Owen Landry is getting ready for the big football stage

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Owen Landry has some big football dreams and is taking a major step in the right direction in the very near future.  

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Landry is preparing to play for Team Ontario’s U16 team heading east to Nova Scotia to play in the Eastern Challenge. Landry is a defensive back and one of 40 football players selected from across the province. Football is a family thing for Landry. 

“At the age of 10 I was inspired by my brother as I watched him play high school football and I practiced with him, he has taught me a lot,” says Landry Then Landry became a North Bay Bulldogs player.  

“In 2021 I joined the Bulldogs tyke team. As I continued to play, I developed a strong passion for the game,” says Landry. “At the age of 13 I joined the OSFL (Ontario Summer Football League) Bulldogs team; by doing this I was able to travel and play against other teams in my league.”  

Then it was off to high school for Landry and the Saint Joseph-Scollard Hall Bears. He has played on both offense and defense. Landry says that knowledge has made him a better all-around player.  

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“My biggest piece of advice to any new players would be to be coachable, to learn the knowledge and wisdom (provided) from your coaches.”  

It’s a big deal to be one of the top 40 players in your age group in a province with the population of Ontario. Of that fact, Owen Landry is very aware.  

“It feels good to be recognized for my hard work showcase my skills, and to complete with and against top players in Canada. It’s an honour to represent my province,” says Landry.  

This opportunity is a big step for Landry, but it is the first step in what he hopes is a very long journey as he hopes to be good enough to play for a major university. For now, it is Team Ontario. 

“It takes a lot of hard work but it’s also a great time. The coaching is top tier, and the team has great comradery,” says Landry. “I’ve learnt a lot of new things that I didn’t know before, and it has developed and expanded my game.  

In the east, competitors from host province Nova Scotia, along with teams from New Brunswick, Quebec, and Ontario will meet at the Under 16 (U16) Eastern Challenge, scheduled for July 16^th – 20^th, 2024 at Oland Stadium in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, with game days on Thursday, July 18 and Sunday, July 21.

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