Four Brampton Bears junior players to participate in Argos rookie camp

The Toronto Argonauts Football Club is pleased to welcome four members of the newly-established junior football team the Brampton Bears to its 2010 Rookie Camp.

Commented Ian Smith, President of the Brampton Minor Football Association, “Brampton Minor Football is proud to announce the newest team into the Ontario Football Conference the Brampton Bears. The Bears were in the OFC early in the 1970s and are thrilled to be rebuilding a strong relationship with the Toronto Argonauts that develops young men into CFL players.”

Toronto Argonauts Head Coach Jim Barker remarked, “We at the Toronto Argonauts are committed to help grow minor football in any way we can. I’m excited about what the Brampton Minor Football Association is creating and want to help the Brampton Bears get re-established. Having these players in our camp helps them grow their skills while gaining valuable experience. As well, it provides us with the opportunity to develop a feeder system and learn more about some strong, local players.”

The four Brampton Bears who will participate in the Toronto Argonauts’ Rookie Camp, which begins on June 2, are:

DB Kurt Thompson, a Maltese-Canadian born in Mississauga, started playing football at the age of 16 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel High School in Mississauga. As a multi-sport athlete in high school, Kurt earned MVP honours in both football as a four year starter as well as track and field as a sprinter. A two year career with the Mississauga Warriors led to an undefeated season and a Provincial Championship in 2007. Kurt trains out of the Empire Fitness Gym in Toronto under owner Christopher Reed.

LB Matt Di Paola, a Mississauga native, started playing football at the young age of 12 for the Renegades Peewee team, and continued to pursue his passion at his high school of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. In his grade 12 season, Matt played both Defensive End and Tight End, leading the school in receptions. He still holds the record at his high school for most receptions by a Tight End. A three year journey with the Mississauga Warriors led to an undefeated season along with a Provincial Championship in 2007. Matt trains out of the Empire Fitness Gym in Toronto under owner Christopher Reed.

Defensive End Patrick Ross is a long-time Brampton resident who started playing in the Brampton Minor Football system. At 6’2” and 250 lbs., Patrick possesses the unique combination of size and athletism which allowed him to be a OVFL All-Star in 2006.

Yunell Clayton is a 6’4”, 195 lb. receiver who played at North Park High School in Brampton. In 2007, Yunell led the OVFL in all-purpose yards as a receiver and special teams returner. Yunell went on to play 2 years at Bishops University returning to play for the Bears in 2009.

The Brampton Bears’ home games will be played at St. Marcellinus High School in Mississauga with its first game on August 7, 2010 vs. the Burlington Braves. For more information, please visit www.bramptonbears.com.