Riders proud to support Amateur Football in Saskatchewan

 The Saskatchewan Roughriders were proud to invest in amateur football throughout Saskatchewan in 2017.

“It is extremely important to our organization that we provide valuable support to amateur football programs throughout the province,” stated Craig Reynolds, Riders President & CEO. “Our partnership with Football Saskatchewan and its members has allowed us to help grow the game of football at the grassroots and amateur level, making football accessible to youth of all ages.”    

In 2017, the Club assisted Saskatchewan-based football programs with financial support in excess of $600,000, provided thousands of in-kind donations and prizes, and participated with over 100 hours of Rider player appearances at youth camps, games and practices.     

“Football Saskatchewan owes a debt of gratitude to the Saskatchewan Roughriders for their past and continued commitment to all levels of amateur football,” stated Jeff Yausie, Football Saskatchewan Executive Director. “Through their varied initiatives dedicated to our groups often underrepresented in the sport such as women, First Nations’ communities and new Canadians, the Riders have elevated the game to one all Saskatchewan residents can relate to, not just for its athleticism, but for its spirit. Thanks to the Saskatchewan Roughriders, amateur football has expanded not just the depth of its base, but the breadth as well, resulting in increased access to grassroots talent from corner to corner in the province.”

Roughrider donation highlights:

Game Day 50/50
The Club donated over $530,000 of 50/50 earnings from 10 2017 home games to the University of Regina Rams, University of Saskatchewan Huskies, Regina Thunder, Saskatoon Hilltops, Regina Riot, Saskatoon Valkyries and Football Saskatchewan.

Riders & Dream Community Fund
The Club donated $83,000 towards capital projects to assist with the upgrading of existing football facilities or building new ones across five communities in Saskatchewan through the Centennial Legacy Fund.

Grey Cup Legacy Project

The Club donated 5,000 seats and required structure from Historic Mosaic Stadium to SMF Field at Gordie Howe Bowl in Saskatoon. The donation of the seats to SMF Field is valued at over $4 million.        

The Club also donated 1,000 more seats from Historic Mosaic Stadium to seven other sports and culture programs across the province.

Youth Flag Football

The Club provided $15,000 of sponsorship to four youth flag football leagues – two in Regina, one in Saskatoon and one in Moose Jaw. The Club also supplied the over 7,000 participants of these leagues with backpacks and water bottles. 

Grassroots Contributions
The Club held five football camps introducing over 500 youth participants to football, partnered with Football Saskatchewan on the Pass-Punt-Kick program, and Rider players made over 50 separate appearances at various camps, games and practices. 

(Riders Press Release)