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SUSSEX - On June 5-6, Saint Mary's Huskies University football head coach and three of the players gave a football clinic to Sussex and area players.

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Saint Mary’s University head football coach Steve Sumarah speaks to Sussex players in the recent clinic. Another twoday clinic is slated for July 5-6 featuring former Ottawa Junior Rough Riders coach Pat Parent.

More than 65 players ranging in age from 11-18 took part. Saint Mary's head coach Steve Sumarah and the other SMU coaches had the group moving in unison through various conditioning drills. The coaches stressed the drills were for conditioning, stretching and to be done together as part of a team-building tool.

"Their unique approach combined hard work and a lot of fun," Sussex Football Association president Susan Ans said.

"In the huddle at the end of the clinic, Steve and the SMU players shared their passion for football with our players. They spoke of how hard they train, the discipline required to go to university and maintain good grades and play football.

"Football has created opportunities they would not have had," Ans added. "They work hard, have fun and say it's all worth the joy and satisfaction they get from the game."

"Football is the greatest team game in the world," Sumarah said. "Everyone has to be on the same page at all times. This starts from trust, hard work, dedication and commitment to the sport.

"From what I saw in Sussex this past weekend, this is a community that is going to a football power in the near future," he added. "They have the community support, dedicated coaches and a group of players with a passion for the game.

"As a recruiter, I will be watching the growth and development of football in Sussex for years to come."

The clinic was made possible because of funds from a J.D. Irving mulch sale. Other sponsors included Amsterdam Inn, Scotia Bank, Sussex Source for Sports, Ironwood, Sobeys and Superstore, Sussex Middle School and McCullum farms.

The next clinic is July 5-6. It is a free, non-contact skills clinic at the Sussex Middle School for all kids who just want to "try it out." New players are welcome in the peewee, bantam and high school levels.

The clinic features Pat Parent, who coached for Ottawa Junior Rough Riders, Mount Allison University, Team NB, Saint John Long Horns, Simonds High School and others. The peewees and bantams hit the turf July 5 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) while bantams and high schoolers take part July 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Players may register at Sussex Source for Sports.