Regina Minor Football grows after $75k from Jon Ryan's Gear Up
New gear, 355 more player spots
Many proud parents huddled under umbrellas in Regina this weekend to watch their kids play tackle football for the first time.
Gear Up, a charity run by Seattle Seahawks punter and Superbowl Champion Jon Ryan, dropped off a $75,000 cheque at the city's Leibel Field on Saturday morning.
Thanks to the cash, Regina Minor Football has been able to expand, and the Mighty Mites division, made up of 8- and 9-year-olds, has new gear too.
Football dad Wade Teller says that the sport is more than a game for his sons.
"[It's] not just football, it's just life experiences," he said.
Keller's youngest son is playing tackle football with the Mighty Mites, and he looks up to his brother who now coaches for the Regina Thunder.
"Being team players. The coaching. It's everything that is going on here," Keller said of the donation's significance.
The donation also made it possible to open the Regina Minor Football League to an additional 355 players.
The league's Executive Director said the money will allow the youth program to foster a whole new generation of great players.
"When you have an infusion of money, you get to do a lot of things right," he explained. "So, we have a great field, our equipment is second to none and you know, we still have money to certify our coaches."
Jon Ryan started his football career with Regina Minor Football when he was 7 years old.