The Highwood Mustangs football program continues to take steps towards rebuilding.

Head Coach Bryan Brandford says there's a lot of excitement around the team.

"We're very excited. I think this town and our schools need football. It's the world's greatest sport as far as I'm concerned and we're real excited moving forward."

He says it's tough with no minor football program in High River, but he says the Foothills Eagles are a great stepping stone for local players.

"The Okotoks Eagles are a regional team. There are some kids in High River that do play and Blackie and Cayley. So the push has been to try and get them to try and have that great experience with the Eagles. However if they can't do that they come to Highwood in grade nine and we're willing to start from ground zero with them."

Minor football has taken some knocks lately with reduced numbers and parents worried about the dangers of concussions.

Brandford, says he's keenly aware of those concerns, but he says parents are very supportive of the program.

"The parents are saying they're really excited to have it back. They understand the value of it. We have some great coaches that are highly certified in our school. We have a couple of community coaches that have been certified in safe contact. And so, the feedback from the parents is one of great excitement."

Brandford says, counting grade nine's, they have about 40 kids coming out for twice a week practices this Spring.

He hopes to put together a blue and white exhibition game sometime in June.