Cambridge Lions’ junior varsity defensive coordinator Bill Martindale first joined the organization as their director back in 2007. Their teams weren’t very successful on the field in those days.
“We found that kids didn’t wanna play Ontario Varsity ball, at that time,” saidĀ Martindale. “It wasn’t attractive, so we said ‘Hey, let’s make playing football for the Lions fun and cool.'”
He became Lions’Ā defensive coordinator in 2008, first with peewee and then into junior varsity. Over the first couple of years, they drew a bunch of kids back into the program, and really focused on coaching. They made sure that they had coaching staffs in place who were best for the program.
“As we began to win, we attracted more players, and it just snowballed from that point,” said Martindale. “We focused our money on walking sleds, new helmets, jerseys, all that stuff.”
The Lions football organization has a good relationship with the city of Cambridge.
“We have a great partnership with the city, with our field and everything like that,” said Martindale. “Our name is associated with success, so it works for them as well.”
Being an integral part of the Lions’ coaching staff and seeing the growth and development of players is extremely gratifying for him.
“It is fundamentally why I do all of this,” saidĀ Martindale. “I’m not necessarily trying to get kids into college.”
“All I know is to build them with as much skill and understanding of team play as I can. It’s very satisfying.”
Martindale has some advice for aspiring minor football coaches.
“Absolutely focus on the fundamentals of the game,” saidĀ Martindale. “Unless you teach the fundamentals, the kids won’t stay.”
Advocating for football prospects one story at a time.
CFC Youth Game Spotlight: Powerhouse Alberta OT demonstrates maturity and immense potential
