The Kincardine Football Association has crossed its fundraising goal line thanks to a generous contribution from the local legion.
The group aiming to bring high school football back to KDSS this fall received $20,000 from the Royal Canadian Legion MacDonald Branch 183, as part of the most recent Catch the Ace proceeds.
Otis Dolan, one of the association's directors, says it gives them a solid foundation moving forward.
"This 100 per cent solidifies everything," he said. "We had planned on starting this fall and we've been making preparations for that, but there was still some money to be raised. This donation, not only does it ensure that we're going to have everything we need for this fall, but it's going to ensure we are going to be successful for years to come."
KFA was one of three beneficiaries of Branch 183's most recent Catch the Ace.
After winner Rosanne Roy took home over $120,000, the Legion put the proceeds back into the community, something Dolan was grateful for.
"Our Legion here in Kincardine is absolutely amazing. They raise so much money and then they give it back to the community," he said. "They just drew the ace a few weeks ago and immediately, it's twenty grand to us, twenty grand to Drop-In at The Bridge and $16,000 to the Scottish Pipe Band. I cannot say enough good things about our Legion."
Dolan also said thanks all of those who take part in the Catch the Ace draw, as those funds directly support Kincardine groups.
Getting kids who have never played football out to try the sport is the next challenge, Dolan says their early sessions have been a success.
"We've had our first indoor sessions, we're going to finish our last one this Saturday. For a brand new team that's never practiced or played a game, we've had pretty good numbers. The calibre of players that have come out, especially there attitude, has been amazing, so things are looking really, really good."
Dates for training camp this summer haven't been finalized, as they're still looking at how early they can reasonably start given kids schedules.
But Dolan says anyone even remotely interested should give it a try.
"To you kids, come on out. Even if you are unsure if you are a football player, we'll be the judge of if you're a player or not," he said. "There's so many benefits to playing high school football and you get so much out of it if you put the effort in."
Those looking to learn more can visit the KFA website.