There will be a new addition to the family of Yorkton Minor Football Association effective this summer when its newest team takes to the field in late August, says Roby Sharpe, president, Yorkton Minor Football.
"Obviously, it's something we always wanted to do," he stated in a phone interview over the weekend.
"We started with that Kinsmen spring league. The next logical step was the Atom league."
In a letter released less then a week ago, the YMFA details plans to unveil a team of Atom-aged players who will be competing this summer both in Yorkton and on the road in Regina, it reads.
"Yorkton Minor Football is proud to announce that we have added a (new) team to the Regina Minor Football League in the Atom division. The new head coach will be Dennis Nesseth," explains Shawna Boyda, manager of the new team.
"He's a teacher. He's a great guy," explained Sharpe of the new coach.
Two seasons ago, the YMFA expanded into the Pee Wee category as the Pee Wee Gridders played their first-ever season under the guidance of head coach Jason Farrell. The team was made up of players no older then 13-years-of-age by Hallowe'en night of that football season.
Sharpe, Boyda and Nesseth are currently in the process of looking for players to join the team.
"It's a great activity for the kids," says Nesseth, adding that game days will likely fall on the best day of the week.
"Saturday games I would think, would garner a lot of people. There should be a lot of support."
Age requirements state they must be between the ages of 9-11 as of Oct. 31, 2011.
The letter also details a weight requirement of no more then 110lbs as of the first game of the season.
"We need at least 30 kids to sign up," adds Sharpe, before adding that for kids so young, they need specially-designed, proper-fitting helmets.
To get ready for the season, Boyda and Nesseth are looking to hold practices three times per week to go over the basics of football and the season itself will likely include one game per week, either here in Yorkton, or possibly on the road in Regina.
The letter from the YMFA states that there is a registration fee of $100 to participate on the team for the course of the season. YMFA is also asking that a deposit of $50 be made in order to guarantee a roster spot. The deposit is due on or before May 11. Cheques should be made payable to Yorkton Minor Football.
Registration forms can be dropped of at Yorkdale Central Elementary School care of Jason Boyda, or at the Yorkton Regional High School, care of Roby Sharpe
