Nearly 70 Manitoba children took part in a football skills camp at Princess Auto Stadium on Sunday, an event that combined on-field instruction with a fundraising push to remove financial barriers to youth sport.
Community access and fundamentals
The co‑educational, non‑contact session — aimed at youngsters between the ages of seven and 10 — was organised by KidSport Manitoba in partnership with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Local players, led by receiver Nic Demski, ran drills designed to teach basic techniques and give children the experience of practising where professional football games are played.
Organisers said the day focused on skill development and inspiration rather than competition, letting participants learn passing, catching and footwork in a safe environment. Volunteers from community clubs helped supervise the stations and keep the pace steady through the morning.
Raising funds to get kids playing
All proceeds from the event are earmarked for KidSport Manitoba, which provides grants to families who face financial obstacles when registering children for organized sports. The money raised will be used to support registrations so more kids can play a full season of football.
“Every kid deserves a chance to play, so if we can get more kids off the sidelines and into the games, that’s really what it’s all about,” said Sam Cortes, an events specialist with Sport Manitoba.
Parents at the stadium said the chance to practise on a professional field and meet players helped reinforce young participants’ interest in sport. One volunteer parent noted that creating opportunities for youngsters who didn’t have resources growing up himself was a driving factor behind his involvement.
Players and fans: small moments matter
For many of the children, meeting Bombers players and getting encouragement on the turf was the highlight. An eight‑year‑old participant said getting to see and speak with team members made the day special and pointed to a favourite player when asked who stood out.
Organisers emphasised the broader benefits of involvement: increased confidence, teamwork, and the chance to develop healthy habits. The camp also acted as a gateway for parents to learn about community leagues and registration supports available through KidSport.
- Attendance: ~70 children
- Ages: 7–10 years
- Format: Co‑ed, non‑contact skills camp
- Location: Princess Auto Stadium, Winnipeg
- Lead coach: Nic Demski (Winnipeg Blue Bombers)
The presence of Bombers personnel was intended to give kids a tangible connection to the sport. Coaches said showing basic drills on a large field helps youngsters visualise next steps if they decide to pursue organized football through local clubs.
Practical information for families
Families seeking financial support to register children for sport in Manitoba can apply to KidSport Manitoba for assistance. The organisation evaluates applications to help cover league fees, equipment and registration costs for eligible applicants. Local sport groups and school‑based programs also often partner with KidSport to identify children in need of support.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event type | Skills camp (non‑contact) |
| Beneficiary | KidSport Manitoba |
| Participant age | 7–10 years |
| Location | Princess Auto Stadium, Winnipeg |
Sport Manitoba representatives and parents said they hope the event becomes an annual highlight that not only introduces children to football skills, but also raises awareness of funding options so more families can participate year‑round.
By combining on‑field coaching from professional athletes with fundraising focused on accessibility, the camp aimed to ensure that a lack of funds does not keep interested children on the sidelines.
Reporting from Winnipeg.
