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YORKTON – For the young women of the Parkland Renegades, the goal was simple: get more girls on the gridiron. But a recent administrative hurdle has left players sidelined and a community questioning the league's commitment to growth.
Following a surge in interest, Yorkton Minor Football — which currently hosts the Lady Gridders of the Prairie Girls Football League — saw an additional 20 players step forward this season. The numbers were clear: there was more than enough talent and passion to form a second full roster.
Under General Manager Laura Fatteicher and Head Coach Tyrell Maclean, the Parkland Renegades formed a Football Saskatchewan-sanctioned team complete with a full board of directors. However, that momentum hit a wall during a recent Prairie Girls Football League meeting. In a move that has sparked frustration among parents and athletes alike, the league held an anonymous vote and passed a new policy that strictly limits each community to one team.
The league has not publicly commented on the specific reasoning behind the anonymous vote or the necessity of a participation cap despite the clear demand.
Coach Maclean says his motivation to start the Parkland Renegades team came from his daughter. “She had the opportunity to play for the Lady Gridders when she started, and I want to provide that opportunity to more athletes,” Maclean said. “Football for my daughter was amazing; it gave her confidence and a place to belong. When she was growing up, she tried dance, gymnastics, and figure skating, but when she found football, that was it.”
The league’s decision was a tough blow.
“We took a step back and thought about what was next — how do we proceed?” Maclean said.
Renegades board member Blair Benko shared that frustration, noting that the staff's extensive efforts to prepare for the season were "smashed in one sentence." While his initial reaction was sadness for the girls who lost their "place to belong," Benko says the focus has shifted. “A fire has been set under us. We will make it happen no matter what it takes to make the Renegades a reality.”
A door closed
The decision left 20 prospective players in limbo. Despite having the numbers to compete, the new policy effectively tells half of the interested female athletes in Yorkton that there is no room for them in the local league structure.
“Becoming part of the team — the ‘family’ — was a very important part of playing,” said player Sarah Mason. “It’s given me confidence and made me a stronger person. We just want to play the game, and I don’t understand why decisions have been made to discourage that for any female athlete.”
Fatteicher echoed that sentiment: "We talk about wanting to grow the game and empower young women in sports, but when they actually show up in record numbers, the opportunity to play was stalled. But the Parkland Renegades aren’t going to quit. We will find a way to play.”
The "shadow" team
While the league’s vote may have stripped them of a spot in the official standings, it hasn't stripped them of their jerseys. In a show of defiance and dedication, the players have made the collective decision to continue practicing together.
The team has found a new path forward through a partnership with the Winnipeg Spirit, with plans to play a series of exhibition games. “Obviously, it’s not where we want to be, but we are working out the details,” Maclean noted.
Without a league schedule, the group is still hitting the turf, refining their skills, and building a sisterhood. For these athletes, the goal is no longer just about a trophy — it’s about proving they belong on the field, regardless of league policy.
As the season progresses, the situation in Yorkton remains a point of contention. While the official league rosters are set, the sight of 20 "extra" players practicing on the sidelines serves as a powerful visual reminder of a missed opportunity for local sports — and a testament to the grit of athletes who refuse to be told "no."
