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The Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation has announced a $1.8 million investment in amateur football programs across the province.
Part of that investment will see $430,000 go toward providing 1,000 new helmets to players in more than 125 communities and $590,000 for other Football Saskatchewan initiatives.
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Roughrider Foundation executive director Cindy Fuchs said the donation will help grow the game.
“This is powerful because this is amateur football. This is a football team that created a foundation to give back to football. Other things as well, but football itself,” she said on Thursday.
“We have a great sport (with) Football Saskatchewan and all the minor football clubs in this province, (working) to push football all the time, but to be able to give it a little boost is even better.”
Kids wearing the donated football helmets. (Daniel Reech/980 CJME)
Fuchs said the money will go to both flag and tackle football initiatives, giving kids the chance to expand their options.
Fuchs said Football Saskatchewan receives around $200,000 in annual funding from the Roughrider Foundation, which comes from the foundation’s 50/50 program.
“Every corner of the province (is going to) receive a benefit from this money, in particular, (with) these helmets and also through our support of Football Sask.,” said Craig Reynolds, President and CEO of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Reynolds said these types of donations are important for keeping costs down for families looking to enter the sport.
Jeff Yausie, CEO of Football Saskatchewan, called the partnership “amazing,” saying the 1,000 helmets represent about 10 per cent of the organization’s needs.
The donated helmets cost $430,000. (Daniel Reech/980 CJME)
“It’s a safety initiative and it’s going to help us keep growing the game and, more importantly, keep the cost down for entry-level players,” Yausie said.
“It is a sport for all and the lower that barrier is the more kids we’re gonna have to try the game.”
Yausie said Saskatchewan has a great football atmosphere that will be even further aided by initiatives like this.
He said that the remaining $590,000 will be spent on programs like pop-up days at the park, jamborees with northern leagues and initiatives for women and girls in football.
“The cool part is seeing it all over the province. It’s not just Regina Minor Football (and) Saskatoon Minor Football — it’s going to six-a-side football, it’s the Northern League … far north of La Ronge.”
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