Scholarship Program

The Regina Thunder play in the Prairie Football Conference, which includes teams from all the Prairie Provinces: from Alberta, the Edmonton Huskies, the Edmonton Wildcats and the Calgary Colts; from Manitoba, the Winnipeg Rifles; from Saskatchewan, the Thunder and the Saskatoon Hilltops.

The Thunder .play an eight-game regular-season schedule with four home games at Taylor Field, plus four road game: two trips to Alberta, once each to Saskatoon and Winnipeg. The PFC is a member-conference within the Canadian Junior Football League, which also includes conferences in British Columbia and Ontario. Each year the PFC champion team vies with the champions of the other two conferences to win the Canadian Bowl, emblematic of the national championship in junior football. The PFC has enjoyed tremendous success nationally; Prairie Football Conference teams have won 21 of 31 possible championships since the PFC's creation in 1977.

Regina has a long and distinguished history of junior football, stretching back to 1919. The Thunder are proud to continue this worthy tradition within our city and to offer the opportunity to play junior football to the youth of southern Saskatchewan,

In the brief history of the Regina Thunder, a number of our alumni have already achieved significant accomplishments:

· Jeff Yorga: CFL player, Toronto Argonauts - Stu Foord: CFL player, Saskatchewan Rough Riders · Chris Getzlaf: CFL player, Saskatchewan Rough Riders · Paul Woldu: CFL player, Montreal Alouettes· - Max Ivanoff: All-Canadian offensive lineman · John Makie: All-Canadian quarterback · Jon Krahenbil: All-Canadian defensive back · Brian Smuk: All-Canadian linebacker · Scott Magee: All-Canadian linebacker - Jeff Bolen: All-Canadian Punter - Harle Irwin: All-Canadian Defensive Back

Additionally, of course, a number of Thunder players have been chosen annually to the PFC All-star team.

The fundamental belief of the Thunder coaching staff is that success will be earned through hard work and commitment. Every player on every team "wants" to win: the ones who do win are the ones who are committed to the effort necessary to accomplish the goal. During the season, from approximately August 1st until November 11th, the Thunder practice 5 nights a week.

During the off-season, from January to June, speed, agility and conditioning sessions are regularly scheduled for 2 nights a week, at the Regina Thunder Practice facility. Additionally, semi-monthly (January-April] skill sessions are booked into the indoor "soccer facility," and weekly quarterback/receiver skill sessions are held in a high school gym. The fully equipped weight room at the clubhouse is available for use by the players daily until 10:00 pm, yearlong. Position-specific weight training and running programs are provided to all players to use in the off-season.

- Since the teams inception in 2000, 500 young men have played for the Regina Thunder.

- The Thunder roster includes 62 players.

- To date, 280 players attending post-secondary educational institutions have received $76 000 in direct financial support for successful completed classes and/or courses.

- Over the past 3 years, the team's annual scholarship awards have increased by l00%, and the team is committed to increasing this support further. A good example is that Bayer Crop Science and the Regina Thunder have partnered to provide three $1000 scholarships for players from a rural location.

- The Thunder provides Academic Advisors for University of Regina and SlAST students.

- The Thunder continue to work to find worthwhile employment for players.

· 6500 sq. ft. building, purchased from the City of Regina in 2005
· Individual lockers for 62 players
· Directors' conference room
· Coaches' room
· Equipment room
· Fully-equipped Trainers' room
· 2 hot-and-cold-treatrnent whirlpool tubs
· Sauna
· Fully-equipped weight room, open year-round
· Parking for 500 cars
· Easy access off the Ring Road at Winnipeg St.

COACHES PHILOSOPHY

The Regina Thunder provides young men from Regina and southern Saskatchewan the opportunity to develop lifelong skills, relationships, and pathways to careers through playing football.

Regina Thunder Web Site (www.reginathunder.ca)
The web site provides access to a wealth of information and opportunities:

· Access to NFL pool results
· Listing of and links to team sponsors web sites
-"Thunder Wear" for sale
· Team roster
· Photos: games and special occasions

Fundraising and Other Club Events
· Regina Thunder "Bill Cronin Dinner"
· NFL pool tickets
· Thunder Alumni and Player Awards Night
· Spring camp barbecue