The U18 South East Estevan Kinette Club Viragos will have a new coach at the helm this year as Matthew McGillivray takes on the role. While it may be the off-season, the team is preparing to get into fighting shape for the upcoming season.
Winter workouts for the Viragos begin Jan. 26, running every Sunday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Spruce Ridge School.
The workouts are open to females who will be in Grades 8 to 12 in September 2025.
“They’ll be eligible to play for us in the 2025 fall season, which is our main season,” McGillivray said.
The Viragos are looking to grow their player base. “Female football is a very popular sport and growing fast in North America, so we’re looking to expand it within southeast Saskatchewan. We also hope to get Weyburn a team eventually. Right now, we’re focused on increasing our numbers, as we currently have about 10 or 11 players. Ideally, we'd like to have 18 to 20,” McGillivray said.
He noted that having a larger roster will benefit the team by providing more options for each position and offering players a better chance to recover from injuries, even minor ones.
Players don’t have to be from Estevan; they can come from any town in southeast Saskatchewan, including Carlyle, Carnduff, Weyburn, and Radville.
The workouts will continue on a weekly basis, but the schedule will ramp up during the season.
“The season starts in August with games in September and October. Typically, we practice three times a week for two hours, with one game per week for six weeks, and we get one bye week, the date of which is to be determined,” McGillivray said.
He added that games are usually on Saturdays, and the team travels together so parents don’t have to drive to every away game.
The Viragos are also looking to expand their coaching staff. “Anyone who wants to join, whether they have a daughter who wants to play or if someone in town is interested in coaching, we’re open to that as well,” McGillivray said.
Anyone interested in coaching or having a daughter join the team can reach out to McGillivray at (306) 421-5584 or visit the U18 Southeast Kinette Club Viragos on Facebook.