Jr. Gaels Football Club ready to hit the road for season opener
The Jr. Gaels Football Club (formerly known as The Grenadiers) will hit the road this weekend as they open the 2019 season against the Ottawa Sooners at TD Place.
The Junior Varsity team kicks off on Friday, May 10, 2019 at 7 p.m., followed by the Varsity game at noon on Saturday, May 11, 2019. Those who can’t catch the game in person can follow @JrGaelsFootball@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,” said Alexandra Reyes-Walsh, Jr. Gaels president. “It will also be a Jr. Gaels and minor football theme day. Show your Jr. Gaels ID 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.”
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. 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 Grenadiers were listed on university football rosters across Canada.
One of the Club’s major objectives is to reduce player injury by ‘ enhancing performance,’ according to the Jr. Gales. 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, not only to improve their technique, but also 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 players.
“In April our players also attended a concussion education program offered through Q-Sports Medicine, Queen’s University Athletic and Recreation,” said 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 2019
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.
To learn more about the Jr. Gaels Football Club, go to www.JrGaelsFootball.ca.
