MASSENA -- The Seaway Valley Venom are getting ready for their 2017 Empire Football League season and are looking to solidify their roster with more local talent.

“At the moment we have 21 players signed to legitimate league contracts and our goal is to have 40-50 players signed this upcoming season. Last season, we had 28 players at most suited up for games and we feel like that number will be better now that people see that this team has a good foundation,” said team owner Elijah Winfrey.

Practices for this year’s squad begin on Jan. 12 at the St. Lawrence Centre mall, from 6 to 8 p.m. After that, practices will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m.

In January and February, players will spend an hour each practice working with MMA coach Sheldon Cole to get their bodies in shape and an hour in the classroom learning what the venom will be doing this season.

“We are really excited about the partnership we have with Sheldon Cole. I feel like our guys will have the necessary push to do what they need to this season,” Winfrey said.

There are fees to play for the team:

• $225.00 if one has no equipment and need to use the Venom’s team equipment for the season

• $150 if one has a helmet, shoulder pads and pants

• $100 for returning players from last season.

Dues are broken down into payments.

Players need to be age 18 or older.

“We are looking for players at all positions. We want guys who will be committed, willing to learn, and self motivated. Our league is one of the toughest in New York State so we need guys who will bring their A-game each and every week,” Winfrey said in the release.

On the administrative side, the Venom have hired a new president, Tammy Arquitte of Brasher Falls, new vice president, Jeff Arquitte of Brahser Falls and a new general manager, Charlotte McDonald of Akwesasne.

On the coaching staff, the Venom have hired Jojo Lazore of Akwesasne as the head coach, Caleb Cardinell of Canton as offensive coordinator, Kyle Martens of Potsdam as defensive coordinator and Steve Hazelton Jr. of Potsdam as the assistant line coach.

“We really took the time this off-season to find people who were truly qualified for their positions. In Years past the focus had been on making it through our seasons and now that we have established ourselves we can focus on making sure the on field product is something people can take pride in,” Winfrey said in a prepared statement.

More info: www.Facebook.com/Seawayvalleyvenom, www.Seawayvalleyvenomfootball.weebly.com or call Winfrey at (315)296-6407