Jordan Card, left, and Jesse Redden are the coach and manager, respectively, of the Avon View Avalanche football team. The couple are raising funds to ensure new gear is available for players. Photo by Carole Morris-UnderhillArticle contentAfter a few challenging seasons, Avon View High School’s football team is rebuilding.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentBut the biggest hurdle isn’t buy-in from the young athletes – it’s the steep costs associated with outfitting the players.Article contentArticle contentCoach Jordan Card and his partner, Jesse Redden, who is the team manager, have been organizing fundraisers to help offset the high price of new equipment. Their latest fundraiser, a community fun day on July 26 at Victoria Park in Windsor, brought them a little closer to their goal.Article contentArticle contentRedden said they raised more than $1,600.Article content“I think that the main thing that we would like for the community to know is that we are a growing program. We understand that we’re not the greatest out there, but we are trying,” Redden said as children frolicked on nearby inflatable play structures and teens tossed a football around.Article content Oliver Morton and his older sister Meah Morton had a blast playing inside one of the water inflatables set up at the Avon View football fundraiser in Windsor July 26. Photo by Carole Morris-UnderhillArticle content“We are trying to rebuild what we once had, and all of these kids that represent this team love it. They love the sport; they love the relationships that they have built,” she added.Article contentRedden said pre-Covid, the football team was on an upward trajectory, but it’s been challenging since.Article content“These last few years, we have had our fair share of ups and downs,” she said.Article contentArticle content“Years ago, we were quite steady, and then after COVID hit, we went downhill, we lost everything that we had number-wise.”Article content Five-year-old Edie Lillington, of Falmouth, was all smiles when she visited Victoria Park in Windsor July 26. The Avon View Avalanche football team was holding a fundraiser that featured several inflatable fun activities for children. Photo by Carole Morris-UnderhillArticle contentArticle contentOne setback is not having a minor football program within West Hants that could help bolster interest in the sport and feed the team. While some athletes will attend the Valley Bulldogs program, not all kids can afford to participate.Article content“For the kids that live in Windsor, they may not have the opportunity to travel to the valley to do their training,” she said.Article content“Right now, our main goal is to build this program back up to where it once was,” she continued.Article content“We want to give every kid the opportunity to play the sport, to build those relationships. That’s what we strive for together.”Article contentA set of shoulder pads can cost upwards of $300. When outfitting a team of 30 to 40 players, that expense adds up quickly.Article content“As everyone knows, everything’s crazy expensive now,” Card said.
Windsor football team rebuilding after challenging post-covid seasons
