The Sask Selects Football Skills Camp was held in Weyburn on Friday night - with a last-minute change of venue to the Credit Union Spark Centre due to rain soaking the field. Then another camp was held in Estevan on Saturday.
The successful camps, aimed at sharpening skills and boosting coaching know-how in rural communities, were facilitated by former CFL offensive lineman Matt Sheridan.
“In Weyburn, we focused on practice planning and basic injury management. Estevan was more offensive line-heavy, because that’s what coaches asked for.”
He noted the camps were tailored to the specific needs of each community, with a goal of providing coaches with tools they can use to better prepare athletes for the next level, particularly in rural areas where resources may be limited.
“What I enjoy most is helping young athletes build mental toughness, showing them it’s OK to fail, and that failure is the best teacher,” he said. “We want to foster a mindset where they’re not afraid to make mistakes.”
Sheridan said the turnout and engagement made the camps worthwhile, even with the May long weekend and other sports competing for the time slots.
He credited longtime supporters, including Ryan Maloney, Rob Umbach, Pat Ford, and Chris Bayerle for helping the events run smoothly.
“It was great to work with the kids, but also just as important to work with the coaches,” he said. “Better coaches make better players.”
Among the participants was Corbin Barker, a defensive back and safety who attended both the Estevan and Weyburn camps along with seven other players. He said he appreciated the chance to learn from experienced professionals, including those with CFL credentials.
“I liked it ’cause, like, they know what they’re doing,” Barker said. “It’s not just someone that just picked up and wanted to coach.”
Barker, who’s entering his seventh season of football and will suit up for the Estevan Comprehensive School team this year, focused on footwork and position-specific techniques. He said the camps also showed the importance of becoming a well-rounded player.
“You kind of need everything, not just what your position needs,” he said. “You need, like, every position… to learn.”
Though he’s attended other development camps, he said each one contributes to his growth.
“I think you take away certain stuff and improve, even if you don’t really think it does. It kind of does.”
Looking ahead, Barker said he plans to keep honing his skills.
“Maybe just some more footwork and then just toning up the skills, I guess, for next season.”
-with notes from Larissa McEwan.
