Ted Hillstead started his coaching career by lending a helping hand as an assistant coach for his eldest son's football team.

Now, eight years into his career, Hillstead has been recognized for his efforts on the field by being named the Regina Minor Football Coach of the Year.

"My oldest boy was playing and (coach) Warren Schweitzer needed an assistant coach, and I wasn't busy at the time," Hillstead said about his start in coaching.

The next year, Schweitzer did not coach, so the job was given to Hillstead. Since that time he has coached the PeeWee Junior Eagles football team. The team has won the division playoffs a few times but never the league championship.

"We'll get to the provincials one year," said Hillstead.

Hillstead got the phone call last week that he was awarded Coach of the Year at the Coaches Appreciation Night in Regina. This was the first year Hillstead couldn't make it to the event.

Coaches from Weyburn, Regina, Yorkton and Moose Jaw cast their votes for coach of the year. Hillstead said over the years he has gotten to know many of the coaches, but the Weyburn league is only affiliated with Regina so it was a surprise to get the award.

"It feels pretty good," he said of the honour.

Hillstead attributes the award to the executive and the PeeWee Junior Eagles assistant coaches, Kelly Bauman and Devin Ferner.

"Wayne Woycik is key to this too," said Hillstead.

He added the executive does most of the work.

"All I have to do is coach," he said.

Over the years the league has had 20 to 30 athletes per team, both boys and girls.

"This is the first year we haven't had any girls play, or even tryout," said Hillstead.

A father of five, three of Hillstead's children have played football. He said he hopes his two daughters will want to play the game that honoured him with Coach of the Year.