This is welcome to all members of the 2022 Bell Warriors Football Club. Following the short AGM, we will be hosting our first planning session for the 2023 tackle season.
Congratulations to our Bell Warriors 2022 NCAFA All-Stars which were announced today as a league-wide recognition of the best-of-the-best!
The Bell Warriors are proud to announce our 2022 Volunteer of the Year is our volunteer team photographer extraordinaire Wanda Keenan
Join us in thanking Wanda for all she does, for her generousity, and for her tireless commitment to capture and record memories for our young players and Warriors club. You are a true gem Wanda. THANK YOU!!!
L to R: Paul Gowans (Bantam Head Coach, VP); Wanda Keenan (Team Photographer, ’22 Volunteer of the Year); Tracey Gervais (Bantam Team Manager, VP); and Paul Stewart (BW President)
Our mosquito squad won their NCAFA Gilchrist Cup 32 to 14 versus our cross-town rivals the Gloucester South Raiders which qualified them for the Football Ontario Fall Cup! Head Coach Jon Landon did a masterful job inspiring his young team to the regional championship, but their successful season didn’t end there.
Two weeks later, at the Ravens Den at Carleton University, our Warriors’ mosquitos faced the Oakville Titans on the snow covered gridiron. It was a match for the ages with two well-coached, competitive teams going nose to nose. At the end of regulation, the score was tied 0-0 forcing a sudden death overtime. Both teams were stopped on their first drives giving Oakville a chance to win the game. Our Warriors defense came up big giving us the opportunity to win the battle….and win we did!!! The eventual MVP of the game, Gabriel Douglas, exploded through the line for the game winning final TD to take the game 6-0!
Bell Warriors – 2022 NCAFA Gilchrist Champions!
Bell Warriors Mosquitos – 2022 Tier II Football Ontario Fall Cup Champions!
What a year! CONGRATULATIONS to all involved with this year’s memorable Mosquito season!
Long-time coach and Warriors VP, Tim Sheahan, has been inducted into the Bell Warriors Hall of Fame. “We had an opportunity to host a ceremony with Tim and a small group of Warriors past volunteers to honour Tim by presenting him with his award. Unfortunately COVID delayed the event and we were forced to reschedule. Coach Sheahan, who gave more than 10 years as a coach and club VP, was inducted into the Bell Warriors Hall of Fame yesterday at his home (our 4th inductee).
“No one has brought more creativity, emotion, energy, commitment or passion as a coach and volunteer with our Warriors club. Tim Sheahan made players and his teams believe in themselves. He understood the importance of challenging our teams while turning on the switch for players thriving to play football at the next level. Over 25 young players coached by Coach Tim went on to play CJFL, NCAA, or USports Football! He was all in and is still a proud Warrior for Life.” – Paul Stewart (Bell Warriors President) Pictured L to R: Tim Sheahan, Paul Stewart
Paul Stewart, Bell Warriors President, presents Tim Sheahan with his award upon his induction into the Bell Warriors Football Hall of Fame
Tim had two boys go through our program (Kyle and Brendan) and remained to give back to the Warriors long after both boys had graduated from our program. When it came to passion for our sport and our club, Tim was second to none. His contributions to our club led to his being honoured with the 2015 United Way Community Builder Award.
Surprise United Way Community Award announcement ceremony for Tim. Tim Sheahan’s eldest son Kyle who played with the Warriors, Waub Rice (CBC Ottawa & United Way Volunteer), Tim Sheahn 2015 United Way Community Builder Award winner, Ann Sheahan (Tim’s fantastic wife), and Brendan Sheahan (Tim and Ann’s youngest boy who also was a proud Warrior)
Coach Tim was a long-time OC and club VP. He’s a fabulous motivator and speaker which was always evident at our annual team banquets. L to R: Paul Stewart (President), Joe Papalia (long-time coach), Andrew Fullerton (’16 Bantam Coach’s Choice and Leadership Award winner, Tim Sheahan
Coach Tim was always challenging our young players and teams. Tim was the ultimate mentor, educator, and motivator.
Time went by and an opportunity rose yesterday to surprise Tim with the award presentation so that was exactly what we did.
Spring Schedule (Flag and Tackle)
Winter Workouts (register, $20 fee)
Girls Flag
Saturday March 26 Oz Dome 9-10 am
Saturday April 2, 9. Megadome 10:20-11:40 am
E-transfer to info@bellwarriors.ca and in note, mention “Winter Workouts” and the player’s name
Boys Flag and Tackle
Saturday March 26, April 2,9. Megadome 10:20-11:40 am
E-transfer to info@bellwarriors.ca and in note, mention “Winter Workouts” and the player’s name
Qb Workouts (Girls, Boys, Flag, Tackle) free
April 3, 10 Nepean Sportsplex 9-11 am
Spring Workouts details soon, starting April 16
Watch for more details in the coming weeks or email info@bellwarriors.ca if you have any questions. DON’T MISS OUT!
The 2021 Bell Warriors Virtual AGM will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 and is welcome to all current members of the Bell Warriors Football Club.
There will be Director and Executive reports, a financial year-end presentation and elections of officers for the 2022 season. Afterwards the Warriors will be holding a planning session to map out events, roles and goals for the upcoming season.
Those interested in showing a greater level of support and involvement in the Club are invited to contact president@bellwarriors.ca to receive the Zoom meeting link.
We have to say THANK YOU to our close friend, Bell Warriors Alumni, Jesse Card who has just made a donation to become a Friend of the Warriors Sponsor! Jesse is the current Acting Executive Director of Youth Ottawa.
“Keeping our sport ACCESSIBLE FOR All is of the utmost importance with the Warriors. Not every family can afford to register their child in a competitive sport. We do our best to keep our fees as low as possible but we can’t do that without the support of our community. Jesse is all heart and he appreciates the challenges the Warriors face and he continues to give back to show his support. He’s a gem of a man”, states Warriors President Paul Stewart
Jesse had quite a distinguished football career which started in 1994 as a young Tyke with our Bell Warriors. He won Rookie of the Year that year and he never turned back. He went on to play for the Warriors winning Outstanding DB at Pee Wee, Bantam Rookie of the Year and finishing his Warriors career winning the coveted Coaches Choice Award.
He went on to play 5 more seasons with the McMaster Marauders while earning an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a great focus in the application of psychology in sport and organizational structures. Jesse went on to advance his studies earning a Master’s degree in Criminology with a concentration in Crime Prevention. As a Marauder, Jesse’s accomplishments were notable winning 2X Most Improved Player and 3X 1st-Team OUA All-Star honours, He is still ranked #1 for Most Career Passes Intercepted (16) and #3 for Most Career Solo Tackles (with 99). He was a Yates Cup winner and was named to the McMaster All-Decade Roster for the 2000’s! His football career finally finished but not before it took him to play in Finland.
Jesse returned to Ottawa to start his career building a successful creative mulitmedia agency (House Edge Media). He soon reintegrated himself into the local youth football community with his company HESN which produced player and league video and markteing tools and opportunities. He joined our league, NCAFA, as a VP of Communications and Marketing and even found time to return to his roots joining the Warriors as a Bantam DB Coach.
“I’ve gotten to know Jesse very well through my work with NCAFA and as a coach. Jesse was part of my coaching staff. He is a passionate young man especially when it comes to football and the values it promotes in our youth. He gets it. The fact that he continues to do what he can to give back says so much about his character and generous spirit. On behalf of the Bell Warriors, I am proud to THANK JESSE CARD for becoming a valued Friend of the Warriors Sponsor. You’re the best young man”, concludes President Stewart
It’s official! The 2021 Jim Wagdin Bell Warriors Scholarship winners have been announced and this year’s winners are Trey O’Brien and Kahir Padamshi.
Trey O’Brien describes some highlights from his many years with the Warriors as, “Through my years with the Warriors, I received many major awards and cherish each one. I have to admit that was a time in my life that I can honestly say will be with my memories forever and I have learnt so so much from my coaches, my teammates, my managers and trainers. It was amazing. Now that I’m moving on to University in Sept 2021, and will continue my football journey with the Carleton Ravens, I will take everything with me from my past with the Warriors and will remember everyone who helped get me there.” We wish Trey all the best with his studies at Carleton and he is already dressing and travelling with the Ravens team which is a huge first step for a freshman.
Kai Padamshi says of his days with the Warriors, “I played for the Bell Warriors for ten years since I was eight years old. I have volunteered with the Warriors at the canteen helping sell food and working the cash. I love this organization as it has always been there for me since a young age.” Kai finished with a proud pronouncement, “I will always be a proud Warrior.” Kai is currently at York University where we know he will continue to grow and shine.
Join us in congratulating these two exceptional young men who continue to represent the “Warrior Way” and our program with integrity and pride. CONGRATULATIONS TREY AND KAI!
When our club and players are in need, inevitably our parents recognize our challenges and choose to act. This is exactly what Jon Tackabury President and Owner of Binary Fortress Software did by partnering with the Bell Warriors to become a Gold Sponsor of the 2021 Bell Warriors Tackle Football Program.
“We believe that all children should have the opportunity to participate in sports regardless of economic background. We hope that this donation will help”, stated owner Jon Tackabury.
“With less than 45% of our budget being covered annually by player fees, our non-profit football club is always running on a tight budget. When we do find our selves with a small surplus, it is easily allotted to our expansive field and player equipment budget. The Bell Warriors supply all of the player and field equipment other than cleats. It is a daunting challenge making ends meet at the best of times. The same can be said for many of our families. We know it can be tough raising a young family financially and the Bell Warriors are committed to ensure that this doesn’t hold back anyone from joining our sport and Warriors family. It takes hard work but it also takes like-minded partners like Binary Fortress Software to make it this a reality.” outlines Warriors President Paul Stewart.
This sponsorship will be vital to ensure we can move forward with the 2022 Tackle Football season with funds that will be targeted to keep our sport affordable and accessible for all financially. “We cannot thank Jon and his wife Andrea Chamberlain enough for their thoughtful generousity and support of our families and players in need. Football is all about setting an example and this is an example of caring that we can all look to with admiration and appreciation”, concludes President Stewart.
Our newest GOLD SPONSORS BINARY FORTRESS SOFTWARE with the owner Jon Tackabury and his family Andrea Chamberlain, Holden #16, sister Sam and Warriors President Paul Stewart
The Bell Warriors Football Club are excited to announce a unique new partnership with Turpin KIA that will help keep football affordable and accessible for local youth for years to come. In recognition of this thoughtful and generous show of support for the Warriors and their young players, Turpin KIA will become the Warriors first Diamond Sponsor in their 66-year club history.
This $15,000.00 donation to the Bell Warriors Football Club will be used to help offset financial shortfalls for
young players at all four of the tackle football competitive levels.
“The Warriors are so thankful for Turpin KIA’s support and initiative. Fern Turpin, Turpin KIA President, recognized the challenges some families face in playing our great sport and he acted decisively. Our club supplies all the required field and player equipment, and we are a 100% volunteer-based non-profit youth club. We do everything we can to make our great sport affordable for all, but we cannot do it without like-minded partners like Fern Turpin and Turpin KIA”, states Paul Stewart, Bell Warriors Football President.
The inaugural Diamond sponsorship will offer support for player fee financial shortfalls for the next 5 years. “The Bell Warriors Football Club is entering into our 66th year of providing youth football programs in 2021 and we are so proud and excited. Literally hundreds of volunteers and thousands of players have been part of our program since 1955. We think that football is the ultimate team sport. Of course, it is fun, but football is also about providing valuable life skills that teammates will take with them long after their playing days
are done”, continues President Stewart.
“Ultimately, the Warriors are working to create a positive, encouraging, safe and instructive learning environment for our young players. It’s all about instilling confidence, competence, and inner pride in our youth. Fern Turpin and Turpin KIA clearly share the same values, which is immensely evident in their monumental commitment to our youth, club, and sport. We cannot thank them enough for stepping up in
this unprecedented time of need”, concludes the Bell Warriors President.
A cheque presentation was conducted prior to the Bell Warriors Pee Wee game Saturday September 4th atQuinn’s Pointe Field (Barrhaven) at 4:30pm.
Fern Turpin, President of Turpin KIA, presents a cheque for $15,000 to support financially-challenged families be able to play football for the Bell Warriors. BRAVO FERN & TURPIN KIA!
We just received the authorization from the Province of Ontario, our provincial Football Association and the local Ottawa Department of Health that tackle football will be permitted in 2022!
We basically have just over a month to let our communities know; start registrations: line-up practices and volunteers: coordinate equipment distribution; and also learn how to play football before our first games in September…..but we couldn’t be more up to the challenge or more excited.
Read more about the historic announcement!
2020 was an absolute write off and so far 2021 hadn’t looked much better until a caring Warriors parent and volunteer came up with an idea. That person was Tracey Gervais and her idea was to raise some badly needed money for our youth football club while engaging our football community to remember why we love our great sport. The March Madness Month-Long Marathon Fundraiser was launched and as they say, the rest was history. Today, the Bell Warriors surprised Tracey with an unprecedented April presentation of our Bell Warriors Football Club Volunteer of the Year award …. …. and it couldn’t have more deserved.
Starting on March 1st, Tracey launched a fundrasier Facebook group and auctioned off opportunities to win prizes. Some were bought, some were donated and eventually, this concept also included 50/50 draws. People put in bids in a Facebook comment associated with the item they wanted. There were a limited number of bids allowed and when the limit was reached, the auctions were closed. Bidders e-transferred funds to the Warriors and when all the bids were paid, Tracey made a live Facebook random selection of the winner. Despite COVID, Tracey was committed to have fun with our supporters by providing a safe way to get them involved again. If there’s one thing about our Warriors families, they love to get involved.
When all was said and done, on the final night March 31st, the fundraiser had raised an amazing $10,000 which will go towards our club rebuild. Paul Stewart (Warriors President) says, “Our sport is such incredible sport. We would say it’s the ultimate team sport because it encourages and rewards teamwork, hardwork, focus, and dedication. It’s all about doing what you can for your teammates, coaches, team, and club. It’s about valuing family because we are a family and no one exemplifies that more than our Tracey Gervais. She had such a tireless commitment to this marathon fundraiser. I was so inspiring that we felt in this unprecedented time, we would break with tradition and make an unprecedented presentation of our annual award in April.” Mr Stewart continues, “It was the least we could do for setting such a great example for our youth and families. It was a true honour to present Tracey Gervais with her surprise honour this morning on behalf of our proud club and caring families. BRAVO TRACEY!!!”
More details about our proud legacy of Volunteers of the Year can be found on our Volunteer Page.
Watch Tracey Gervais’ reaction to her presentation of her Bell Warriors Football Club Volunteer of the Year Award:
T: (613) 838-4279
E: info@bellwarriors.ca
M: P.O. Box 1269,
Richmond, ON K0A 2Z0
