2023 SEASON

The 2023 Tackle Football season will begin Aug 1st, 2023 with practices on every Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6-8pm at the Greater Vernon Athletic Park located at the Vernon Okanagan College Campus. During the week of Aug 20th practices will be Monday and Thursday from 6-8pm at the GVAP. No practices on Tuesday Aug 22nd and Wednesday Aug 23nd due to Kalbowl events. During the week of Aug 27th practices will be Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6-8pm at the GVAP. Starting September practices will go back to Tuesday and Thursday from 6-8pm and Saturday Mornings all at the GVAP, with games on Sundays.

During the Tackle season (Summer-Fall) we will play teams from throughout the Okanagan Valley including Kelowna, West Kelowna, Kamloops, and Salmon Arm.  Together, these clubs comprise the Southern Interior Football Conference of the BC Community Football Association.

Games will begin in early September and run into late October or early November and may require travel between Vernon, Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Kamloops.

NOTE: Players will need to travel to the above noted cities for games on Sundays.

Tackle Football at the minor league level in the Southern Interior Football Conference is almost identical to that played by the pros; with the exception that we play with 9-person rules.  All of the football equipment for the Tackle Program is made available on loan to each player at the start of the season.

GO TO REGISTRATION PAGE

Tackle Football Programs are available to all players (boys & girls) ages 8 – 13. Teams are based on age groups, as follows:

Atoms
8-9 years
Pee-Wee
10-11 years
Junior Bantam
12-13 years

Age is determined at the time of Registration; however, at the Atom level, players must turn 8 by December 31 of each season.

PLAYSMART

  • All VDMFA Coaches are fully trained and certified in accordance with Football Canada’s guidelines which results in smart practices, smart game play and smart tackling.
  • Accreditations include; NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program), Safe Contact Certification as well as additional educational and coaching programs.
  • Education and awareness are key to VDMFA coaches, medical personnel, volunteers and families.

PLAYSAFE

  • Technology and research has improved football and made it a safe sport. Advancements in engineering and design of football equipment specifically geared towards players safety ensures a safe playing environment.
  • VDMFA provides athletes with approved equipment to protect them at game time as well as at every practice.
  • Rule changes have been designed and implemented to improve players health and safety.
  • Trained medical personnel are at every practice as well as games to help support players safety and we abide by Football Canada’s strict concussion protocols in the event of any type of head contact.

PLAYFOOTBALL

  • VDMFA prides itself on building community, teamwork, cooperation and respect, we are committed to building community athletes and leaders.
  • Football is a safe, affordable sport providing kids with a variety of skills & abilities to be a part of a team.
  • The health benefits gained from playing football range from cardiovascular endurance, agility, hand eye coordination and creating life long bonds with fellow teammates.
  • Football provides kids with life skills, character and a sense of belonging.