It’s official!  The 2022 Jim Wagdin Bell Warriors Scholarship winners have been announced and this year’s winners are Steven Schwartz of Greely and Zachary Baylin of Ottawa.

Steven Schwartz describes some highlights from his many years with the Warriors as, “Football has been a part of my life for the last twelve years and has been a part of my family’s life for the last fourteen years.  Although the Warriors have helped me achieve many of my accolades in football, I was also taught a lot more than just football.  My experience with the Warriors was a great experience filled with great memories from watching my brother play seven years with the Warriors to winning one A-Cup and two B-Cups with my teams. I will never forget the memories and friendships I made in my five years playing for the club.”  Steven is currently at the University of Waterloo  playing O-Line in his fourth year of schooling.

Zachary Baylin says of his days with the Warriors, “As a new Tyke player, Coach Brian trusted me at important positions on offence and gave me confidence that I could succeed.  I realized that the more trust he placed in me, the more confidence I built over the season.  This is something that I still carry with me today. Bonding with my teammates and working through the highs and lows were worth all the effort.  I will remember the games, the practices, the cold, the wet, the heat, the challenge, the emotion, my teammates and the coaches.  It was watching my brothers play, having my family come to the games and seeing them volunteer and learning that much of what I have benefited from can be paid forward.”   Zach also wanted to add that, “Many of the lessons I have learned during my time with the Warriors have prepared me to deal with the challenges I will face, and I am confident that, given the support and lessons learned over those years, I am ready for this next chapter..”

Join us in congratulating these two exceptional young men who continue to represent the “Warrior Way” and our program with integrity and pride.  CONGRATULATIONS STEVEN AND ZACH!

(OTTAWA) – The National Capital Amateur Football Association (NCAFA) is excited to announce changes to their non-contact programs offered throughout the National Capital region. Building on the great success of its girls touch football program, NCAFA will be transitioning to now offer flag football to both Girls and Boys (ages 8 – 21).  This transition to flag football will provide a new and better opportunity for girls who participate in the non-contact program.  The introduction of the boys flag football program is a wonderful development to the programs offered by NCAFA. Keep your eye on www.ncafa.ca for further updates.

The season is scheduled to run from May through the end of June 2021, while continuing to follow provincial and municipal directives associated with COVID-19.  The safety of players, coaches, referees and families remains paramount while seeking innovative solutions so our valuable sports programs can endure and thrive.

“The introduction of flag football programs for both girls and boys within our participating clubs is a great opportunity for kids to get on the field and experience a great sport.  Whether it be tackle or touch or both, NCAFA has a goal to make sure that every child interested in football has a chance to experience it  – no matter what and we look forward to making this a reality with the continued support of the OSEG Foundation.” said Gawain Harding, President – NCAFA.  

Through NCAFA’s continued partnership with the OSEG Foundation, “Our huddle includes everyone” remains a mission at the forefront of our objectives  to ensure that all players have the opportunity on the play either contact or non-contact football on the field, with the aim to build not only essential football skills but also develop life skills and friendships for years to come.  The league encourages sportsmanship on and off the field, and provides fun and exciting competition while promoting a healthy, active lifestyle for Ottawa youth.

National Capital Amateur Football Association (NCAFA) – A 66-year-old league and counting, NCAFA is the oldest and largest youth football league in the Ontario Football Alliance. With over 2200 players from Ottawa and the surrounding areas, NCAFA is one of the most inclusive leagues, providing opportunities to kids from the ages of 8 – 21 to learn the game of football in all formats (contact and non-contact).

OSEG Foundation – The OSEG Foundation goal is to ensure all children and youth in our community have the opportunity to play, learn and develop through sports.  At the OSEG Foundation, we believe that by sharing our passion for sports through structured youth development programs, kids will have an opportunity to excel and reach their full potential.  The OSEG Foundation will be a catalyst for social change by leveraging the power of sport to improve the lives of children and youth.

“Malik was destined to be a football player.” – Paul Stewart, Bell Warriors President

Malik Yusuf of Stittsville played for 6 seasons with the local Bell Warriors Football Club and he has just been nominated for the Rookie of the Year by the Carleton Ravens Football Club.

Dan Crabtree that coached Malik numerous times recalls that, “Malik always had great instincts for the ball and the game.  He knew where the play and ball were going and he’d get there with a purpose.  He was a natural and aggressive hitter that always played at full speed.” – Dan Crabtree Defensive Coach and Warriors VP

Stewart continues,  “Malik was a MVP and three time Best Defensive Player winner as a Warriors player.  Unfortunately Malik had a nagging injury during his last year with our club but he was a generational player with our Warriors.  His defensive assertiveness was unparalleled in the league at the time.  He always had a smile on his face that only got bigger when he strapped on a helmet.  Balancing playing sports at a high level and academics is a challenge for most so it is great to see Malik has become as a student-athlete at Carleton.  He deserved to play USports football and it is great to see he made the leap and is thriving as a Rookie of the Year candidate for the Carleton Ravens.”

Malik Yusuf Warriors Highlights

Bantam 2016              (injury at end of season)        NCAFA Western Conference Champions & A-Cup Finalists
Bantam 2015              Best Defensive Player             NCAFA Chorney Cup Champions
Pee Wee 2014             MVP                                           NCAFA A-Cup Finalists
Pee Wee 2013             n/a                                              NCAFA Sullivan Cup Finalists
Mosquito 2012           Best Defensive Player             NCAFA Chorney Cup Champions
Mosquito 2011           Best Defensive Player             NCAFA Chorney Cup Champions

Time to give one of our tireless volunteers a BIG PAT ON THE BACK!  Nominations for VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR are open until October 31. Send your nomination to president@bellwarriors.ca and let us know why you think your nominee stands out & should receive this award.

The winner will be announced at our Annual Volunteer Appreciation Night.

Our list of Volunteers of the Year which set an example for our families, club, league and of course for our young players.  We are so proud of what we accomplish annually for our community.  It takes selfless dedication, tireless effort, thoughtful delivery, a caring heart, and a zest for life.  This great group exemplify the BEST-OF-THE-BEST!  Thank you to all of our valued volunteers and CONGRATULATIONS to this fine group who truly showed they were #Warriors4Life!

2018  –  Christine Lavigne
2018  –  Veronica Papalia
2017  –  Kelly Broad
2016  –  Carmen Schwartz
2015  –  Brian Patterson
2014  –  Karin Statham
2013  –  Makayla  Statham

#volunteers #grassrootsfootball #NCAFA #Warriors4Life