The under-12 Burnaby Lions football team overcame the weather and the opposition to win its first spring flag football provincial championship title in Kelowna last weekend.
The title was the first provincial championship for the Burnaby Minor Football Association, now in its sixth year.
"I was really worried about whether or not the boys could play well in this weather. Our team did more than rise to the occasion, slamming down all comers. The boys, their teammates and all of Burnaby should be very proud of them," said Burnaby Spring Flag Director Carmelo Renzullo.
A record number of football players and teams converged on Kelowna's Mission Sports Fields over the weekend, but the u-12 Lions were the class of the field.
Playing as a team, the boys stormed through their competition on day one, winning their games by an average of four touchdowns. Day two saw the sun come out and the boys picked up right where they left off, winning all four games to capture the title. The Lions scored an amazing 229 points while only allowing just 18 against. The team was led by coaches Tony Belmonte, Danny Simone and Dennis Ripoli.
"We're so proud of these boys," said Lions' Belmonte. "Day two was a lot tougher than day one because of the heat and the stiff competition, but the boys never wavered. They played as a team. We're very proud of them." B.J. Clarke was selected as tournament.
Spring flag football is growing in popularity and it has proven to be a significant recruiting tool for the fall tackle program.
"This is a great way to introduce kids to the game and develop their skill levels and confidence before getting them into tackle," said Burnaby minor president Mike Carney.
Registration is now open for fall tackle football. For more information or to register, visit www.burnabyfootball.com.
