As the spring season for football is getting set to kick off, Bruce Marlow, head coach of the Columbia Valley Bighorns is working hard to make it a season to remember for both the team and people in the region.

Players are using indoor facilities to prepare for the first game of the year which will be held in Invermere on April 2 against a strong Broncos team from Calgary.

The Bighorns will have 30 players taking part this year. This is the second largest group who have registered for the team in their five year history in the Columbia Valley.

Marlow is thrilled with the work the team has already put in and is confident they will be ready for the kickoff to the season.

As part of a way to make the game safer this year, the Bighorns are working towards using a new type of helmet which should provide even more protections against concussions.

“Safety is the most important thing for us and our players,” Marlow said. The helmets have been certified through years of work in the United States according to the coach.

As a special event for the team this year the Bighorns are aiming to hold a family friendly event on May 19. The team is working with local businesses and other athletes in the valley to have an evening of music at the football field in Invermere.

He also wished to put out a call for any local residents who may have experience in refereeing football. Over the years having qualified referees has been an issue for the team but the hope is to find some people who are willing to get involved.