More opportunities for young athletes to continue playing football are on the way as a new senior tackle football program will be launched in the West Kootenays this fall.
The Rocky Mountain Rams Football Association (RMRFA), which operates the region’s flag football program, the Kootenay Football League, and the senior tackle program in Cranbrook will add a second tackle team to its organization.
The West Kootenay program is set to take part in its first official season in the fall of 2025 and will feature grade 9-12 athletes primarily from Nelson, Castlegar and the surrounding areas.
“This is another promising step forward in the continued development and expansion of football in the Kootenays,” said RMRFA president Daniel Herrick.
“We have seen considerable participation in the flag football league from this region and we are excited to provide an opportunity for kids to continue to play the game and experience another aspect of it through tackle football.”
While tackle football may be new to the region, the growth of flag football in communities throughout the West Kootenays means many players already have some football experience heading into 2025.
The football season officially begins in the fall however, there will be opportunities this spring and summer with plans for a spring camp for the West Kootenay program underway.
The RMRFA has been working with local volunteers who have helped lead the flag group in the West Kootenays to get the ball rolling on a senior tackle program.
“We can’t wait to hit the field and get started,” said West Kootenay coach Gino Perrault.
“There is a lot to learn, but we know kids in this area are hungry for the opportunity to play. With football, it has such a team-first mentality and it really is going to provide a fun and unique learning environment. There is a place for athletes of all sizes and body types on a football field and we want them all to come out and play.”
Parents and athletes who are interested in participating or who are wanting more information can fill out the form on the RMRFA website. Future events and information meetings will be held as the team prepares for a spring camp in May/June.
“There are still some logistics to work out for this fall,” added Herrick.
“Finding a convenient, safe, and proper practice space that works for everyone, along with securing a schedule are a couple of the big ones. We’ll have more details and continue to keep all of those interested up to date. Right now, we want to get a better sense of numbers so we can ensure we have all of the gear here in time. We want people to know we are going to be there this fall.”
The RMRFA provides protective equipment for tackle football players, including helmets, shoulder pads, protective pants and provides its coaches and athletes with Safe Contact training which reduces the costs of participation and ensures that the equipment is safely maintained.
More information about the West Kootenay program, including upcoming sessions, ways to support, and the team’s identity and branding will be announced over the spring and summer.
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