As summer winds down, the fields of Saskatchewan come alive again with the sights and sounds of football. High school teams across both provinces are opening fall camps, from small-town six-a-side squads to nine-a-side programs and the full twelve-a-side teams in larger centres.
Each version of the game has its own flavour. Six-a side football is fast and wide open, demanding versatility from every player. Nine- a side offers more structure while keeping that quick pace, a perfect middle ground for many schools. Twelve of course, delivers the full Canadian game, with depth, tactics, and every position specialized. But whether it’s six, nine, or twelve players on the field, the goal is the same: to teach the game, build character, and unite a community.
Fall camp is where it all begins. Veterans set the tone, rookies get their first taste of high school football, and coaches start shaping a team identity. For some, this is the last chance to leave a legacy; for others, it’s the first step in a journey that will define their high school years.
On the prairies, these camps aren’t just about football—they’re about pride. In small towns especially, Friday nights under the lights bring people together, filling the stands with energy that carries far beyond the field.
As someone who will be back on the sidelines this fall, I share in that excitement. These early practices may not draw a crowd, but they lay the groundwork for the rivalries, storylines, and unforgettable moments that make high school football such a vital part of Saskatchewan life.
No matter the format—six, nine, or twelve—the heart of prairie football remains the same. It’s about teamwork, resilience, and community. And with fall camps underway, a new season is ready to unfold.
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