YORKTON - Football fans in Yorkton are in for a treat as the Regina Thunder and Winnipeg Rifles will play a pre-season exhibition game in the city Aug. 6.
“It’s an opportunity to showcase our local talent in a CJFL preseason game right here at home,” offered Jason Boyda, one of the local organizers.
And the game will certainly feature local talent as wide receiver Garion Miller #24, running back/receiver Jaxon Boyda #28, defensive lineman Keane Szabo #48, linebacker Kenten Effa #52, Josh Kidd #58 and Reece McCormick #91 are all on the Regina roster.
The game is also an opportunity for the next generation of Yorkton players to see opportunities exist beyond high school ball in the city, said Jason Boyda.
“It allows our local players to watch a game up close with the goal one day to possibly play with the Regina Thunder or another program in the CJFL,” he said.
While not the reason the game was arranged for the city, it does dovetail nicely with one of the long term goals of local football enthusiasts, that is to have a CJFL team based here.
“That is a goal of ours to have a junior team here,” said Darcy Zaharia, who said the game will give local fans a good taste of what the league is all about.
“Obviously we’ll get exposure from it.”
Zaharia said the process toward a junior franchise is just beginning, and there are hurdles to clear, but added if successful it will give more area football players a chance to play at another level.
The game is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Century Field. Youth in Yorkton Minor Football will have free admission to the game, with regular tickets $10.
There will be tailgating at the Kinsmen Arena from 12:30 p.m to 2:45 p.m. prior to the game.
