First ever flag football tourney in Northern SK
- Mark Williment | June 08, 2015
Eleven teams from all over northern Saskatchewan (from La Loche to Cumberland House Cree Nation) gathered in La Ronge on the weekend to compete in the first ever Flag Football Tournament. All 120 boys and girls were aged 11-14, with many needing to learn the game very quickly, not having played football prior to this event.
On Friday, players were provided an orientation and a scrimmage to learn the rules and strategies of Flag Football. On Saturday, the tournament began at 9:00 AM with teams organized into two pools. All teams demonstrated amazing growth as various running and passing plays developed throughout the day. On the defensive side of the field, players became very adept at flagging their opponents.
Play and the tournament itself was preempted on Saturday afternoon by thunderstorms. After four games each, Sandy Bay was 4-0, while the two teams from Pinehouse were each 3-1, La Ronge Churchill and Pre Cam were also 3-1. Despite the weather, coaches would still like to finish the playoffs when school resumes in the fall. All players s were winners in the end and each team went home with plans to extend play in their respective schools and communities.
Thanks to Football Canada for the Flag Football Kits which included a football, flags and coaching resources. Northern Lights School Division provided additional belts, flags, football and a storage bag for each team. Coaches are also grateful for tremendous amount of assistance provided by Mike Thomas from Football Saskatchewan. Football has a wonderful future in northern Saskatchewan.
Northern Saskatchewan Flag Football wishes to thank all of the coaches, officials, volunteers, parents and players that have worked so hard to make this a successful event.
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