Airdrie high school football player receives invite to prestigious Indigenous bowl

One big game left on Keilan Thompson's schedule Keilan Thompson has been selected to play in the 2024 Indigenous Bowl at the Soboba Reservation, an hour outside Palm Springs.

Keilan Thompson is a Grade 12 student at Bert Church High School in Airdrie.

The 17-year-old is also a really good football player.

Even though his high school season came to an end at the end of October, Thompson has one more big game on the schedule.

He has been selected to play in the 2024 Indigenous bowl at the Soboba Reservation, an hour outside of Palm Springs, Calif.

Thompson says he's excited for the opportunity.

"I didn't really react at first, because it was just so unbelievable to say the least," he said.

"It's an amazing opportunity and I'm really excited to be (in California) right now."

Only Canadian to receive an invite

The Indigenous Bowl brings together the best senior Indigenous football players in North America.

Thompson plays safety with Bert Church, and he's the only Canadian to receive an invite.

"I think it's going to be amazing to show what Canada is all about," he said. "Also, being a Canadian, I hope to stand out and represent it really well."

Amazing opportunity

The Indigenous Bowl will be played on Saturday, but there's many other things Thompson will also get to experience.

His Dad Jeremy is in California with him, and says it's going to be an amazing opportunity for his son.

"They've really taken in the whole bowl concept," he said.

"It's three days of practice and training  and they're also bringing in financial advisors for U.S. schools. There's college recruiters that are going to attend, and they also get some time to meet some ex-NFL players who are to come in and speak to the group."

Bright future

Keilan says he wants to make the most of this opportunity and he wants to make football a big part of his future.

"I'd certainly like to play at the next level," he said.

"I'd like to go to university – that's my number one goal – but obviously my number two goal is playing somewhere next year and to be playing effectively."