One football star from Yorkton will be taking his talent down south in January to compete against some of the best young athletes in Canada, the United States and Japan.
David Neumeier, a grade ten student at Yorkton Regional High School, was selected for the U17 Team Saskatchewan football team. He is an offensive player who stood out at both the high school level and provincial level this past season.
The team is comprised of players from previous provincial teams. Over the summer, Neumeier played on the Saskatchewan U16 team, making him eligible to be chosen for this team heading to Texas. The team will be heading to Arlington to compete in the International Bowl.
“I thought they’d just be picking players from the Regina area,” said Neumeier when asked about how it felt to make the team. “I was blown away, it was crazy.”
He found out from his parents, who got an email with the exciting news about their son’s success.
Opportunity
There are some high-ranking coaches and scouts who will be around the games, and Neumeier said that’s something he’s thought about.
“It’s going to be a great learning experience,” he said.
Although he is only in grade ten, Neumeier said that playing football after high school is something he wants to do.
“I want to play for as long as I can,” he said.
Roby Sharpe, the head coach of the YRHS senior football team, said the International Bowl is a great opportunity for players.
“It’s different. Don’t forget that they play American football, so they’ll be going down there and playing four downs,” he said. “It’s a good opportunity for him to learn and get out of his comfort zone a little bit.”
Neumeier said he wasn’t too concerned about the difference in play.
“I’ve played with those rules once before, so it shouldn’t be anything too dramatic to get used to,” said Neumeier. “A little bit of a change, but not too bad.”
Sharpe also said that Neumeier is a great, all around athlete.
“He’s only in grade ten and he’s got some great potential,” he said. “He’s a big, strong kid and he’s got good speed. And he’s smart, coachable – all the things you want. That’s what these guys are looking for when they’re picking the team.”
“We’re pretty proud of him,” said Sharpe.
Teams from Alberta and Ontario will also be attending the tournament.
The team will leave Saskatchewan on Jan. 10. Games do not start until Jan. 16, but Neumeier said all practicing and training will be done in those few days between arriving and playing.
