The Weyburn Minor Football Association held a successful Riderville Block Party, at the Weyburn Curling Rink on Saturday.
“We were ecstatic with the attendance at the Block Party. From the masses of youth playing the games, to the Rider fans in line waiting to get their autographs, the crowd was awesome,” said Jody Kerr, president of the Weyburn Minor Football Association.
“It is not a surprise to us that this many people attended an event that included the Roughriders. The support provided by our community for our players are always appreciated,” said Kerr.
What made the event even more special were appearances by Gainer the Gopher, and past and present Roughriders players Ed Gainey, Cameron Marshall, Rob Bagg, Josh Bartel and Matt Dominguez. “The funds raised will directly fund the projects at our new field for our players and fans to take advantage of,” said Kerr. “With some aspects of our event still to be reconciled, we are looking at close to a $12,000 profit from the event.”
“This was a pretty cool event. I got to see a lot of great people and it is cool to see the fan base that is an hour-and-a-half out of Regina,” said running back, Cameron Marshall.
“Our fans are just as crazy down here, as they are during our games.”
“I think that this event is a great way to support the football program. It is important to start off young players with the right equipment and good coaching,” said Marshall.
“It was a great crowd during the Block Party, and I got to meet a lot of people. It was also great to get up on the stage and answer a few questions from some young fans,” said defensive back, Ed Gainey.
“It is great to see where Brendon LaBatte comes from and see the culture of football in this community,” added Gainey.
“It is always good to support the youth and the future generations to come. When you got people coming together to host an event like this one, it is always a good thing for the youth to be a part of. It is great to see the community come together for this event.”
Weyburn Minor Football is set to finally bring their longtime project of a second football field to reality, with a lot of work to come this year.
The new field is located north and west of the Weyburn Comp School track, and it will include a new access road with its entrance at the alleyway near the sign for the community track. They are set to open their new field for play under the lights in September.
