual Calgary Minor Football Charity Jamboree. Nathan Moody and Jacob Frew, both 14 years old and set to play in their third Jamboree, have had this date circled on the calendar. “First big hit. First football. I love it, you know?” said Moody. “I’m pumped. I’ve been waiting all year for this.” “I’m super stoked to just go out and play some football while supporting an organization that helps families,” said Frew. The Jamboree raises money for the Ronald McDonald House. To date, they’ve handed off just over $577,000. Al Cooper, an original committee member, says the kids learn about the importance of charity right from the start. “There are a couple of players I know that have gone on to volunteer there,” said Cooper. “While they’re going to university, they stop in there and do either some lawn maintenance or help around the house with different things. “So, they do learn how to give back at a young age, by starting when they’re 11 or 12 years old in peewee.” And these kids obviously get the importance of it. “It’s more than just being on the field playing football—it’s also about being supportive for others who can’t be on the field,” said Frew. “It shows me that I’m privileged to be where I am—others deserve the same opportunity as me. It shows how important supporting others is, [and] this is a big way to do that,” said Moody. The Jamboree will take place on Saturday, and games will be played at Hellard, Stampeder and Encana fields at Shouldice Park starting at 9 a.m.
