Practices have begun this week for a new season of minor football in Estevan.
Estevan's teams, the atom Sherritt Coal Miners and peewee Century 21 Chargers, are preparing to begin their seasons later this month.
There is no bantam Steelers team this year due to an extreme lack of registrations. The other teams are also smaller than they would prefer, with the Miners sitting at about 27 players and the Chargers having about 23.
"I wouldn't be too surprised at the last minute if we have some people showing up at the first practice," said second-year Miners head coach Wanda Harron.
"It wouldn't surprise me in the least to get 30. Of course, you want as many kids to show up as possible, but it is what it is. It's no secret we've had trouble winning, so I think that probably turns away a lot of kids and maybe more so parents."
The Miners had their first practice last night at Chow Field and will be practicing on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 6:30 p.m.
Paul Duncan is coaching the Chargers this year.
The Miners have about 15 players back from last year's squad.
"We went 1-5 last year. I'd say of those five losses, we were easily in three of those games. We were so close. Hopefully those kids who were around last year, who saw how close we were, will know what it takes," said Harron.
She said the most important thing to help the team improve will be getting better at blocking. It's something that plagued the team for much of last year.
"Defensively last year, we were so strong. The tackling was there and everything, it was just blocking. I don't know as coaches how much more we can do. The coaches here are getting so experienced. Some of us have been going to coaching clinics since 2008. I'm just unsure what we're missing to get us over that next hump. We're getting there, because there were atom and peewee teams below Estevan (in the standings)," Harron said.
"We've got kids coming back this year, where (two years ago) they were getting blown away. I think the kids saw how close we were every game. I just don't know how you can drill it into kids that you've gotta maintain your block."
Blocking was also a problem on the offensive side of the ball.
"Football is a team sport. You've gotta get it across to them that it's not a collection of individuals. If someone is missing their block, it doesn't matter how good of a running back or quarterback you have.
"Hindsight is 20-20 regarding what happened last year. Maybe we challenged some of these kids - newcomers to football - too much on the offence regarding blocking schemes. I'm not sure.Maybe, especially at the start of the season, we should simplify things this year and try and work with a smaller number of plays and get those as good as possible before we throw more at them.But I do know for sure that achieving better blocking is what I want to see most from the Miners this season."
Kevin Mortenson is returning as the Miners' defensive co-ordinator, while former head coach Evan Helfrick will be the offensive co-ordinator. Other coaches include James Trobert, Lonnie Rooks, Carter Davenport, Mazen Borhot and Tyler Knibbs. The managers are Tammy Neff and Trish Meshke.
Harron said any other parents who want to help out as coaches are welcome.
