Mustangs bantam team wins provincials at IGF

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This article was published 21/11/2016 (3330 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The St. Vital Mustangs bantam football team knows what it’s like to go a whole season unbeaten.

The southeast Winnipeg-based Manitoba Minor Football Association (MMFA) team captured its provincial championship by beating the East Side Eagles 68-33 at Investors Group Field on Nov. 6. The team was undefeated in 11 games this year (through eight regular-season and three playoff games), and recorded a total of 643 points for and 84 points against.  

Head coach Al Hanslip said there were several reasons for the team’s success, not least the fact this was the third provincial championship in a row for eight or nine of the core players who have played together for the last three years and had previously won two peewee titles. As well, this is the third bantam championship in a row for the Mustangs.

“This is very strong program,” said Hanslip, who has been associated with football in either a playing or coaching capacity — on and off — for the best part of 40 years.

He said that consistency has been one of the key components in developing winning habits and evolving an all-round culture of success.

“The Mustangs have been around for a number of years and there are some great coaches in place here developing young players. Everyone is dedicated to working hard to achieve success. The commitment from the board level down is amazing and we have the support of a phenomenal group of coaches, parents and volunteers. Everyone has the best interests of the players at heart and we make sure the proper tools and resources are in place,” Hanslip said.

The Whyte Ridge resident added that the focus is also on developing skills and abilities that will serve the players when they move into adulthood and throughout their lives.

“It’s not just about football, as it’s also about life experience and things like leadership and communication skills,” he said.   

 
Go online at mustangsfootball.ca to learn more about the Mustangs.

simon.fuller@canstarnews.com

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