CANORA - “I enjoy watching the girls put aside society's norms and watching them excel where they aren't expected to.”
For Tyrell MacLean, coach of the Yorkton Kinsmen Lady Gridders, hosting a football camp in Canora June 15 outside the Canora Composite School was a positive step in the progression of girls football.
“The purpose of the camp was to promote female football to the area,” said MacLean. “We chose Canora because we feel there are lots of female athletes in the area that would benefit from playing female football.”
The day consisted of a free “Try-it Camp” in the morning, followed up by a showcase of games after lunch. Unfortunately, there were no players involved from Canora.
MacLean said between 45 and 50 female athletes from Grade 5 to 12 participated in the Canora Camp, spending the majority of time working on fundamentals such as kicking, throwing and catching passes, tackling, carrying the ball and so on.
“We had a beautiful day in Canora, the sun was shining and the rain stayed away until we were done.”
The Lady Gridders have nine coaches who joined MacLean and shared their wisdom with the players at the camp.
“They range from parents, to former players to people that live football.”
For the afternoon, games were played involving five teams from Melville, Swan River, Tisdale and Yorkton.
“We played for fun so we didn't keep score,” said MacLean. “The purpose of our day was fun and development.”
MacLean said the Lady Gridders hosted a similar camp in Langenburg earlier this year, and believes there is reason to be optimistic for the future of girls football.
“Female football has been growing in popularity for the past several years. Having minor football teams in the area has had a huge impact on growing the sport. The only league in the area right now is the Prairie Girls Football League.”
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