Kevin Dergez, Manager of Parts with our Dawson International Trucks Centres location in Kamloops, is trying to bring football back to Valleyview Secondary.
Currently, only Westsyde Secondary School and South Kamloops Secondary School offer football programs at the junior varsity and varsity level. Dergez is lead the fundraising drive this winter to bring football to the Vikes. The Vikes last had a football program in 2018.
“There aren’t a lot of football opportunities for kids in Kamloops. Football gave me so many life skills – friendship, comradery, accountability, problem solving and teamwork, to name a few – I’d hate for our kids to miss out on those opportunities,” said Dergez.
The appetite for football is there. Dergez already has nearly 30 student-athletes registered for fall season at the junior varsity level. He also has a lot of interest from parents and different alumni from the Kamloops’ football community to help with coaching and running the program. One of the major hurdles facing Dergez is funding. He needs to raise $50,000 (equipment, insurance and other maintenance costs) in order to support two teams for their first two years in the program.
“It’s a lot of work and we are off to a good start, but we could certainly use some help from our community,” said Dergez.
Along with seeking business sponsorships, you can contribute to the Vikes football fund by returning your recyclables to General Grants Battle Street Location and donating to the Valleyview Vikes Football Account, donate items for a silent auction at the school December 7, or make a donation to VSS Football. Donations can be cash or cheque and any donation over $25 is eligible for a charitable donation receipt. Please drop off donations at Valleyview Secondary.
“Right now, if you want to play football in Kamloops and you aren’t at Westsyde or South Kam, you need to transfer schools,” said Dergez.
Raised in Prince George, Dergez played both sides of the ball, as a running back and a defensive back, where he reached provincial finals and attended the Senior Bowl among future college standouts. He grabbed a clipboard five years ago when son his became of age for flag football. He’s been working the sidelines ever since.
Dergez wants to build a program with Valleyview. Starting with junior varsity next fall, he wants to evolve to include a varsity program the following year, as kids ascend through the school. Ideally, he would like the foundation of the program to be in place to support the teams for the next five to 10 years.
“If anyone wants to get involved to support this program in anyway, we would welcome them with open arms. There is a void in our community that we can hopefully fill with some hard work and help from around town,” said Dergez.
If you are interested in supporting Dergez’s fundraising campaign, you are encouraged to reach out to him via email: kdergez@dawsontruckcentres.com.