The North Bay Bulldogs, after 11 straight seasons of competing in the NFC is facing the same fate as Sudbury in 2007 and Oakville in 2009, having to ask for a leave of absence from competition in 2011. The problem arises from a combination of various circumstances leading to a shortage of available players able to make a commitment to play this year. The club reports to have a good core of committed young players eager to take to the field, but the total numbers will not support an 8 game schedule and the prospect of completing the 2011 season if started are not good.
As such the North Bay Bulldogs will remain active in the football community in North Bay supporting all levels of football. They intend to work hard to fundraise, recruit to support the strong core of players and with many of the players unavailable this year returning, will plan for a return to competition in 2012.
In the mean time the league has made adjustments to the existing schedule that maintains all but two home games in the schedule. The Toronto Raiders will join Sault Ste Marie with a bye in week 1 and will host the Sault Steelers on the July 30 weekend. Ottawa will host Oakville Longhorns on July 30 while both teams will have a bye on June 11. All other home dates for clubs remain the same.
CLICK HERE for revised schedule.
Source: Northern Football Conference
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