Hits, stiff-arms, suplexes and all-around athleticism were on display at Kelowna's Apple Bowl for a history-making event.
Kelowna played host to the first-ever Battle of the Rockies on Tuesday, July 8, which pitted two U16 provincial female tackle football teams against one another, Alberta and B.C.
The B.C. team was made up of athletes from Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, and was a long time coming, according to Kevin Parks, president of Football B.C.
"We have been trying for a few years to get the female program growing," said Parks. "It wasn't due to lack of interest, more so that there wasn't anyone to run it, as we have minimal staff. However, we were able to get something going this year."
A team was then formed earlier in the year on the Island, along with one in Langley. The inter-provincial teams played a home-and-home in the spring, which was a "huge success"香蕉视频直播� so much so that it drew interest from Alberta.
"We got a game set up with Alberta, and decided to play it in Kelowna, because the U17 boys' teams were also scheduled to play," Parks added. "Both boys' teams came out to support the girls, and it was just an amazing atmosphere."
Complete with professional referees, announcers and a rowdy crowd, the six-a-side game was a scoring bonanza, as Alberta ran away with the victory, 52-25.
"Our team played with heart and desire, and I want to congratulate Team B.C., who played an amazing game," said Dawn Sorsdahl, head coach of Team Alberta. "We came here to bring female football to the province, hoping to grow the league across the country."
The girls showcased grit, heart, skill and toughness香蕉视频直播攊ncluding a broken collarbone sustained by starting B.C. quarterback Anya Caul (Nanaimo).
The Battle of the Rockies was the final game of the season for Team B.C., but there is optimism in growing the female game next year, with the introduction of a U18 division.
"We hope this will serve as a feeder, as we have been close before in getting enough players," said Parks. "It was such a great experience, and we saw so many smiles from the girls and the parents. We wanted to make it an event and an experience, and we think we accomplished that."
Team B.C. head coach Tanya Henderson香蕉视频直播攁 former assistant defensive backs coach with the BC Lions and the first woman to hold that role香蕉视频直播攕aid the game isn香蕉视频直播檛 just a first, but a statement.
"These athletes are here to compete, to dominate, and to show that B.C. is building something unstoppable," said Henderson. "The future of football is now, and we香蕉视频直播檙e leading it."
The football fun doesn't stop in Kelowna, as the final games of the U17 boys' Western Challenge will wrap up on Thursday, July 10 at the Apple Bowl.
Saskatchewan and Alberta play the gold medal game at 10 a.m., before Manitoba and B.C. battle for bronze at 1 p.m.
