To raise funds for the upcoming Alberta Football League (AFL) season, the Airdrie Irish men’s football team will host a fundraiser April 27 at the Tap and Vine.
The event, which kicks off at 7 p.m., will include live music from rock band Krank'd and a 50/50 raffle.
“It’s basically a fundraiser to meet the team,” said receiver James Balsdon. “Tickets are $20 and you get a beer and a burger for the ticket purchase.”
Tickets for the event can be purchased in advance through emailing Balsdon at ballz_hotmail.com
Having been working out and training indoors since the late winter, the Irish’s players are itching to get on the gridiron, and have some high expectations for the upcoming season.
This year will see an increased AFL schedule due to the Lloydminster Vandals disbanding and the St. Albert Stars relocating to Cold Lake. Instead of playing eight times a season, teams will each play 10 regular-season fixtures – five at home and five on the road.
“This year, it’s actually the most games we’ve ever had,” Balsdon said. “It’s fun to play teams two times. You get to know some of the other players and get a couple rivalries going with the teams.”
After a disappointing 2018, the team hopes to have a strong showing this season. While Airdrie made the AFL post-season for the first time in 2017, the team was unable to recreate those results in 2018. The Irish finished in sixth place, just outside the playoffs, with a 3-5 record.
“It was kind of a low year,” Balsdon admitted. “Guys weren’t having fun, some guys were injured and stuff like that.”
A lack of commitment from players was a major contributor to the team’s on-field struggles, according to Balsdon. He said when the team travelled to Llodyminster, the team fielded just 13 players, meaning there was only one substitute on the bench.
This season, he added, that shouldn’t be an issue.
“There are a ton of new players this year, which is nice,” Balsdon said, adding a cohort from the defunct St. Alberta Stars will boost the teams’ numbers. “We’ve kind of stripped everything down and rebuilt everything for this year.
“When you add depth and a little more skill in each position, your team is going to get better.”
This season will also see improved conditions for Irish fans. Balsdon said the team plans to add a beer gardens and concession stand for home games at Ed Eggerer Athletic Park, with popcorn, hot dogs and other snacks available for purchase.
“[Having a beer gardens] is huge, because people like to have a beverage while they’re watching football,” Balsdon said. “We’re looking forward to getting the community out and being involved in it.”
The Irish kicks off the 2019 season on the road May 25, against the Cold Lake Fighter Jets. The team’s home opener will be June 1 against the Calgary Wolfpack. As of April 23, start times were yet to be posted. For more information, visit aflfootball.ca
