Ten Canadian finalists, from the 100 individuals nominated across the country, were named by the NFL in Toronto for the Home Depot NFL Youth Coach of the Year Award last week. Of the 10 finalists for the title three were from Saskatchewan, including John Svenson from the Melville Comprehensive School, Patrick Barry from Mount Royal Collegiate and local youth football coach Jason Farrell, head coach of the Yorkton Peewee Gridders.
The award, currently in its 12th year, is designed to "recognize community or high school level coaches across Canada who share a passion for football and dedicate themselves to the development of young players both on and off the field."
Farrell, who was nominated by the mother of one of his players, Michelle Haber-stock, has coached the Peewee Gridders for two seasons. Prior to taking over the Gridders, he was a volunteer with the Yorkton Minor Football (YMF) spring league.
The Yorkton Peewee Gridders joined the Regina Football league in the fall of 2009. Playing against teams with much more experience, the team saw some disheartening losses and underwent a very steep learning curve. "Through it all," wrote Haberstock, "coach Farrell and his wonderful coaching staff were always positive and encouraging. Our boys were learning the game and also learning that commitment, respect and a positive attitude were equally important."
After a disappointing inaugural season the Peewee Gridders with eight returning veterans were back again in the fall of 2010. The eight returning youngsters provided the experience and leadership to lead the team to a fourth place finish out of 15 teams in the league.
As well as playing on the football field at Mosaic Stadium, home of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the Gridders managed to host the first home playoff game in any division since 1993. "The success our boys experienced had everything to do with the coaching they received," Haberstock adds.
"Jason is passionate about creating a climate of football in our community," she concludes.
Farrell admits to being a little taken aback by the announcement. "You don't do this to get any awards or anything. In fact, I become quite uncomfortable when people talk about it," he states.
He says he's happy to know he's having a positive impact on the youngsters he coaches. Receiving an award is really beside the point, he suggests. "The reward I get is everyday at practice when you see what you're doing with these kids," he declares.
Drawn into the YMF program as an assistant coach in the spring football league, Farrell was urged to take up coaching the Peewee Gridders in the Regina Football League by Roby Sharpe, president of YMF.
On learning of Farrell's nomination, Sharpe says he's excited and proud for him, but he's not surprised because he knows Farrell does an awesome job with the kids. A former nominee for the same award, Sharpe says being short listed for a national award of this nature is huge for the coach, community and the local football program.
Farrell says the team's success in only its second season was a combination of kids' commitment, coaching and the support of the parents. Returning veteran players and coaches provided the experience needed to start out on a positive note, he recalls.
In addition to the coach's award, his team will receive $5,000 of new football equipment. The winning coach will also receive a $1,000 gift card from Home Depot for football related renovation projects. As well two runners up will receive $2,000 in equipment and a $500 Home Depot gift card.
Currently Farrell is in the process of putting together a public campaign to fund the construction of a club house at Kinsmen Century Field. He sees some of the winnings possibly directed to providing seed money for the campaign.
"There were a couple of times early in the season that I asked myself whether I really needed to be out here. It usually took about five minutes of being out on the field with those kids to remind myself of why I do it," Farrell closes.
