The Victoria Rebels are a Canadian Junior Football team that has been providing fans in Victoria with sports entertainment since 1985. Previously known as the Sharks, Payless and the Hornets, this club has operated continuously since the late 1960’s.
The Rebels play in the BC Football Conference of the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL). In 2003 they were BCFL champions. It’s interesting to note that shortly after this successful season, in the fall of 2004, the teams’ Board of Directors voted to move the team to the City of Nanaimo. This was not a popular decision, to say the least! A special meeting of the Vancouver Island Football Society was called, and the society reversed the vote, replaced the executive and board of directors, and vowed to keep the team in Victoria.
Today the Rebels play out of Bear Mountain Stadium in the western shore community of Langford. This stadium, completed in 2009, is designed to host rugby, football and soccer, and seats 1218, plus temporary seating for a further 900.
The CJFL regular season runs from July to October, culminating in the Canadian Bowl championship, usually played in early November. Players in this league frequently have ambitions to the CFL, and give their best to prove themselves and develop their skills and strength. This results in an intense, exciting atmosphere around these games.
Check out the Victoria Rebels website for more information about the team, schedules, standings and tickets. And of course they have cheerleaders; another amazingly athletic facet of the team!
The Victoria Rebels are also focussed on providing more than thrilling sports entertainment. These young men regularly participate in fundraising activities in support of groups like the Mustard Seed Food Bank and Tim Hortons Camp Day. Athletic prowess and community involvement, the Victoria Rebels are certainly a positive influence, we’re glad they stayed in Victoria!
