With a full roster and brand-new equipment, Penticton's newest minor sports team is ready to kick off its inaugural campaign.
The Penticton Mavericks U12 football team will host the Vernon Magnums for an exhibition game on Sunday, Aug. 25, at McNicol Park.
It's been 17 years since minor football was played in the city.
“It's amazing how fast these kids have picked up the game," said Mavericks coach Cord Crowthers, the driving force behind the sport's revival in Penticton and former vice-president of the Kelowna Minor Football board.
"We have 22 kids who have never played the game of football before. Yet the natural talent and athleticism of these kids guarantees that Penticton minor football will field a competitive team out of the gate for our inaugural year."
Penticton Minor Football (PMF) officially formed in June, as part of the British Columbia Provincial Football Association.
The U12 team will be the only local squad to represent the Mavericks this fall. They'll compete in the Southern Interior Division and battle teams from Kelowna, Kamloops, Vernon and Salmon Arm.
“We have a full roster and kids on the waiting list ready to play Mavericks football," Crowthers said. "It's an amazing thing."
The Mavericks' inaugural game next Sunday is free of admission. Kick-off is at noon.
There will also be a barbecue by-donation, as volunteers from the association raise money to help pay the players' equipment.
"Come out and support your boys and local youth sports in Penticton," Crowthers said.
