The founder of the Eastman Raiders Football Club, Paul Beauchamp, was recognized for his involvement with the club on Saturday as part of Raiders Days.

Beauchamp says it is hard to believe that it is already 25 years since the beginning of the Eastman Raiders. He says looking back over the last 25 years makes you realize how much volunteer work has gone into the club over the years.

Beauchamp says when he moved to La Broquerie in 1986 he traveled to and from Winnipeg to coach a team there.

“I did it for about two years, and then I got a little tired of traveling so I didn't coach for about a year, but I missed it terribly. I decided I'd try to get something going in Steinbach. It was a big enough town at the time, and that is how it got started.”

Beauchamp notes in the beginning it was very tough. He says the first year they had just enough kids to make a peewee team and not quite enough for a minor bantam team.

“I know in the first couple of years the kids that we had were very unique because they were ready to play something that nobody played around here, and they learned a sport. We weren't a very large team so a lot of kids would play both ways, offense and defense.”

He says it is very exciting to see where the club has come since he has left.

“I try to come and watch as many games as I can during the season and every time I come I am amazed. Last year they put up a clock, before that we had just a cardboard thing that somebody would put the score on and now its a clock.”

Beauchamp's advice for the club moving forward is to stay positive.

“If the kids are always having fun we will always have the Raiders club here. Our philosophy was to keep it fun, to do well, and then year to year we would attract more kids. I think it just has to stay fun, but I'd say just keep doing what they have been doing because they have been doing a great job.”

Beauchamp says when he started the Eastman Raiders he did it because he enjoyed the sport, enjoyed coaching, and wanted kids to have fun playing football. He says receiving recognition feels great but that's not what it is all about. He adds he is very proud of the club and where it has come.

“I'd just like to thank the raiders football club for all they did today. It is fantastic. It is good to see everything growing as it is and it is beyond and expectations that I have every had.”

Eastman Raiders Black vs. Winnipeg North Nomads - Atom Division