Tackle football is making a comeback in Penticton.
Decades since the last organized game was played on the local gridiron, a seasoned football coach from Saskatchewan has formed the Penticton Minor Football Association.
Cord Crowthers, an Okanagan resident of five years and former minor football coach in Regina, says the association plans on hosting U12 games in the fall of 2024.
“Bringing football to all families in the area will be an added plus for Penticton,” he said. “As of now, many parents must drive from Osoyoos, Penticton, Okanagan Falls and Summerland three to four times per week for their kids to get the chance to play tackle football.”
The Penticton-based league — still in its preliminary stages of formation — would be part of the British Columbia Community Football Association and compete in the Southern Interior Football Conference.
With full support from the City of Penticton and BC Football, Crowthers says the next steps include raising $30,000 for equipment and completing the registration of the Penticton Minor Football Non-Profit Board.
“Right now, we have some amazing buzz around town from local businesses and individuals who want to get involved,” he added.
“Our hope is to start with U12 and grow from there to U10 and U14 in the coming years, with the ultimate goal of seeing high school ball in the city of Penticton in the near future.”
Minor football is currently on an extended hiatus in Penticton, including at Penticton Secondary and Princess Margaret Secondary School.
Early plans indicate the city’s new home for football will be at McNicoll Park, which is located at 1050 Penticton Avenue and hosts Penticton Harlequins rugby games.
“We are excited to kick this off in the coming weeks and getting all the information out to the public regarding how they can get involved,” Crowthers said.
Those interested in getting involved with the new football league are asked to email patrickcrowthers139@gmail.com.
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