Twenty-eight students in grades 5 to 7 at the Kamsack Comprehensive Institute are participating in the school’s peewee football program.
The Spartan peewee football team began practices during the last week of April, said Tyler Lorenzo, the coach. The team consists of seven Grade 5 students, 14 Grade 6 students and seven Grade 7 students.
The teams consist of a grades 5 and 6 squad and a Grade 7 squad, Lorenzo said. Some of the Grade 6 athletes have been moved up to the Grade 7 team to make the numbers even.
Practices are held Tuesday through Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
“We are a pretty young team but I still have high expectations due to the talent we have this year,” he said.
“We only play teams from Canora and Yorkton this year which is unfortunate. Some teams from other school divisions had to drop out of the league due to decreased funding and budgets or lack of commitment.
“We play home games against Canora and Yorkton on May 25 at 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.,” he said. “We will also be having a barbecue fundraiser to help support the purchase of new helmets and equipment.
“I hope people from the Kamsack area who do not have students involved can come out and support our team. I would love to showcase the talent that our athletes have.
“With teams folding due to lack of commitment, it is important for people to come out and support our athletes as much as they can.
“Last year our home game was incredible,” Lorenzo said. “I remember the field filled with cars, the stands packed, people sitting in their own lawn chairs and a loud environment.
“Come out, support, and watch our community’s athletes have fun,” he said. “Our athletes will notice the crowd. Last year it was really special for them to see (everyone).”