Summer Cadet Kitted Camps

The first ever cadet kitted camp held in the UK started Tuesday , 10th July at the Inverness Blitz Academy of American Football.  The day was due to start at 11 am but all players participating in the event showed their dedication and enthusiasm by showing up half an hour early to check over their helmets and shoulder pads.The participants were so excited that they could not wait to learn the new skills and techniques that were on offer.The players were quickly briefed by coaches and then were shown a 15 minute safety video .

The players and coaches then took the field where the coaches put the players through their paces with a tough warm-up . Coach Bull then quoted it is fantastic to see so many young people playing the game with such a great attitude. There was then a series of tackling drills which the players picked up quickly the coaches felt gradually building  up the tackling and contact was the best vway to develop a sound base of fundamentals.  After the tackle drills Scott Macdonald one of the participants and a player for the Buccaneers said "I think the camp is brilliant and it is going really well".

There was then a lunchbreak for the players to recuperate before the afternoon session.  During the break participant Kevin Macrae said "I think it is good that they are giving us a chance to play kitted at our age and I am grateful for this opportunity".  Following the lunch break the players reviewed film footage from the morning which gave the coaches a second chance to correct tackle techniques. 

Then the practice resumed with the same respectful behaviour from the players, listening to the coaches without question. Tackling technique was reviewed followed by the coaches installing a new defensive coverage. The players were then put into a scrimmage game situation.

Blitz Development Officer, Coach R Paulin, commented, "It is fantastic that these players can get the chance to progress their skills in Tackle Football at this young age so they are better prepered when it comes to participating competitivly in games."  He went on to say, "I would like to take this opportunity to commend the players on their attitude and effort today and hope that they will continue in this manner for the rest of the camps!"

Inverness Blitz held its second 3 day cadet kitted camp of the summer running from 24/7-26/7. With a few players away on summer holidays there were however still many players returning for their chance of getting a second  try of kitted football and along with several new faces the numbers attending increased. The weather this time round was not as kind but the heavy rain showers did not put anyone off with everyone returning to complete the whole camp.  MVP from the camp was Andrew Skinner and player showing most improvement and potential was Gavin Cameron.

Tuesday the 7th of August was the beginning of the 3rd and final of the Inverness Blitz Cadet Kitted Camps of  2007. There were some new faces mixed with familier participants, with 4  players have being to both previous camps which shows there commitment and enthusiasm towards the sport. After a cold morning the afternoon heated up when the players took part in the Oklahoma drill which fired the players up so they were ready for team. After Practice was over Mark Thompson said " it was hardworking fun and I enjoyed it a lot".  Day 2 and 3 are set to be more intense with the camp ending in a mini tournament.