“To put it into one word, I would say surreal.” | Team Saskatchewan celebrate U16 flag football National Championship
Team Sask’s U16 flag football team triumphed at the national championship held in Kingston Ont., a significant achievement not only for the young athletes who made it happen, but the province they represent.
Their impressive journey culminated in a thrilling victory against a “powerhouse” Quebec team that plays at an academy — practising and training together more often than Saskatchewan can. “It was really tight the whole game.” centre/receiver Molly Freeman noted when she spoke with CTV News’ John Flatters, recounting Saskatchewan’s eventual 28-19 victory.
The win is making waves across the flag football landscape, as the troupe will now make their way to Los Angeles for the Junior International Cup, a global showcase hosted by USA Football.
An aspect of the team’s success can be attributed to the support from the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting youth and children across the province through its community pillars of Amateur Football, Education, and Health.
Through the Foundation 50/50 presented by ISC, the Roughrider Foundation was able to fund $1.2 million to Amateur Football in Saskatchewan, including funding to Football Saskatchewan to help grow the game of football by eliminating barriers so all kids can play. Their efforts have been instrumental in creating opportunities and providing resources for young athletes, ensuring they have the support needed to excel. This initiative particularly encourages girls to participate in football, demonstrating the Foundation’s commitment to inclusivity and youth development.
The victory was celebrated widely in Saskatchewan, with local media – including Roughriders media partner CTV, which largely contributed to showcasing the girls’ achievement — highlighting the team as a source of pride for the province. The support from the local community played a crucial role, providing the team with the morale boost needed to excel at the national level.
Looking ahead, the team plans to build on this success, with many players eyeing future opportunities in football. The championship has not only boosted their confidence but also set a high standard for future teams.
This achievement by Team Sask’s U16 flag football team is a reminder of the potential of young athletes and the importance of community support in nurturing their talents (CTV News Saskatoon) (CTV News Saskatoon) (CTV News Saskatoon) (CTV News Saskatoon).
