CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON!! Airdrie's football programs are celebrating historic achievements. Earlier this month, the Airdrie Storm PeeWee and Airdrie Raiders Bantam football teams captured their respective Division One City Championships. While the PeeWee Storm secured their second consecutive title, the Bantam Raiders made history with their first-ever Division One championship. The PeeWee Storm triumphed over the Calgary Stampeders with a commanding 52-7 victory, while the Bantam Raiders narrowly defeated the South Calgary Colts 47-46 in a thrilling game. "With many of our players returning from last year’s Division One title, the win didn’t feel as overwhelming as it might have been," explained PeeWee head coach Tyrell Rohl. "For us, it’s about sticking to the playbook and executing—our kids have developed strong habits that help them stay focused." Coach Rohl also credited the team's success to strong youth development, especially at the Atom level. "We work with kids as young as 8, 9, and 10. By the time they're 11 or 12, they’re not just learning the plays—they’re already well-developed athletes who can execute the game plan," he added. Looking to the future, Rohl is optimistic about the growth of Airdrie’s football programs. "With the returning players from this year's championship teams and a strong influx of young talent, we hope to continue competing for Division One titles." While the PeeWee team continued its dominance, the Bantam Raiders made history with their 47-46 victory, marking their first-ever Division One title. "That game was one of the best football games I’ve ever seen," said Rohl, praising the Raiders' effort. Raiders head coach Steve Kemp reflected on the hard-fought game, describing it as a back-and-forth battle with moments of intense pressure. "There was a moment where they could have quit, but they just kept working. Their attitude never changed," said Kemp. "When we got back within one touchdown, you could see the momentum swing." This victory is particularly significant for Airdrie’s football community, as it marks the first time the Raiders have captured the Division One title in the team’s history. "This is huge. It’s something Airdrie has never done," Kemp emphasized. "It’s the first Division One win despite the team's long history since 1995." The Raiders’ success is also a testament to the growing momentum behind football in Airdrie. "We’ve gone from having only 15 kids on the team to now fielding two full rosters," said Kemp, highlighting the program's growth. "The kids are having fun and learning, and we strive to maintain that positive environment." The win also highlights Airdrie's successful developmental pipeline, with many current Bantam players being part of last year’s PeeWee championship team. "For us, it's about building something special," said Kemp. "The kids are setting the foundation for future success." Airdrie's growing football scene is supported by programs like the NFL Flag League and Extreme Flag Football, which introduce children to the sport at a young age. "These programs give kids the confidence to try to tackle football when they're older and take the worry away from parents," Rohl explained. With more than 60 players expected in the Atom program and increasing numbers at the Bantam level, the future of Airdrie football looks bright. The strength of Airdrie's football program, bolstered by community support and excellent coaching, promises continued growth for the sport in the city. As Airdrie’s football scene continues to thrive, this historic win is a testament to the dedication of the players, coaches, and the community behind the sport. Written by Anna Ferensowicz from Discover Airdrie Tuesday, Nov 12 2024, 8:00 AM