The Cornerstone Credit Union football night in Saskatchewan was held on Saturday night. It was Yorkton’s 11th annual football night, which has become the major fundraiser for Yorkton Minor Football (YMF).
People poured into St. Mary’s Cultural Centre to witness this year’s guest speakers Dan Farthing (four seasons with University of Saskatchewan football team, 11 seasons with Saskatchewan Roughriders, inducted into Riders Plaza of Honor in 2009) and keynote speaker Paul LaPolice (14 seasons as a CFL coach, 2007 Grey Cup Champion with Roughriders, offensive coordinator and receivers coach with Winnipeg Blue Bombers).
Although the event itself is more for adults, it’s all about the kids.
“We obviously try to keep minor football as inexpensive as possible for the kids, so this night it all goes towards the operating costs of Yorkton Minor Football,” said YMF president Roby Sharpe.
“We always say if a kid doesn’t have the money to play, we’ll find the money. We just want kids playing football, and playing sports in Yorkton in general,” he added.
Sharpe said they’re grateful for the guest speakers who come to Yorkton for the event every year, and this year is no different.
“These guys (LaPolice and Farthing) are such good-hearted guys,” said Sharpe, explaining that they never really pay their speakers. “They just come out of the goodness of their heart to promote football.”
LaPolice said anytime he has the opportunity to talk football and promote the CFL in front of people who care, it’s a good thing.
“I think one of the reasons the CFL is so special is because kids from these towns go on to play, and kids in high school say ‘I went to high school with that guy’” said LaPolice.
Farthing explained how important and beneficial football programs in smaller centers are.
“Sport has a tremendous potential to create a positive impact on people’s lives and I think that happens not only in the rural centers but also in the urban ones,” he said.
“I think there’s great opportunity for rural people to develop their skills and get better at their sport, until they can move right in to the larger centers and compete.”
Both LaPolice and Farthing said their advice to players from places like Yorkton who want to continue their football career is simple: stick with it.
“Enjoy the process you’re in, in playing youth football. Worry about doing that well but most importantly, be a good student,” offered LaPolice. He said a solid education will always help you in the long run.
Farthing also said it’s important to stay involved.
“And I think they should never ever underestimate themselves just because they’re not from a large center,” added Farthing. He explained that the talent level becomes diluted in places like Regina and Saskatoon. In centers like this, it’s more concentrated.
He also added that the situation here might be better, with a higher ratio of coaches to athletes.
The night was another successful one for Yorkton Minor Football, and the money will all go toward another great year of football in the community.
Sharpe said as always, he’s thankful for the community’s support.
“Whenever we’re looking for anything, the community always steps forward,” said Sharpe. “It’s just unbelievable.”
