PROGRAM MISSION

The Golden Bear Selects program was created to help in the on and off field development of youth football players in our province. Players selected to participate in this program will train with the Golden Bear Football staff, player coaches, and Bears CFL alumni from December to March. The young people involved will train, practice, watch film and work through the implementation of offensive and defensive systems. This team will train, study and practice together several weekends over the winter months in preparation for an international tournament in February or March. The team will travel to an American destination and compete against several opponents. This experience will give the young men involved extended time working with a USPORTS staff and will also allow for them to interact with USPORTS student athletes and current CFL players who will serve as coaches and mentors for the program.

Program Philosophy

GOLDEN BEARS SELECTS PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY

Growth- The main focus of the Golden Bear Selects program is for the young men involved to grow both as players and as team mates. Participants will receive football instruction in the classroom through meetings and film study. This will then transfer onto the field where they will be working with Usports and CFL players and coaches.

Service- The program will also focus strongly on service. Coaches serve the players and players serve the coaches and each other. In doing so the young men in this program gain an appreciation for every member of this organization and learn the value of helping others around them become the best they can be.

Excellence- Members of the Golden Bear Football Selects Program will be expected to strive for and achieve excellence. Participants will be coached and mentored by a staff that includes CFL players, Usports All Canadians and coaches who have worked directly with several Usports national award winners. Over the past 5 years Golden Bears Football has produced a Hec Crighton winner, President's Trophy winner, two Russ Jackson award winners and had multiple players attend both CFL and NFL camps.

Program Facilities

NCAA QUALITY TRAINING FACILITIES

Facilities-

Golden Bear Football Selects program is based at Foote Field on the University’s South Campus. Foote Field is part of a massive sports complex committed to high performance sport development in multiple sports including basketball, volleyball, track & field, tennis, rugby, and others. The air supported dome over Foote Field will provide participants an incredible opportunity to practice on a full field for the duration of the program with access to all of the Golden Bear Football Program's on field and filming equipment in addition to our meeting facilities.

The Complete Package for Player Development

DEVELOPING THE COMPLETE PLAYER

High Level Coaching-

The Golden Bear Football Selects staff will consist of Usports coaches, Usports players, CFL players and prominent members of the High School coaching community.

Mental and Leadership Training- Participants in the Golden Bear Selects program will receive in-services in both mental training and leadership skills. Our goal as a program is to have participants gain a strong sense of resilience as well as a good understanding of team dynamics and the importance of strong player leadership on any team

Medical Support-Golden Bear Football Select athletes will receive the same level of training and medical support as members of our team. Certified trainers will be in attendance at all practices and team events.

Strength and Conditioning Support- Members of the Golden Bears Selects program will have the option of signing up for the Golden Bears Selects Strength and Conditioning program. This program will provide detailed programming and instruction to participants.

Pricing Details

PROGRAM COST

Try Out Camp- $150.00

The tryout will involve a three practice mini camp on Foote Field on June 4th and 5th.

*Players selected to be on Football Alberta's U16 and U18 earn an automatic spot in the Selects program but must register and pay the initial deposit by June 30, 2023.

All players selected to participate in the Golden Bear Selects program will be notified by June 15th 2023. Participants will have until June 30 to accept the spot and pay the initial deposit.

Program Costs:

Initial Deposit- $600.00 Paid within 30 days of being selected to participate

Program Start Up- $800.00 Paid before the first practice in December

Pre Tournament Payment- $550.00 Paid before participation in tournaments

*FAMILIES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN TRAVEL AND HOTEL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH TRAVEL TO TOURNAMENTS*

*Payment plans can be arranged and we will compensate parent volunteers who would like to volunteer to perform tasks to help in the running of the program. We will have 5 volunteer spots to fill and the volunteers will cover the final $550 payment.

We will accept families that would like to participate in the program but who would not like to travel to the international tournament.

Program Schedule

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

April to June 1, 2022- Registration for June Tryouts

June 4 & 5 2023- Golden Bear Selects Tryout- Tryouts will be held at Foote Field

December to February 2023- 4-6 Weekend Mini Camps at Foote Field. Each Mini Camp will involve 4 practices that will take place on Saturday and Sunday.

SPECIFIC DATES AND TIMES WILL BE AVAILABE IN MAY 2023.

All practice weekends will involve on and off field activities including film, insertion, leadership training and sessions to help participants understand what needs to be done to develop into a high level player and potentially play Post Secondary level football. There will also be an optional Strength and Conditioning program for participants at an extra cost.

TOURNAMENT DATES ARE TBD BUT SHOULD BE AVAILABLE BY JUNE 2023

TRY OUT REGISTRATION

TRY OUT CAMP REGISTRATION

MAKE SURE TO REGISTER BY APPROPRIATE AGE GROUP...

REGISTRATION LINK