If all goes as hoped it will be the girls turn to shine on the gridiron in Yorkton.
The minor football program has grown substantially in recent years, and there have been a few girls getting into the action, but work is underway to launch the Lady Gridders football team this fall.
The team initially will encompass girls ranging from Grade 7 to Grade 12, said the team鈥檚 coach Tyrell MacLean, who added he hopes that will be split into at least two teams once the program gets established.
The idea to launch a team actually came from MacLean鈥檚 daughter Caelen, age 13.
鈥淚t鈥檚 not really an initiative province wide. It started with Melville and Moosomin this spring,鈥� he explained. 鈥淢y daughter played in Melville this spring and came home one day and said we have to do this next spring.鈥�
But two or three weeks later Caelen upped the time table by suggesting the team get going this fall. Instead of nearly a year to get a program going, MacLean had only a few months.
The Yorkton team will be one of four playing in the area this fall, Melville, Moosomin and a new program in Regina the others.
鈥淲e have four games lined up, two home, and two away,鈥� said MacLean.
MacLean said he is hopeful the program proves popular, adding it has in Melville and Moosomin.
鈥淭hey had close to 30 (girls) on each of those teams,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he way we look at it if Melville can get those numbers no reason we can鈥檛.鈥�
The team will play full contact, nine-man football.
The cost for the program will be reasonable with players responsible for their own girdle and cleats and Yorkton Minor Football providing gear at a rental cost.
The first game is set for Sept. 9, and MacLean said the team is starting to shape up.
鈥淲e鈥檙e getting close. I鈥檇 like to get close to 30, but we are close to the minimum numbers,鈥� said MacLean.
To bolster interest they will be offering a free camp over a week, starting Aug. 11.
鈥淲e want to get the girls out, no equipment, no commitment,鈥� said MacLean, adding it will be a chance to introduce football to new players, 鈥渁nd hopefully we can use that as a stepping stone to who鈥檚 playing where.鈥�
So far, while some parents are asking about the physical nature of football, many have also said, 鈥渢his is an amazing opportunity for these girls.鈥�
The first home game will be Sept. 9, and then Sept. 29. The 9th game the Lady Gridders will be part of football day which will see Mighty Mites, Atoms, Pee Wees and Bantams all playing games.
鈥淚t will be awesome,鈥� said MacLean.
Anyone interested in playing, or volunteering with the Lady Gridders can call the coach at 621-5728, or email [email protected]
