Page 10 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 130

10 Issue #130 November 2023 www.sportsenergynews.com

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Unbeatable Wildcats: Inside the Triumphs and

Team Spirit of Cornwall Wildcats U12 Team

By Molly Kett allowed 20 points against in two
exhibition games and eight regular
seasons,” said Leonard. “The defence
n the world of youth football, few was built so when we got into bad
Istories shine as brightly as that of weather and Championship games,
the Cornwall Wildcats’ U12 team this we could compete with anyone.
season. With an awe-inspiring 8-0 Additionally, volunteers from the
record, their journey to success has community had a huge impact on the
been nothing short of exceptional. teams’ success.
The Wildcats have clearly “We have many dedicated
dominated the field. But what’s volunteer groups who fundraise,
the secret behind their remarkable register players, sort out equipment
achievements this season? According and do field maintenance just to
to Coach Chris Leonard, the answer name a few tasks,” said Leonard.
is simple. “We can’t overlook the great local
“It takes a village to raise a child. coverage on social media from Sports
I believe this captures it best for the Energy and Emma Houle who helped Photo Submitted
Cornwall Wildcats Football Club,” boost our numbers in registration for
said Leonard. local youth to play football with the I see between players and parents Wildcats’ outstanding performance.
At the heart of the Wildcats’ Wildcats. This year our numbers is special,” said Leonard. “Beating Looking to the future, Coach
success is President Kirby Camplin, were up across the board, and at the longtime rival Cumberland is the Leonard is optimistic, although he
providing cutting-edge technology Mosquito level we had 54 players second. Cumberland is a very good won’t be on the bench next year.
and training to both players and trying out, the highest in NCAFA.” club, usually well represented at all “After 30-plus seasons coaching,
coaches. This culture of shared The Wildcats’ winter and spring levels in the A cup Championships. it’s my last season. I know the club
knowledge is bolstered by guest skills camps have provided the team Cumberland is the measuring stick of will continue to have success,”
coaches like Alex Labonte and with a competitive edge, nurturing NCAFA, so for a small community said Leonard. “Kirby has brought
Mathieu Lapierre, enhancing the young talents, and honing their skills to have teams in the A Cup at Tyke, in many good, enthusiastic young
teams’ skills. Additionally, Alex even before the season begins. These Mosquito, and most likely Pee-Wee, coaches over the years, and you see
Zarifi’s game analysis through camps have been instrumental in says a lot about the strides Cornwall them mixed in amongst the staff at
Hudl software gives the Wildcats shaping the Wildcats’ players into has made.” OSFL and NCAFA learning and
a strategic edge, understanding the stars they’ve become. This season has also seen standout gaining experience.”
opponents in depth. When asked about standout players emerge, including Ronin With its foundation firmly in
This year, an integral force driving moments, Coach Leonard was quick VanGessel, J.T. Nadeau, Logan place, Cornwall Wildcats Football
the Wildcats’ exceptional season to point out two. Arnold, Riley Hamlin, Jesse Jeune Club is poised to continue its legacy
was their defence, supported by “I would say two moments stand Bourassa, Graydon Seymore, and of success, driven by the passion
their Defensive Coordinator, Coach out. One was seeing everyone Jacob Bourgon. Their exceptional of its players, the dedication of its
Charlie Cruickshank. come together during our team skills and determination have coaches, and the unwavering support
“Charlie built a defence that only bonding events, and the closeness undoubtedly contributed to the of its community.