YORKTON - Yorkton Minor Football was back before Yorkton Council Feb. 10, again asking if the city can help provide what the organization says is a much needed additional practice field.
It was not the organization’s first time before Council making the request.
It was in October 2021 Yorkton Minor Football was last at a regular meeting of Council seeking an additional field to play on, and that visit followed a request made at an appearance in 2019, looking for a field approximately160 yards by 65 yards near Century Field to alleviate wear and tear on the main field.
“I know we’ve talked about this project a few times,” said minor football spokesperson Roby Sharpe Feb. 10. “. . . It feels frustrating that nothing’s happening.”
Sharpe said the problem has become more serious as numbers of youth involved in the organization’s various programs has grown.
A letter circulated to council noted, with the introduction of flag football programs for both youth and adults, registrations now exceed 300 athletes.
“Obviously Yorkton Minor Football has grown and been very successful the last 25-years,” said Sharpe.
At present the organization uses school division field.
“However, due to our growing numbers and the limited daylight during our season, we are well past the point where additional green space is urgently needed,” detailed the letter.
“We have no room. We’re just busting at the seams,” said Sharpe. “. . . We need help. . . We need a field.”
As far back as 2019, it was suggested the Lions Ball Diamond by the Kinsmen Arena could be converted to a combined space allowing use by baseball, football and lacrosse, and Sharpe again pointed to the current ball diamond as an option – one he noted was close to the football’s clubhouse with its bathrooms, change rooms and gear storage which would all be close at hand.
Sharpe said the current baseball field appears to get limited usage at present, and the baseball and football season don’t really overlap either.
The request was ultimately referred to city administration to look into options the city might take.
