Eskimos coaches are sharing their expertise this weekend to advance the game at all levels.
Head Coach Jason Maas will be the keynote speaker and an instructor at the University of Alberta and Football Alberta’s Coaching Clinic. Running Backs Coach Tim Prinsen, Quarterbacks Coach Jordan Maksymic and Eskimos legend and current Golden Bears Head Coach Chris Morris will lead sessions as well.
The clinic is composed of in-classroom and on-field instruction for coaches of all positions from atom to post-secondary levels. Sessions include concepts for stopping the run, bantam football program development, strength and conditioning, as well as skills and drills.
Two hundred coaches will attend the two-day event, opening today, that also includes an opportunity for national coaching certification.
Eskimos participation is part of the team’s ongoing commitment to developing amateur football in Northern Alberta.
In February, the Eskimos announced a $610,000 donation, raised through the game day 50/50 program, to the Edmonton Huskies, Edmonton Wildcats, Football Alberta, Golden Bears and the Eskimo Alumni Association’s amateur football initiatives.
In addition to financial contributions, the Green and Gold host an annual amateur football summit, led by Eskimos Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Ed Hervey, and an annual amateur spring football camp.
The team also supports the Eskimo Novice Flag Football League in conjunction with Football Alberta and players guest coach in the community throughout the year.
To further support the development of the game, the Eskimos collaborated with the Edmonton Public School Board, Football Alberta and the City of Edmonton to introduce flag football into the junior high physical education curriculum. The 20 participating schools and over 450 students were hosted at Commonwealth Stadium to learn the fundamentals of the game from Eskimos players and participate in anti-bullying presentations.