“2015 marked the 60th anniversary of our league (NCAFA) and the Bell Warriors Football Club. We have much to celebrate and certainly have a great deal to be proud of. On the field we had many successes but more importantly, we had successes in every drill, at every practice and we hope in every one of our players’ lives. Football instills values and for most, reinforces commitment, dedication, sportsmanship, reliability and respect. Players need to develop pride and learn what it means to become a leader. In 2015 we saw this time and again. I want to also draw attention to our growing allegiance of volunteers who gave selflessly to grow our club, grow our sport and add to the Warrior experience for our families. Overall, it was a successful season on and off the field and I dare say we did the Warriors proud in this celebratory year“, summed up Paul Stewart, Bell Warriors President at the Warriors AGM held Feb 22.
Here are some highlights from the President’s report:
- Team banquets in conjunction with the 3rd Annual Silent Auctions (raised ~$5,000)
- Warriors launch new enhanced Website
- AGM
- Introduced our Friend of the Warriors Sponsor level
- 6 week Indoor Clinic March 21 – April 25 which included Guest Coaches from the Carleton Ravens
- VP Tim Sheahan presented the 2015 United Way Community Builder Award
- NCAFA launched 60th Anniversary radio campaign
- NCAFA TV launches ‘Best Memories of your days in NCAFA’. The 1st memory was by Stefano Napolitano, Warrior alumni (currently with the Carleton Ravens)
- 4th Annual Warrior Day Football Clinic and Registration Day at the Ben Franklin Dome
- Upgraded our equipment by expanding our number of Youth Speed helmets and specialized shoulder pads
- Trainer kits assessed and replenished for each level including Girl’s Touch program for the first time ever
- Tryouts started May 19th : 129 players selected eventually (compared to 126 in ’14, 130 in ’13)
- NCAFA Girl’s Touch Football Tournament where Warriors volunteered to run skill drills and man the BBQ
- 1st ever Bell Warriors Insider newsletter was made for parents as a Club introduction and update of key dates, events and a call to action for volunteers and sponsors
- Car Wash and BBQ Fundraiser was hosted by the Warriors at OK Tire in Bells Corners
- Girl’s Touch Football Championship : June 21 Mosquito 5th, Pee Wee 2nd and 7th, Bantam 1st and 3rd, and Midget 1st
- ‘Lend a Hand’ Sponsorship Program was introduced
- NCAFA DAY 60th Anniversary City of Ottawa Recognition Ceremony at Ottawa City Hall
- Warriors at the REDBLACKS (half time show)
- 20th Annual Warriors Golf Tournament where we introduced hole sponsors for the 1st time
- Mosquito Madness / Friday Night Tykes – a showcase to the city of NCAFA football
- Game Pants are Stolen and Found – You have to read about it to believe it!
- 4-Game Home Stand – Introduced “One-Day-Only” promo item order and Inventory Clearance Sale which was a huge success
- Ottawa REDBLACKS’ Zach Evans and Ettore Lattanzio guest coach at the Warriors Bantam/Tyke practice
- Warriors presents 2 x $1,000 Post-Secondary Scholarships to Warriors alumni Tyler Scott and Sean Stoqua ($32,000 in scholarships has been given to date)
- Warrior Wear Catalogue was presented to foster our Warrior Pride
- Warriors producedd a video (with NCAFA Films) to enter the REDBLACKS Carstar Promotion for a chance to win a van for the Warriors
- Inaugural Homecoming Day saw all 4 teams compete at Ottawa U. A great day was had by all.
- Championship Week – Oct 29 Pee Wee make it to the A-Cup final for 6th straight year, Bantams to B-Cup final (with only 7 veteran players), Midget win A-Cup with 14 Warrior alumni players and 2 coaches.
- All Star Games saw players from Pee Wee, Bantam and Midget compete in the annual NCAFA showcase
- All of our helmets were sent off for Helmet Reconditioning a week later
- 3rd Annual Volunteer Appreciation night was again held at our Gold Sponsor The Glen in Stittsville
- NCAFA Past-President, Warrior long-time coach and VP Wayne Chorney was this year’s inductee into Warriors Hall of Fame
- Brian Patterson received the Warrior Volunteer of the Year Award
- President Paul Stewart was named NCAFA Volunteer of the Year (the third straight year for a Warrior to receive the honour!)
- Our Sponsorship Program raised close to $6,000 for our program
- We finished the year with our Warriors volunteering for the Christmas Hamper Program for the Centretown United Church
Elections determined that the 2016 Bell Warriors Executive would be:
- Paul Stewart, President
- Tim Sheahan, VP of Operations
- Carmen Schwartz, VP of Administration
- Dan Crabtree, VP of Finance
Director positions are listed on our Contact page and supporters are encouraged to contact the Warriors at info@bellwarriors.ca if they are interested in applying to fill any vacant positions.
