WINNIPEG – The North Winnipeg Nomads Football Club is expanding their football program. The Nomads will field a team in the Manitoba Major Junior Football League next season after a one-year hiatus.
The Nomads had a team in the MMJFL up until the 2015 season, but didn’t have a coaching staff to play last season. They have now brought over head coach Aaron Taylor from the East Side Eagles to re-enter the league for the 2016 season.
“There’s so many kids out there not playing football that should be.” said Nomads president Nathan Yamron.
Before folding the team the Nomads won the MMJFL championship in 2008 and again in 2009. The move to re-establish a major junior team will allow players to play with the Nomads after they turn 18.
“Major football is very important to us.” Yamron said.
“We want to give back to the kids that played here for all years. We want them to come back, experience the Nomad burger, experience football Friday night lights. That’s what we want. Huge for us, absolutely huge.”
After 41 years in existence the MMJFL will only be a five team league in 2016 with the Fort Garry Lions and the East Side Eagles not expected to field teams this season. The Eagles were the 2015 champions.
WATCH: Nomads President Nathan Yamron talks about re-entering the MMJFL
The Nomads held an open house on Sunday in their facility at Charlie Krupp stadium. The club is looking to grow their base after having close to 200 registered players last season. It was an opportunity for would be players to try on a football helmet for the first time or test out their training equipment.
WATCH: North Winnipeg Nomads Open House
The Nomads had nine different team competing last season from the crunchers level (7 & 8-years-old) through bantam (14-years-old), as well as two girls teams. The status of the Nomads midget team will depend on the number of players who register.
The MMJFL season typically begins at the start of August.