The London Junior Mustangs’ spring season kicks off later this month and this year promises to be something special. This will be the club’s fifth year of competition, and we feel that we will have legitimate chances at winning in all five of our spring levels in the provincial arena later in the summer.
“Our goal was always to review our program in year five, and we like what we see,” said President Bill Tsioros.
And what’s not to like? The London Junior Mustangs football program has had an unofficial affiliation with the Western Mustangs university team since its inception, but this spring the Jr Mustangs have officially partnered with Western University Athletics and will be changing over their entire program to fall under the direction of the University.
“It has been a fantastic month for us and we have wanted to do this for quite some time,” said Tsioros. “There is a lot of responsibility that comes with donning the most recognized logo in CIS sports, and we do not take that lightly. We represent our city and the Western University when we travel and play provincially, and I feel that we completely understand what that represents.”
The affiliation is natural, as there are already many Western Mustang football players and coaches participating in the London Jr Mustangs football program. For Western football, they’re able to teach at the grassroots level, helping mould the young players, and most importantly grow the sport in the London community. Together, we will be running camps, clinics and football operations that will benefit everyone. This is a work and progress, but nothing but positive things can come from this.
On the field for the spring, the teams will practice and play at TD stadium.
“We want our players, even at the youngest level, to get used to coming up to the University and TD stadium, as its turf fields are considered some of the best in the province,” said Director of Football Jay Kenemy.
Another exciting wrinkle this year is a partnership with Rogers television, and the Junior Varsity and Varsity games will be telecast live. Part of the Rogers package also includes two half-hour pregame shows.
“These will be special, as the early show will do a complete wrap up and highlight package with interviews of the Atom, Peewee, and Bantam games played earlier in the day and then turn the attention to the games coming up,” said Mike Valenza, head of media relations for the London Junior Mustangs.
Come out and support the program this year! Most of the home games will be played on Saturdays. Since beginning in 2011, the Junior Mustangs have won five provincial or league championships. To learn more, visit us online and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Upcoming Home Games
Sat. May 23 vs. Mississauga Warriors
Sun. May 31 vs. Hamilton Ironmen
Sat. June 13 vs. Niagara Spears
Sat. June 27 vs. Brampton Bulldogs
– Story and photos submitted by London Junior Mustangs
