By Ethan Ready

PG Kodiaks Football

Vanderhoof’s Kameron Shoesmith makes history as first commit to Kodiaks

Feb 1, 2022 | 5:30 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Born in Houston, raised in Vanderhoof, and now in Prince George, Kameron Shoesmith has made history as the first committed player for the Prince George Kodiaks, ahead of their inaugural season set to kick off this summer.

Hailing from Northern BC, the receiver knows first-hand the grind it’s been to get noticed.

“A lot of those guys, they ask you where you’re from. And you go I’m from Vanderhoof. They go ‘well, where’s that,’ Shoesmith said, discussing what it’s been like discussing his hometown when at some of the top football camps in the country. “It’s really good now that we have all of these programs in the North, because we have so many good players, so many good coaches, and we can compete with the kids from down South. There’s the misconception that just because we’re from the North, we can’t play football. That’s not true.”

Starting his football career in Grade 7, Shoesmith grew to compete for Team BC, All Canada Bowl, Top Prospects, CFC Combines, ultimately opening the door for the next step of his career in Prince George with the Kodiaks. He also competed in high school for the Nechako Valley Secondary School Vikings. He had originally committed to play for the Vancouver Island Raiders of the BCFC, but will now stick around home and play for essentially his home team.

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“I think it was the decision because it’s closer to home,” said Shoesmith. “There are kids that I coach and when I grow up I want to see those kids go play through the same route. I want to see them play for our team at home.”

Shoesmith mentioned what it’s been like for local football players leaving their communities just to further their playing careers. But now, with the Prince George Kodiaks, local players can stay home and compete for their hometown team.

“I think the most important thing to remember is it’s not just about football, we’re family. New guys coming in, they’re family. Guys who have come and gone, they’re family. For fans, we’re not going to disappoint this year. We’re here to have fun and we’re here to win.”

The first batch of local commits for the Kodiaks are set to be announced over the next few weeks leading up to Letter of Intent Day on Feb. 15.