NCAFA – Changing the Way We Play Non-Contact Football

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(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.

Looking for Flag Football Return-to-Play Coordinator

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BELL WARRIORS FLAG FOOTBALL COORDINATOR:  The WARRIORS are looking for committed/dedicated volunteer(s) willing to step up to oversee our return to play FLAG FOOTBALL program.  Plans are underway.  Contact us for details at info@bellwarriors.ca or call 613-838-4279.

Stay Healthy, Safe, and Connected

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Ravens Nominate Yusuf for Rookie of the Year

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“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

Happy Easter

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64 Years & We Keep Getting Better!

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64 Years & We Keep Getting Better!

“2018 marked the 64th anniversary of our league (NCAFA) and the Bell Warriors Football Club.  It is unimaginable to consider how many people and hours have been generous given to our community to mentor our young youth over those many years.  We have so much to be proud of, grateful for, and I want to take this opportunity to thank all of this year’s volunteers for all they did to make the ’18 season a resounding success”, summed up Paul Stewart, Bell Warriors President at the Warriors AGM held Feb 20.

Here are some highlights from the President’s report:

  • Banquets and 7th Annual Silent Auctions January 12, 2019
  • Helmet Reconditioning Return: February 2019 (new & BELL and WARRIORS stickers were bought for the first time to put on all of our helmets)
  • Head Coaches Announced – Brian Patterson (tyke); Pat Kilmartin (Mosquito); Geoff Forsyth (Pee Wee); Richard Baylin (Bantam)
  • Warriors AGM: February 21
  • NCAFA Planning Meeting:  March 2, Gatineau, PQ
  • REDBLACKS Coaches Clinic:  March 4
  • ’19 Warriors Planning Meeting:   March 27, Scotty’s Corner Diner
  • New Website meeting – March 28  Current site was not able to take purchases or payments anymore.
  • 2-week Indoor Football Clinic:  April 13 – April 27, Ben Franklin Dome
  • Primo Equipment Inventory & Organizing Day: April 13
  • NCAFA Flag Football : Quinn’s Pointe, April 20 – May 4 (free), May 11 – June 22
  • Team Ontario: Trey O’Brien named to Team ONT team
  • Managers Meeting – May 13
  • Tryouts: started May 21st :  113 players selected eventually (vs 120 in ’18, 115 in ’17; 134 in ’16)
  • Warrior Wear Catalogue/website: launch May 31, 2 different clothing orders during summer & fall
  • 50/50 Tickets Sales Starts: June 1
  • New Warriors website is launched:  June 3  The new site uses a responsive template that can be viewed on any platform
  • Safari Plumbing Donation of $1,000:  June 12  This was the results of an online pole for the Non-Profit of Choice in our Community
  • Girl’s Touch Football Championship:  June 23  Record numbers of girls played for the Warriors this year
  • NCAFA SET U15 and U17 program:  July  13-14
  • 24th Annual Warriors Golf Tournament:  July 20  Amberwood Golf Course, Stittsville
  • New Mosquito Jerseys:  Aug 8  The new jerseys were sublimated and double-sided – sponsored by Scotty’s Corner Diner, Bells Corners
  • Tyke Jamboree & Mosquito Madness Exhibition Season Openers:  August 10
  • NCAFA Season Opener:  August 11 (Bantam vs Chateauguay Raiders)
  • Warriors at the REDBLACKS:  Aug 17 (REDBLACKS vs Ti-Cats game)  Players were on the field to watch the warm-up, were in the tunnel when the players were announced, and ran on the REDBLACKS flag in front of the REDBLACKS team
  • Laurier Golden Hawks Player of the Week:  Sept 5 Brad Cowan (Warriors Alumni)
  • Queens Gaels Player of the Week:  Sept 26 James Keenan (Warriors Alumni)
  • 5 Warriors played USports Football in same week:  Sept – Malik Yusef (Carleton), James Keenan (Queens), Kurtis Schaefer (Queens), Brad Cowan (Laurier), Quinn Stewart (St FX)
  • Bell Warriors Scholarship Winners announced:  Oct 21   Jake Papalia, James Keenan ($40,00 given to date)
  • Canteen:  $5,587 profit.  All food donated by new Gold Sponsor Scotty’s Corner Diner,  Bells Corners
  • Poppies and Pink Ribbons on Helmets:  October and 1st week of November
  • Annual Joint 4-Team Practice at Bell H.S.:  October 24
  • NCAFA Championship Week:  Oct 28 – Nov 4.  Tyke C-Cup Finalists; Mosquito A-Cup 6v6 Champions; Pee Wee C-Cup Finalists; Bantam B-Cup Semi-Finalists
  • Intra-Provincial Pee Wee/Bantam/Midget Championship:  November 17
  • Equipment Return:  Nov 5 & 6
  • Troy & Allison MacLeod receive Warrior Volunteers of the Year Award:  November 14
  • Warriors Recognize Scotty’s Corner Diner (Gold Sponsor):  Nov 14
  • 7th Annual Volunteer Appreciation night:  November 14 hosted by Gold Sponsor The ALE Amberwood Lounge & Eatery
  • Chilli Cookoff :  Nov 17 hosted by WhiprSnapr Brewery, Bells Corners
  • NCAFA Bursary Winners:  November 30     Zach Baylin (Bantam), Ethan Ryan (Midget) both Warriors Alumni
  • NCAFA All Stars Announced: Dec 10
  • Trivia Night:  Dec 7  Inaugural Trivia Night was held at our Gold Sponsor – The Glen Scottish & Irish Pub and Eatery, Stittsville
  • Warriors Players International Championship:  Dec 12
  • Christmas Hamper Program:  Dec 19
  • Sponsorship Program: $5,483 ($2,580 (‘18),  $4,045 (‘17),  $5,250 (’16),  $5,893 (’15), $5,000 (’14),  $8,620 (’13) = $36,871 since ’13 (7 year total)
  • Team Banquets & 8th Annual Silent Auction: Jan 18-19, 2020  Raised >$7,200 at Silent Auction  (new record)

Elections determined that the 2020 Bell Warriors Executive would be:

  • Paul Stewart, President
  • Richard Baylin, VP of Operations
  • Kelly White, VP of Administration (NEW)
  • Dan Crabtree, VP of Finance
  • Paul Gowans, VP of Equipment

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.

2019 AGM was held at out GOLD SPONSOR The ALE – Amberwood Lounge & Eatery, Stittsville. LtoR: Paul Stewart (President), Sarah Courtney (The ALE), Dan Crabtree (VP of Finance)

New VP of Admin Kelly White and Jennifer Daniel who has joined our Registrar Team

 

Volunteer of the Year Nominations Open

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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

Warriors NEW Site … and WE’RE LIVE!!!

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Football is our game but more and more it takes innovation for our Bell Warriors to manage our day-to-day operations.  Our previous website didn’t work well on different platforms (i.e. computer, laptop, tablet, phones, etc….).  We had also ran into issues that had arisen over time with functionality and bugs.  The decision became clear when we couldn’t sell tickets for events on our site and when we began having registration issues.  The outcome was we needed a new site immediately and we are proud to say, our new website is LIVE!!!!

From the backend, it is a dream to navigate which doesn’t affect our users but it sure makes keeping our site vibrant, dynamic and up-to-date much, much easier.  For our Warriors users, we hope you will appreciate the responsive design which can  react to any screen size.   Like our sport and program, we have expanded to have a larger influence on our site for our growing Non-Contact Football Programs (Girl’s Spring Touch Football and Co-ed Spring Flag Football).  Convenient links are available for our expansive highlight videos, awards catalogue, annual team programs, sponsorship packages, the popular Jim Wagdin Post-Secondary Scholarship Program and so much more.   

We know you will all appreciate that we have expanded our payment options to include on-line e-transfers from the site and buying tickets for our fun annual events (i.e. Warriors Annual Golf Tournament) or fundraisers (i.e. Warriors at the REDBLACKS) has never been easier.

Enjoy the new site.  Here’s to our Warriors.  64 years of providing local youth football programs and counting!  #Warriors4Life

 

Our 64th Year as BELL WARRIORS has Started!

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We made history today as we started our 64th season as Bell Warriors!

We’ll be offering football programs for boys and girls from now until November.  It’s a huge commitment to our community, to our football community and most certainly to our youth!  We are so proud of our many volunteers who continue to step up to honour our club’s proud tradition of giving back.

“They not only make it all possible but they make it so rewarding.  It is important to set a good example for our youth and part of that is showing our youth how much fun it can be to work hard, selflessly giving back to our community.” states Paul Stewart, Bell Warriors President.

 

2018 Jim Wagdin Scholarship Winners Announced

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It is with immense pride that the Bell Warriors announce this year’s Jim Wagdin Post-Secondary Scholarship winners – Andrew Fullerton (Stittsville) and Daniel Schwartz (Nepean).  Our independent selection committee had their hands full with a full slate of worthy candidates but both Andrew and Daniel were deemed to have the most complete applications in a very tight selection process.
 
In Andrew Fullerton’s application letter, he noted, “Six years as a Bell Warrior have shaped me, molded me and inspired me to become the young man that I am today and will serve as the foundation for the man that I intend to become.  Among the many things that my experiences as a Warrior have gifted me is an appreciation for and duty to my community.  The work ethic and resilience I developed as a Warrior have similarly shaped me as a student, and have guided me to academic success throughout high school, where I earned honour roll society all four years alongside the silver medal, awarded to students with an academic average above 90%, and the award of excellence in Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition, awarded to the student with the highest mark in the respective course, in both eleventh and twelfth grade.”
 
Andrew’s awards with his years with the Warriors and through his education are two many to list.  In short, his achievements are substantial and impressive.  in summary, this young man, who is currently studying Advanced Studies in the Arts and Humanities at the University of Western, was always dedicated, respectful, driven, successful and a true leader.  Andrew concluded his application by saying that, “The Warriors’ navy and gold are not simply colours sported on game day, painted on our helmets or dyed in the fabric of our jerseys, they are a representation of the Bell Warriors and an embodiment of their values. Whether or not I am wearing navy and gold or the Warriors crest across my collar bones, I represent the Bell Warriors each day of my life; the navy and gold is not so superficial as a helmet, jersey and pants, it is an integral part of who I am.”  CONGRATULATIONS ANDREW!
 
Daniel Schwartz made the most of every day he was with the Warriors.  The only thing that exceeded his efforts to contribute to the Warriors was his pleasant and happy demeanor when doing it.  Daniel viewed his days with the Warriors as, “The Bell Warriors Football Club instills values starting with the tykes, and continues to build on them all the way up to bantam. Respect, teamwork, compassion, independence, self-confidence, the list can go on and on as to what I learned with the Bell Warriors.”
 
Daniel’s application expanded on how the values of respect, team work, compassion, independence and self-confidence were all vital lessons learned with his many years as a Warrior and he calls on today as he commits himself to his pursuit of a career in Paramedicine.  His concluding paragraph says it all, “I will be a Warrior for Life, I will be a part of the “CABB Company”, I will continue to apply the values I have learned and pass them along to others. The Bell Warriors was the best eight years I could have asked for, every drop of blood, sweat, and tears was worth it. Sports revealed my character – the Bell Warriors revealed my character.”   CONGRATULATIONS DANIEL!
 
For more information on the Bell Warriors Jim Wagdin Scholarship program, go to our SCHOLARSHIP page.

WARRIORS ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT TICKETS ON SALE

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Super door prizes, a great lunch & sit down dinner,  18 holes of golf with carts & relaxing day golfing with friends, family & our Warriors.

Shotgun start at 1:00 p.m.

Open to anyone.  This is a major fundraiser for the club so the more the merrier but on a first-come-first-serve basis. We’ll be looking for Hole Sponsorship opportunities that will also qualify you as a FRIEND OF THE WARRIORS SPONSOR. 100% of monies raised go to support player fees.

CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW

$100 per player or $85 for Warrior players.

We are looking for local businesses to donate prizes.  Contact either Dan Crabtree at 613-794-6716 or email dan.crabtree@holliswealth.com or Steve Adam at stevenjohnadam@gmail.com for more details.

Don’t Miss Out!

CONTACT

T: (613) 838-4279
E: info@bellwarriors.ca
M: P.O. Box 1269,
Richmond, ON K0A 2Z0

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