Swift Current Minor Football (SCMF), the heart of minor-level football across Southwest Saskatchewan, is thrilled to announce that registration for its 2025 fall season is now officially open! The program warmly welcomes boys and girls from Grades K-8 across Swift Current, Shaunavon, Maple Creek, Gull Lake, and Eastend to join a program that's not just about learning the game, but about building character, fostering lifelong friendships, and creating lasting memories.
At SCMF, the belief is firm that every child deserves the opportunity to experience the thrill of team sports. "Our primary focus is to break down financial barriers to participation," affirms Tyson Congdon, President of Swift Current Minor Football. "We want to give every kid the chance to be part of a team without worrying about the financial burden." This commitment is reflected in SCMF's policy: all necessary equipment is provided (parents only needing to purchase cleats), and thanks to the unwavering support of sponsors, the program remains remarkably low-cost, ensuring accessibility for more families throughout the region.
Cultivating Talent, Forging Futures: The SCMF Difference
SCMF offers a genuinely welcoming and inclusive environment for players of all sizes and skill levels. Tyson emphasizes the unique nature of football: "It's a sport where everyone has a role to play, no matter if you're big or small. As long as you're willing to put in the work to do your best, there's a role for you on a team." This philosophy ensures that every child feels valued and integral to the team's success.
The program is thoughtfully structured with age-appropriate divisions, each designed to maximize player development and enjoyment:
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U8 (Kindergarten to Grade 2): The perfect introduction to football, focusing on fundamental skills like throwing, catching, and flagging in a fun, non-contact setting. "At this age, we keep it about the very basic skills, just learning how to play," Tyson notes.
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U10 (Grades 3–4): Building on the U8 foundation, this division introduces more advanced concepts, route running, and pre-snap techniques, further honing their football instincts.
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U12 (Grades 5–6): Players transition to six-man tackle football, a format that ensures high involvement for every player on the field, allowing ample opportunity to make an impact on every play.
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U14 (Grades 7–8): This division prepares athletes for the next level, transitioning to 12-man football and playing under the same rules as high school, ensuring they're "ready to go" when they move up.
Practices for Swift Current-based teams are held every Tuesday and Thursday at Highland, providing consistent opportunities for skill development. U14 teams benefit from an extended schedule, practicing Monday through Thursday for a more comprehensive learning experience. The energy culminates on Sundays in Swift Current, where teams from across the region gather for thrilling game days. "Our U14 game days are a little bit closer to a full game experience," Tyson describes. "We have announcers, people playing music – we try and make it as close to what the pros or the guys in college experience." The younger divisions conclude their season by Thanksgiving, while the U14 division enjoys a slightly longer season, building towards championship aspirations.
More Than a Game: Lessons for Life
The impact of SCMF extends far beyond the gridiron. The program is a powerful incubator for critical life skills such as accountability, trust, and leadership. "We've developed some pretty good leaders through our minor football program," Tyson proudly states. "All of the current captains of the high school team were players who played in minor football." He continues, "As we see these kids grow past minor football into their high school and post-secondary careers, we're able to see that they're doing some pretty cool things either as athletes or just as people in general."
The coaching philosophy at SCMF is built on a clear hierarchy: fun, then development, then winning. "Our primary focus is that the kids have fun, they wanna keep coming back, because if they're having fun, they're gonna develop and get better," Tyson explains. Coaches encourage players to pick positions where they'll find the most enjoyment, fostering an intrinsic love for the game that naturally leads to improvement. Sportsmanship and discipline are woven into every practice and game, instilling the importance of "winning the right way" and avoiding selfish penalties. "We find that winning is a byproduct of having fun and becoming better," Tyson concludes.
The SCMF community is vibrant and supportive, characterized by dedicated parents and engaging initiatives. Beyond the field, SCMF hosts year-end community barbecues to celebrate achievements and strengthen bonds. "We've also been working with the Broncos," Tyson shares, highlighting a unique cross-sports connection. "We've had a bunch of minor football players go to the same Bronco game, which was pretty good to see." This creates memorable experiences and reinforces the spirit of camaraderie.
Perhaps the most compelling testament to SCMF's enduring impact is its legacy. The core of the current SCMF board is comprised of the very first group of players who went through the minor football system, continued their journey with the Swift Current Colts, and are now giving back to the program that shaped them. "So many of us made our best friends playing football," Tyson reflects with a smile. "We met them when we were 10 and we're still best friends to this day. The family that minor football can create is pretty amazing."
Ignite Their Passion: Register Today!
The 2025 fall season promises to be an unforgettable journey of growth, excitement, and community. Give your child the gift of an experience that will equip them with invaluable skills, forge lasting friendships, and ignite a lifelong passion for teamwork.
Registration for the 2025 fall season opens on August 10 and closes on Labour Day. Spaces fill quickly, so don't delay!
Register online today at scmf.ca (find the simple registration link on the left side of the homepage).
Get Involved Beyond the Field! Swift Current Minor Football thrives on community support. If you're passionate about fostering youth development and local sports, SCMF encourages you to explore coaching or other volunteer opportunities. Visit scmf.ca to learn more about how you can contribute to this growing football family.