The Martensville Maddogs football organization just appointed a new president in Som Houmphanh.
Outgoing president, Janine Hayward had the title since the organization formed 15 years ago and according to Houmphanh, she said it was finally time for her to retire from that role.
Houmphanh has been involved with the organization as a coach for five years and he said it has been a natural transition to the president role.
The Maddogs program has evolved throughout the years where it has continued to teach youth the necessary skills so they can be successful at the high school level, which then may lead to playing football in college or university.
“We’re becoming a program known for developing star athletes, and getting the kids engaged and invested in the sport,” said Houmphanh.
Houmphanh credits the volunteer coaches in guiding the youth and helping them not only to become better players, but also become better individuals.
Houmphanh said he likes what the organization has done in the past in developing players, but one thing he wants to implement is to have specialty coaches such has strength and conditioning and track coach, to work with the athletes on developing their speed and agility.
“I find having a track coach working alongside the football program goes hand-in-hand, especially with the way the sport is in today’s world, where that speed kills,” he said. “So if you have a bunch of athletes who also have speed you’re really going to have that one leg up on your competitors.”
What Houmphanh wants to continue to see the Maddogs football program do is still provide that opportunity for every player to get some reps on the field and contribute to the team during a game.
“It doesn’t matter what their skill level is at, we can always coach the skill. It just gives the kids the opportunity to play and learn the game the proper way,” he said.
The president role involves commitment and dedication and Houmphanh definitely has his work cut out for him, taking on that role in the midst of a pandemic where it makes planning a lot more difficult. He said it is challenging operating the club while adhering to the health protocols and restrictions.
Houmphanh was a coach last year when the football season was altered because of COVID-19, so he has a sense of what the football season can look like in the midst of the pandemic.
“Going through last season was a challenge, so if we have a similar situation this year, it’ll be an easier adjustment,” he said. “Because we are a volunteer group of parents and organizers, the difficulty is finding the coaching staff.”
The Maddogs organization usually has teams that compete in the Saskatoon Minor Football’s (SMF) spring flag and six-a-side leagues, and registration is open for those respective leagues.
Game-play for all sports is still suspended but Houmphanh said they are hoping that they will be able to play football, as both leagues usually commence in May.
Even with the uncertainty of there being a spring football season, Houmphanh is excited to at least get some training sessions going once all the snow is melted.
“It’s just about getting them out and getting them back in a social environment with teammates and practicing. So, it doesn’t hurt to get out on the field and actually get some reps in,” he said.
Houmphanh also mentioned that it is important to gets some reps in before the scheduled start of the spring season so they understand the proper tackling techniques.