Guelph, Ont. (July 28, 2014) - The University of Guelph Department of Athletics announced a new multi-year partnership between Gryphon Athletics and the Guelph Minor Football Association (GMFA).
"Supporting the hundreds of young football players in our community is exciting for our Department and Football team," said Tom Kendall, Director of Athletics. "Helping to grow minor football in Guelph by investing in the youth and coaches in our community is important to us."
The 5-year agreement focuses on building a strong football community in the city of Guelph. Starting this summer, all GMFA teams will proudly be wearing the colours and logo of the Gryphon men's and women's varsity teams. A total of 17 teams and over 375 Junior Gryphons will be sporting the traditional red, black and gold this season.
As part of the partnership, Gryphon Athletics will also show its commitment by helping develop the Junior Gryphons program through coaching programs and skills clinics. The focus will be on football development and promoting football education with coaching opportunities, programs and workshops to be planned with varsity coaches and GMFA coaches. Gryphon football student-athletes will also participate in Junior Gryphon practices on various occasions.
Other highlights in the partnership agreement are:
· All GMFA Member players will receive admission to any Gryphon Varsity Sporting event
· All GMFA Member players will receive a discount off any Gryphon summer camp program
· All GMFA Member players will receive preferred pricing for select Gryphon apparel
· GMFA will have access to Gryphon Athletics Fields and game-day equipment
"Guelph Minor Football is excited about the partnership with the University of Guelph, not only will it give our association more exposure but greater access to resources that will help develop our coaches and players. Our players and coaches are proud to be wearing the Gryphon as it connects them to a well respected sporting icon in our community," said GMFA President, Tina Turner.
"We have always supported local community football and this is another wonderful opportunity for us," said Gryphon football head coach Stu Lang. "We have great football facilities at the University and we want to use them to train potential future recruits. As proof of our commitment several of our players are coaching the Junior and Varsity Gryphon football teams this summer. Our Gryphon football team will only be as good as we make minor football."
