Local youth Marshall Delorme (15) and Andrew Kehler (13) have always enjoyed playing football and for the past three years they have each been playing out of Estevan where they have excelled. Now both have been chosen for the South Saskatchewan Selects team out of Moose Jaw.
The Selects have been developed to take on an international tournament in San Antonio, Texas, between Feb. 19 and Feb. 24.
With practices every weekend the teams of 27 players each are sure to come together by February.
Delorme has been chosen for the 16U team, while Kehler will be playing for a second year with the 13U team.
Delorme has played on the defensive line, offensive line, as well as playing full back and line back explaining he likes positions with the challenge of standing up to tough opponents.
When asked about his favourite part of the sport, Delorme responded with, "The contact, and that it's a really good team sport that gets everybody involved." Which Kehler agreed with.
Having played with the Bantam team in Estevan previously, he was awarded Most Valuable Player this past season. He will now be moving onto the Selects team where he feels up to the challenge. In addition to playing with the Selects, Delorme is going to be playing with the Estevan Elecs next year as the youngest player on the team, which is another great accomplishment.
Having taken on the first practice with the Selects, Delorme is interested to see how he will improve throughout this challenge.
"It was good," Delorme explained of the practice. "It was tough, hard."
Delorme initially decided to try out for the Selects as a new experience.
"I thought it would be a good experience and maybe even a chance to get scouted," Delorme stated.
The opportunity on the Selects is great for both youth, as Kehler explained having played last year with them as well.
"I was on it last year and it was a great experience," Kehler stated.
The coaching and atmosphere was something that helped Kehler develop as an athlete. A positive experience, the young player was excited to attend the Selects tryouts again.
Having played in Estevan for three seasons as quarterback he is very aware of being on the field. With the Selects he has played as a full back/wide receiver and simply loves to be a part of the game.
Kehler shows potential in the sport, not only having been chosen for the South Saskatchewan Selects, but was awarded Rookie of the Year with the Bantam Steelers this past year.
Challenging and exciting, the sport of football appeals to both youth who are excited for their opportunities as they continue. Hoping to pursue football into the future both, Delorme and Kehler are excited to see how their time on the field will go.
