Waterloo Region Minor Football: Health & Safety
Athletic Therapy & Athlete Care
At Waterloo Region Minor Football, athlete development extends far beyond what happens between the whistles. Our program is built on helping young athletes grow not only in their sport, but as confident, resilient individuals. The lessons learned through football, such as preparation, awareness, responsibility, and perseverance, are meant to stay with our athletes long after the season ends.
A key part of that development is the support provided by our athletic therapy team. Present at games, practices, and training sessions, these educated and experienced professionals are embedded within each team environment to support athlete health and safety throughout the season.
From sideline injury evaluation to recovery guidance and return-to-play protocols, our athletic trainers play a critical role in ensuring athletes receive proper care and education. Their work helps athletes better understand their bodies, develop responsible habits around training and recovery, and compete with confidence.
The qualifications required to be a therapist with the Jr. Warriors greatly exceed the minimum requirements set by Football Canada.
Check out our article highlighting the importance of a dedicated team of athletic therapists for WRMF here.
Waterloo Region Minor Football 2026 Athletic Therapists Team
Head of Athletic Therapy
Vanessa Armstrong, B.Sc.
Vanessa Armstrong brings extensive experience working across multiple levels of sport, from youth athletics to OUA competition and the Canadian Football League. A graduate of the University of Waterloo with minors in Human Nutrition and Rehabilitation Sciences, and soon to complete her Athletic Therapy degree from Sheridan College, Vanessa is committed to establishing a high standard of knowledge, preparation, and responsible care for developing athletes.
Her leadership helps ensure Waterloo Region Minor Football athletes receive professional guidance in injury prevention, assessment, recovery, and safe return-to-play practices.
U16 AAA ATHLETIC THERAPIST:
Kelsey Fisher
Cade Ferguson
ATHLETIC THERAPIST:
Leah Koolen
Alex Orlenko
Supporting Our Ahtletes
Athlete Care & Communication
This season, every medical incident is assessed immediately and documented through the Jane App, allowing for clear and consistent follow-up communication with athletes and families.
Waterloo Region Minor Football continues to strengthen partnerships with local medical professionals, athletic therapists, and rehabilitation facilities across the region. These collaborations help ensure athletes receive the resources and support needed to maintain long-term health while safely participating in the sport.
For all participating families, please refer to your email for more information on how the Jane App will be used throughout the season.
When in doubt, athletes sit out.
Their health and long-term well-being always come first.
Concussion Protocols
Player safety is a top priority in our program, and concussion awareness remains an important focus in youth sports. Our athletic therapists are trained in the most up-to-date protocols for the recognition, assessment, and monitoring of sports-related concussions.
If a concussion is suspected, the athlete is immediately removed from play and evaluated by a qualified athletic therapist. Communication with coaches, parents, and medical professionals ensures that appropriate care and recovery steps are followed.
Before returning to full participation, the athlete must complete a stepwise return-to-play protocol, progressing through monitored stages of activity during practice. Each stage is carefully supervised by our team of therapists to ensure the athlete remains symptom-free before advancing.
This structured approach prioritizes athlete health while supporting a safe and responsible return to sport.
Return to Play Protocol
There will be a minimum of 24 hours between the last sign or symptom and the start of protocol or progression to the next stage.
Full Return to Play Guidelines
At Waterloo Region Minor Football, athlete care is not an afterthought; it is an integral part of our development philosophy. By embedding trained athletic therapy professionals within our programs, we support athletes in learning to care for their bodies, build resilience, and compete safely throughout their football journey.
Because developing athletes means supporting them beyond the field of play.