The Bonnyville Bandits have only been around since 2008 but in that short time the team has already made a big difference in the local football system.
“Some of our better players are former Bandits,” said Voyageurs head coach Brian Walsh, who has been recruiting Bandits for the past two seasons.
The Bandits, under head coach Dan Jubinville and his coaching staff, learn the basics of the game and are taught skills on how to grow as a player and a person. With the emphasis not being entirely on winning, the Bandits players have more time to learn the game and gain an understanding of how football is played, before moving on to the more competitive high school club.
With that type of preparation, moving up to the Voyageurs is something Bandits players typically look forward to. Prior to the Bandits' existence, the Voyageurs coaching staff would often have to teach basic football knowledge, while also trying to build a competitive team, which can be difficult to do.
Jubinville believes players are more receptive to learning about the game and how to play the game the right way at a younger age.
But as kids get older, bigger and stronger, they also become more aggressive and more competitive, which is a great time for players to move up to the Voyageurs.
Consider the Bandits a minor-league development squad, like they have in professional baseball and hockey. Then consider the Voyageurs the big club, the one you get called up to when you are really ready to play and play hard.
Because of this, the football system in Bonnyville seems to be working well, and will be even more valuable to building strong football teams over the long term.
With this system in place, players can learn and develop at the right age, and then come up to the big team when they are ready and in their prime to do their best.
“(The Bandits) has definitely made our team much better. These kids are coming in now with knowledge ahead of time and that's just making us stronger,” said Walsh.
And it showed this year in particular. The Voyageurs, with several former Bandits on the team, put together a great season, winning the consolation championship in dramatic fashion over the Wainwright Commandos.
For a full Voyageurs season wrap-up, including player awards check out the Dec. 14 issue of the Nouvelle.