Source: Todd Lewis
The Central Alberta Buccaneers are busily preparing for their upcoming 2016 season. Last season, the Bucs were successful both on and off the field, claiming the #3 position in the AFL (Alberta Football League) as well as being named Lacombe & District Chamber of Commerce “Not-for-Profit of the Year” and the AFL Organization of the Year. The pirate coaching staff and team executive hope to build off of last year’s success and continue to grow.
Head coach Devon Hand said, regarding the team’s direction for 2016, “my #1 goal is to win the National Championship. If we win the Alberta Football League championship, we will earn the right to host our counterparts from Ontario (the Northern Football Conference).”
Having hosting rights for the National Championship would be a huge advantage for the Buccaneer crew.
“My secondary goals are as follows: 1) go undefeated at home, 2) continue to build a program that focuses on our core values of Commitment, Accountability, and Community, 3) win the Alberta Football League Championship, and 4) play three phase football” (focusing not only on dominant defensive and offensive play, but special teams as well).
In the community, the Bucs have been heavily active throughout the long off-season. Continuing from prior years, the Bucs have participated in numerous team blood drives, helped out with the Big Brothers/Sisters annual bowling fundraiser, organized youth football clinics, read to a class of kindergarteners, and had members coach in almost all Central Albertan minor football programs. The Bucs are looking forward to upcoming community events in the preseason, including the Ronald McDonald fundraiser, the Capes & Tiaras party (April 17th in the Lacombe Memorial Centre), as well as the team’s annual Bucs Day to Tackle Hunger food drive (May 7th).
If any are interested in the Buccaneers, whether as a player, volunteer, coach, sponsor, or otherwise, the team is hosting its annual general meeting April 2nd at Red Deer College (Room 2301 at 7pm). At the meeting, Coach Hand and team executive will further explain the team, its goals and direction, its history, and the finer details needed for the 2016 season. Also at the AGM, players can register to play for the upcoming season.
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