WEYBURN – In a tribute to a local legend, Weyburn city council unanimously voted to rename the Weyburn Minor Football Field to Brent Allin Field during its regular meeting on Aug. 11.
The decision came after the Weyburn Minor Football Association submitted an application highlighting Allin’s decades of dedication to the sport and the community.
“Brent [had] a huge impact on Weyburn Minor Football as a parent, as a coach, as a board member, and just a builder of our facility and our association,” Ryan Maloney, president of Weyburn Minor Football, told council, adding that Allin helped shape the growth and strategic direction of the association.
City councillors echoed that sentiment, with Coun. Laura Morrisette saying Allin “inspired volunteering in this community.”
Coun. John Corrigan said Allin’s contributions extended beyond football.
“They can’t obviously be named here because it would take too long to recognize those contributions he has made to our community.”
Allin’s nomination detailed his tireless volunteer work with Weyburn Minor Football over the past two decades, where he served in multiple roles: broadcaster, coach, board member, builder, construction supervisor and mentor. His efforts were instrumental in the development of the new Weyburn Minor Football Field, which opened in September 2017.
The facility, primarily used by Weyburn Minor Football, was first proposed to the city in 2010. The association has since funded and maintained key infrastructure, including field lighting, stands, washrooms, buildings, fences and irrigation.
The city’s Naming Advisory Committee reviewed the application and recommended approval with two conditions: Brent Allin Field must be used in all facility-related print materials and programming advertisements, and Weyburn Minor Football must cover the costs connected to the modification, replacement, relocation or reproduction of any signs.
According to his obituary, Allin died in November 2024 at age 59. Born in Moose Jaw in 1965, he lived with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease but demonstrated remarkable resilience, inspiring those around him. Known for his outgoing personality, curiosity, compassion and conversational skills, he formed lasting connections across the community.
In his youth, Allin was active in Cubs, intramural sports, music and student council. He developed a passion for electronics, becoming the sound technician for the high school rock band Stryder and contributing to school productions and telethons.
Professionally, Allin worked in community television with Weyburn’s local station and Access Communications, advocating for public programming that highlighted local events, politics and interviews. He also volunteered with the Access Communications Children’s Fund, supporting at-risk youth. His dedication earned him numerous accolades, including the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association’s Junior Citizen of the Year (1982), the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce Golden Spike Award (2016) and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (2022).
Forced into early retirement due to his illness, Allin devoted more time to volunteering, sports and his beloved dogs, Diefenbaker and The Pug.
