The local Regina Minor Football (RMF) affiliate peewee team is recruiting kids from the Broadview and Grenfell area to play in the upcoming 2012 season.
Grenfell Argos Head Coach Jeremy Hodgins has toured schools throughout the region, encouraging elementary boys and girls to get involved in the game.
Last year was the first season for the regional peewee team and while they didn’t fair too well in the standings, Coach Hodgins said the success and progression of the team was “phenomenal.”
“For me, it was the most fun I’ve ever had coaching because of what we accomplished,” said the seven-year veteran coach. “Wins and loses don’t mean everything. It’s more reflective on the kids and the parents and how much effort they put into it and how much enjoyment they had. Overall it was a very successful season.”
Hodgins first assembled the Grenfell Argos in 2011, after realizing the lack of opportunity for younger kids to learn the game. He says the peewee division is more of a beginner’s league and allows players to participate in football in a semi-competitive environment which allows for growth and development of skills and confidence.
“Last year not one of the kids we had, had ever played football. They don’t need any experience, we’ll teach them everything,” he said. “The biggest goal is to have fun and to make it a team atmosphere where they enjoy coming to practise and to games. It’s a very disciplined sport and a very physical sport, but at the same time it’s one of the best team building sports. You can have kids that don’t get along at school but you put them on the same team and all of a sudden they’re building a friendship.”
Hodgins says interest in the league has grown and hopes through school presentations that more kids will get involved and pass the information and enthusiasm on to their parents. He acknowledges it is a time commitment for parents as well, but says it’s a great opportunity for the young kids to gain exposure before high school football leagues recruit.
“Football is so much more than just a sport. It’s easy to get your kid involved in because Saskatchewan has become football crazy over the last 10 years,” he said. “I enjoy it so much because you can have a kid come on Day One who’s never even watched football and by the end of the season he’ll be your best player.”
RMF peewee division is a 12-man, 12 to13 year old league. Hodgins says he will accept 10 and 11 year old kids, but they must be 13 and under as of Oct. 31, 2012. Players must not exceed the maximum weight limit of 135 pounds for safety regulations.
“We already have a pretty good start in the sense that we have about 18 kids that played last year, so providing everyone comes back we still need to find another 15 kids at least,” said Hodgins. “I won’t turn anyone away unless we get too many kids which I don’t foresee. If they’re signed up and they’re prepared to work and enjoy it than we’ll never cut anybody.”
The Grenfell Argos season will begin the first week of August with a training camp and will play their first game in mid-August. The season will extend until mid-October depending on the team’s standings. The Grenfell Argos practise three times per week in Grenfell and play one game per week in Regina. Players must be registered by June 1. The fee for RMF is $210, which includes the cost of insurance and supply of helmets, game jerseys and shoulder pads. Players must only provide their cleats and bottom pants.
For registration or for more information contact Hodgins at 306-533-1214 or email jlh2640@hotmail.com.
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