KMFL Winter Training Camp Kicks Off with a Strong Focus on Development

Kingston Minor Football League was excited to officially kick off Week 1 of its Winter Training Camp, welcoming athletes ages 9–13 for the first session of this 10-week recreational development program. The opening week set the tone for what Winter Camp is all about: learning, confidence-building, and long-term athlete development in a safe, supportive environment.

With a session structure designed to prioritize movement, skill development, and understanding the game, athletes were introduced to key foundations that will be built upon throughout the winter.

Preparing the Body: Warm-Up and Movement Foundations

Week 1 began on the turf with a structured warm-up led by Coach Arthur. This portion of the session focused on muscle and joint activation, static and dynamic stretching, and proper movement preparation to support injury prevention and safe participation.

Later in the session, athletes took part in strength and conditioning work centered on movement foundations, including balance, body control, and proper form using bodyweight-only exercises. All conditioning activities were closely supervised, age-appropriate, and adaptable for athletes of all ability levels—reinforcing safe habits that support both football and multi-sport development.

Individual Position Training

Athletes then met with their position specialist coaches, where they reviewed expectations for their position groups and began learning fundamental movement patterns and core skills specific to their roles. This introduction helped establish clear communication, consistency, and confidence moving forward into future weeks of camp.

Cooling Down and Recovery Habits

Before transitioning off the turf, the session included a structured cool down focused on light movement, stretching, joint protection, and recovery. Teaching recovery habits at this stage is a key part of helping young athletes understand how to care for their bodies as they grow and develop.

Ending with Learning: Introduction to Film Analysis

The session concluded with an introduction to game film and how it can be used as a learning tool rather than a critique. Athletes learned what game film is, why teams use it, and how to watch football with purpose.

Through guided, discussion-based film sessions, athletes began developing comfort in talking about what they saw on screen—learning to identify where they are on the field, understand basic responsibilities, and recognize that effort and improvement matter more than perfection. This foundational approach will continue throughout the program, helping athletes become confident, thoughtful players who understand the game.

Why Winter Camp Matters

Winter Camp is built around one core belief: young athletes learn best when development comes before competition. For athletes aged 9–13, research-backed Long-Term Athlete Development principles show that focusing on skill acquisition, movement literacy, positive reinforcement, and gradual progression leads to better long-term outcomes.

Every component of Winter Camp is designed to support confidence, safety, and enjoyment—helping athletes develop not only as football players, but as strong, capable movers and teammates.

Our Commitment to Families and Athletes

KMFL remains committed to putting athlete well-being first, teaching the game the right way, and creating a positive, inclusive football environment. Winter Camp is a recreational, development-focused program that supports athletes of all experience levels while preparing them for future opportunities—without rushing the process.

Week 1 was a strong and exciting start, and we look forward to continuing to build strong football foundations throughout the winter.

We’re thrilled to have athletes back on the turf and excited for what the rest of Winter Camp will bring.