Prince George has a growing football program that extends from the minor association to high school and seven-on-seven club competition.
B.C.’s governing body for the sport has launched a series of regional academies in hopes of solidifying future rosters for national events, like the Canada Games and the Canada Cup, and is coming to Prince George this month to scout local talent.
The BC Provincial Football Association (BCPFA) says the new approach, established in December 2019, is based on public feedback in hopes of recruiting those on the high-school gridiron.
“The primary objective of the new academy program is to complete the high-performance pathway for three-down football and encourage greater participation in club football in the post-elementary school years,” the BCPFA explains.
“As such, the academy program will focus mainly on athletes in grades nine to 12.”
The organization adds the regional academies are set to form teams for a future league focusing on skill development and training, currently earmarked for January to March, and preparing athletes for higher levels of football, like the BCFC, U-Sports and NCAA.
This past weekend, Game Ready Elite Northern BC finished its latest seven-on-seven season at UNBC with the Steelers winning the Varsity Championship 35-31 over the Raiders.
Last year, the College Heights Cougars took home the 2019 Northern ‘AA’ Senior Varsity Conference title.
High school sports like football have been sidelined for competition due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Prince George athletes are being invited for a free evaluation at UNBC’s Charles Jago Sports Centre the next two Sundays by Team BC scouts and coaches.
Sessions are being held for different positions during specific time-frames.
The schedule is as follows:
Sunday, Nov. 8
- 12 to 1:30 p.m.
- Grades Seven to Nine
- Quarterbacks, receivers and defensive backs
- 1:30 to 3 p.m.
- Grades 10 to 12
- Quarterbacks, receivers and defensive backs
Sunday, Nov. 15
- 12 to 1:30 p.m.
- Grades Seven to 12
- Running backs and linebackers
- 1:30 to 3 p.m.
- Grades Seven to 12
- Offensive and defensive linemen
