W Football Academy : Off-Season Training with the Pros
Led by certified top amateur coaches and Blue Bombers players, youth football players will work on the fundamentals of their positions while developing speed, power, and strength. With the great support of Blue Bombers corporate partners, there is no charge for the Football Academy program.
Who is this Academy for?
The W Football Academy is for football players who want to develop their football skills, knowledge, and conditioning in the off-season. Players develop fundamental skills and grow their football IQ while increasing their resilience, discipline, and perseverance both on and off the field. Open to Manitoba students ages 9-13, players will be matched in drills by size, skill level and age. The Academy runs from November 2024 to March 2025.
W Football Academy Schedule
ON-FIELD – Training at WSF Soccer South
Phase 1 – Sessions will be no pads and focus on recovery, speed development from the season and position-specific drills.
Runs every Sunday afternoon (2:45PM-4:15PM) on the following dates: November 24th, December 1st, 8th, 15th & January 5th.
Phase 2 – Sessions will require a helmet, mouthguard, shoulder pads and girdle/football pants.
Runs every Sunday afternoon (2:45PM-4:15PM) on the following dates: January 12th, 19th, 26th, February 2nd, 23rd, March 2nd, 9th & 16th.
What do Players Need?
In order to participate, players must have the following: Full equipment, including helmet, shoulder pads, lower gear, cleats, and mouthguard. This program is sanctioned by Football Manitoba. Please speak to your community club if you need to borrow equipment.
FAQ
Who is this program for?
The W Football Academy is for football players who want to develop their football skills, knowledge, and conditioning in the off-season. Players develop fundamental skills and grow their football IQ while increasing their resilience, discipline, and perseverance both on and off the field. Open to Manitoba students ages 9-13, players will be matched in drills by size, skill level and age.
Is Pre-Registration Required?
Yes, parents or guardians are required to register an athlete for the W Football Academy program and complete a waiver as well as provide additional information. Spots for the 2024-25 W Football Academy are now full and we are no longer accepting registrants.
What equipment is needed?
Phase 1 is non-contact, and no equipment is needed aside from indoor cleats or running shoes. Phase 2 begins January 12 and full equipment, including helmet, shoulder pads, lower gear, cleats, and mouthguard is required. Please note that metal studded cleats are not permitted on the turf.
My child does not have shoulder pads or a helmet, where can I get one?
Reach out to your home club or high school football program about renting equipment over the off-season.
How much does this program cost?
With the great support of Johnston Group, there is no charge for the W Football Academy program.
My child has never played football before, can they participate?
Yes, the W football academy is open to all athletes and focuses on developing their football skills, knowledge, and conditioning. Athletes will develop fundamental skills and grow their football IQ while increasing their resilience, discipline, and perseverance both on and off the field. If you have never played football and require equipment, we recommend reaching out to the MMFA to find your home club and get in touch them by filling out this link: https://mbmfa.com/mbmfa/ContactUs
What should I expect on the first day of programming?
During the first session, Blue Bombers staff will check in participants upon arrival and provide them with a t-shirt. From there, coaches will begin the session and will provide athletes with an overview of what to expect from the program.
Is it a problem if my child misses a session?
No. The W Football Club is a drop-in program, and attendance at each session is not required.
What is the difference between Phase 1 & Phase 2?
Phase 1 offers a non-contact approach to football, and Phase 2 introduces contact to practices with the use of equipment to practices.
Where can I Park?
Both the Winnipeg Soccer Federation South offers free parking outside of the facilities.
For more information
Please contact Matt Bruneau at 204 789-7229 or mbruneau@bluebombers.com