CUT KNIFE – A former member of the Unity Composite High School Warrior football team has impressed the coaches with Saskatchewan Selects and has been chosen to join the varsity team.
De La Rey Els, who is originally from South Africa, grew up playing rugby. When he and his family moved to Canada, the young student found football was a natural alternative for him and was drawn to the physical contact of the sport. He joined the UCHS Warriors football team as a Grade 9 rookie where his size and strength were an advantage over many of his peers.
“He was fearless, even as a rookie, and willing to take on much older players in drills and game situations. When Del informed me he was going to North Battleford for Grade 12, I was disappointed in losing him, but I was confident he would excel at the 12-man game,” said UCHS Warrior coach Kyle Clark.
While playing for the Warriors, Clark said Els was one of the team’s most important linemen, playing on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.
“Del will always be remembered for some of the big hits and big blocks he would make in games. He has the build and mindset to be a very effective interior linemen, a position that doesn’t exist in 6-man football,” added Clark.
Els applied for the two-day tryout camp and was accepted to attend. He will have the opportunity to travel and play in a multitude of countries throughout Europe and the United States.
“I feel like this opportunity could get me noticed by college scouts, allowing me to play a higher level of football,” said the teen.
With his main position being defensive tackle, he has also gained experience playing centre, defensive end and full back. While his time playing 6-man football in Unity was beneficial in building up his speed and explosiveness, the time he spent with the coaches from Sask U16 and U18 improved his development playing 12-man, and helped him learn what needed to be worked on from year to year.
“My physicality increased more than it’s ever been due to playing against bigger and stronger players. I also received more position specific coaching,” said Els.
As the Sask Selects varsity football team starts practicing, Els is ready to hit the field when games start in February 2025.
“I’m excited to measure myself against the best players at this level and to have the opportunity to show everyone my work ethic and skills,” he said.
The Saskatchewan Selects team was founded by Zeljko and Deb Stefanovic in 2011 with a 12U team. They had 33 Saskatchewan players train over the winter months and competed in the International Pigskin Football Tournament in San Antonio, Tex. While there have been some notable players who got their start with the varsity team such as newly drafted Calgary Stampeder, Jackson Sombach and retired Roughrider Nicholas Dheilly, Stefanovic said the program is not just about football.
“We become a part of these boys’ lives, and our goal is to see them succeed in life. If they continue to play through university and college while obtaining an education, we are proud of them,” said Stefanovic.
For Els, the values of the Selects team also align with him and his family.
“My family is 100 per cent behind me and has sacrificed a lot to give me this opportunity, which I am so appreciative of. Coming from a family that has a high level of sportsmanship, I know self-discipline is crucial for my success,” said Els.
“When I heard Del was selected for the varsity team, I was not surprised. With his determination and physical skills, I am confident he will excel at that level. We are extremely proud of his achievements and wish him all the best on his football journey,” said coach Clark.
Els’ dream is to play professional football, but until then, he will finish his Grade 12 year to graduate this spring. He plans to study either sports physiotherapy or take up an offer with John Deere in the technical field while hopefully playing football for his post-secondary school.
