Sault Minor Football deadline quickly approaching

The registration deadline for the Sault Minor Football Association is slated for April 1.

The rapidly developing youth league is entering their eighth season of summer football. Starting with 60 players in 1997, the league has expanded to accommodate over 220 local youths.

Players must be eight years of age as of December 31st/2004 and not older than 14 before December 31st/2004 or have never attended high school.

The League features two divisions including tyke for 8-12 year-old players and bantam for 12-14 year-olds, depending on weight.

The league executive has a new look on top as Trevor Zachary has stepped aside and Ryan Lillington has assumed the role. Lillington, a speedy receiver who played at Korah and with the Sault Steelers, has been heavily involved in the league's operation in the past.

Zachary will remain with the league as first vice-president.

The league credits their development to the skill and dedication from their coaching staff, which features experienced coaches at the high school level.

"We've seen how much football has improved at the high school level, basically because of the skill of the coaching staffs that we recruit. Most of the coaches are either high school coaches or help out one way or another with the high school programs," said Zachary.

"Our largest asset is that our coaches not only teach football skills but skills to enable confidence, commitment and personal growth with each child."

The league's executive includes Lillington, Zachary, Scott Gray, Michael Pigeon and Rose Ann Ramsay.

The league runs from the end of May until the end of July. Players will have one game a week with three practises.

"Our executive stresses the importance of fun on and off the field for the players and parents. I have always felt that if you keep a league like this enjoyable, that the kids and parents will continue to come back regardless of the success of each particular team," said Zachary.

"We've been able to challenge ourselves each year to come up with better ideas to keep all involved willing to return for another year."

To access registration information from the league's web site, click here.

More information can be obtained from Lillington at 256-8534 or by e-mail at [email protected].