There are the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the Huskies, Rams, Hilltops, high school football and now, growing more popular in the province is minor football. The Battlefords are preparing for their second season of minor football, which will become an instant feeder system for the local high school teams and beyond.
Last season, Battlefords Minor Football began a six-a-side tackle football program aimed at players in Grades 7 and 8 in the Battlefords and surrounding communities.
Mike Humenny, a coach with the North Battleford Comprehensive High School senior Vikings team, along with others with football experience are looking forward to the new season and a new crop of young football players.
In the inaugural year of Battlefords Minor Football, 40 players participated, practising twice a week and playing scrimmages against Prince Albert, Meadow Lake and Rosetown.
"The league is dedicated to the development of fundamental football skills and positive citizenship amongst the participants," says Humenny, who added the players quickly developed the key fundamental football skills while experiencing a variety of positions throughout the season and being introduced to the sport for the first time.
The 2012 Battlefords Minor Football season is quickly approaching and the main challenge for BMF will be to purchase enough tackle football equipment.
"This equipment would set the basis for youth tackle football in the Battlefords and put our community on par with other communities in the province with established minor football leagues," says Humenny.
BMF will be asking for financial support from businesses and organizations within the Battlefords to purchase equipment for the players. Anyone interested in either registration information or donating to the program is encouraged to contact Humenny at 445-6787.
Registration for the 2012 BMF season will be held in mid-March and equipment will be handed out in late April. The season will begin in early May and continue until the end of June with practices being held Monday and Wednesday evenings.
