Niagara Storm look to continue momentum in 2010

Niagara Storm look to continue momentum in 2010. Jason Kana, offensive assistant with the McMaster Marauders football team, watches Niagara Storm player Jake Droughan during a workout at a skills clinic last Sunday afternoon at Lakemount Sportsworld in Grimsby.

After a successful inaugural season in 2009, the Niagara Storm is carrying the momentum into its second season of operations.

Read More: [url]http://www.niagarathisweek.com/sports/article/546225–niagara-storm-look-to-continue-momentum-in-2010

The Grimsby-based football club has already held a number of registration dates this year, and is seeing some good interest this year as they expand from two teams to four.

“Based on last year’s results, people are getting to know us and we’ve had lot of inquiries about the Storm,” said Frank Trivieri, director of administration. “We are doing things to distinguish ourselves over football programs, such as holding the recent football clinics and the skills evaluation.”

The club will be playing in the Ontario Minor Football League this season and will be fielding Peewee Under-13, Bantam Under-15, Junior Varsity Under-17 and Senior Varsity Under-20 teams this season.

“We are very excited about the potential for the new teams,” said Trivieri. “We already have a great lineup of coaches this year. Each team will have no less than three coaches, with some up to seven or eight. It’s pretty exciting.”

Trivieri said a formal announcement regarding the coaches will be made in the near future, but at this point he said there is some great experience working with the Storm. He said that speaks highly about the organization.

“I think a lot of people stood back last year to see what we were all about and what our football philosophy would be,” he said. “We had a great season last year and it seems we’ve attracted a lot more coaches this year.”

They’re also attracting some talent as recruits. During a skills evaluation clinic and recent McMaster skills clinics, Trivieri said some of the participants have been approached with respect to playing at the university level.

“We know we have a nice core of football players here,” he said.

Players from throughout the Niagara Region are welcome to register for the 2010 season, which will run from May through the summer. On Saturday, Jan. 30 and Saturday, Feb. 6, recruits for the 2010 season can visit Grimsby Peach King Centre, 162 Livingston Ave., to register from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All players and/or parents are required to bring a copy of their health card, birth certificate to the registration session. A parent or guardian is required to attend registration sessions for all players under 18.

A $100 non-refundable deposit is due at registration. This entitles the recruits to winter indoor training sessions with the Storm, starting in March at Lakemount Sportsworld in Grimsby. Registration fees for the Peewee, Junior Varsity and Senior Varsity teams is $400, due upon making the team. The fee for Atom is $165, due upon making the team. The fee entitles athletes to use of a playbook, helmet, shoulder pads, practice jersey, game jersey and game pants. Bus transportation will also be provided to all away games.

For more details and registration forms, visit [url]www.niagarastorm.com or call Frank Trivieri at 905-309-9558 or Todd Fryer at 905-869-3473.

As the clock ticks down to the start of indoor training, the Storm will continue their work with McMaster University to help local football players enhance their skills. The Storm is organizing football clinics at Lakemount Sportsworld with McMaster football coaches. Marauders coach Jason Riley co-ordinated the clinics with his fellow coaching staff. Players will receive expert instruction from CIS football coaches.

The first two clinics were focused on the defensive line and running backs. Upcoming clinics include: linemen, Jan. 31; quarterback, wide receiver and defensive back, Feb. 14 and 21; and linebacker, Feb. 28. Clinics begin at 11 a.m.

All football players are welcome to attend. Cost is $30 in advance or $40 at the door. Register early, as spaces are limited, by calling Trivieri.

The Storm are also planning a Super Bowl party on Sunday, Feb. 7, at Boston Pizza in Grimsby, which will serve as a football fundraiser, but also a way to support the relief efforts in Haiti. Tickets are $25 a person, with an all-you-can-eat buffet at halftime, prizes and more. For tickets or information call 905-309-9558 or 905-869-3473.