The Lloydminster Minor Football Association hosted their eight annual memorial football day to remember Rod Kirby, a beloved local coach and mentor.
It looks like Old Man Winter steered clear of the Border City long enough for interested athletes to give the sport of football a go.
Known as Football Day in Lloydminster for many years, Rod Kirby Day, which was held on Sept. 23 this year, was a special day as the Lloydminster Minor Football Association (LMFA) hosted the eighth annual memorial football day to remember Lloyd’s Mr. Football, Rod Kirby, who passed away at the Lloydminster Hospital on June 10, 2016, at age 48.
“Rod had lots of involvement in youth activities in Lloyd, he coached for a long time, but first and foremost, he was a firm believer in developing football in the community and having that access for kids with a different sport,” said LMFA president Angie Payne.
The day was hosted at Holy Rosary High School (HRHS) and included a Peewee game at 3 p.m. and a Bantam game under the lights with a 6 p.m. kickoff; a unique opportunity for Bantam players who are in Grades 8 and 9.
“We have two teams in our Peewee division and two teams in our Bantam division, and those are the teams that run during our regular season in the fall, explained Payne.
“We save that day to have the local teams play each other and be a part of the community together to see what it’s all about. It also acts as a fundraiser for the association.”
Fundraising came in the form of a silent auction as well as a concession.
“We’re also very grateful to Holy Rosary High School for allowing us to use their field for the event; the kids love playing under the lights.”
The sidelines at HRHS were packed with fans and family throughout the day, and during the Bantam game, the Source had the opportunity to chat with some Peewee players after their game.
Ten-year-old Domenic a wide receiver for the Colts, said despite the day’s loss, he still had a blast.
“The whole game overall was my favourite part of the day,” he said, adding this is his first year playing football.
Twelve-year-old Cole, who’s in his second year playing, said being able to tackle everyone was his favourite part of the day, noting he plays on the defensive line as well as centre on offense.
Jayce, an 11-year-old linebacker and running back in his second year, said his favourite part of the day was the “whole day in general.”
All three youngsters knew the meaning of the day and collectively agreed they had a great time in Kirby’s honour.
The LMFA season starts in mid-August and runs until mid-November, and with the weather on the cooler side for the day’s later game, players got a taste of what it’s like playing in the fall.
“It was definitely a little chilly for spectators during the later game, but the kids like it like that,” said Payne. “They like it to be around 12 or 18 degrees because they’re running around … so the weather was almost perfect on the day.”
A Lloydminster native herself, Payne explained she’s seen a lot of growth over the years regarding local football, especially when it comes to inclusivity.
“I grew up in Lloyd, and Football Day used to be geared towards high school kids, and now it’s moved into the Bantam and Peewee divisions as well, so it’s much more inclusive.”
