Former Bears football player Ethan Galliford is preparing to play at the Alberta Border Bowls on the Young Stars team this year.
This is his second year playing for the Alberta Border Bowls and he is excited to go again.
Galliford will head into his fourth season of football on the Lions team next year.
Galliford, 12 years old, is preparing for his dream of playing college or university football and hopes to make it to the NFL or CFL one day.
All of this is achievable with the Alberta Border Bowls being run by scouts.
To prepare Galliford shows great determination and focus while focusing on gaining strength.
“He does insanity every morning, goes for a run every evening and he eats healthy,” said his mother Tanya Dixon.
She said he is sure to eat large portions of fruits, vegetables and protein.
When playing on the Young Stars team, Galliford will practice for one weekend in Lacombe and then play one game.
He hopes to win the game as last year his team lost.
During his time playing for the Bears last year Galliford said he developed foundational skills such as perseverance.
During the Bear’s last game of the season, Galliford broke his femur. The break was due to an illegal hit from an opposing player that hit the side of his knee.
He sat out for a few minutes but headed back into the game even though he was in pain.
“We didn’t know it was broken at the time, he just sat out for a few minutes and then finished the game,” Dixon said. “He played in pain. He’s very determined.”
Playing for the Alberta Border Bowls Galliford said he learns how to interact with other teammates from all over Alberta.
Dixon said her son is very respectful and going to the Alberta Border Bowls will only add to the skills he already has.
The team’s players will further develop their skills and learn further respect for the sport, school, work, their parents and the teammates.
Other than winning the game, Galliford hopes to make new friends as his mother said he made quite a few friends last year.
“He really likes going and making new friends, new teammates - he wants to go and have fun,” Dixon said.
She added she views her son as a strong focused kid who perseveres through anything.
“He tries to be a good leader and he shows that both on and off the field and even at home,” she said. “He is very respectful, he takes everything seriously and is an all around great kid.”
Galliford and his team can be watched online at www.vbvsports.com on May 28.
reporter@sylvanlakenews.com