Regina to launch high school football academy

Regina’s public and Catholic schools joined Regina Minor Football to launch a high school football academy. Jacob Carr reports.

A new football academy is coming to Regina, thanks to a partnership between Regina Public Schools, Regina Catholic Schools, and Regina Minor Football.

The program will give student-athletes in grades 9 to 11 a mix of high-level football coaching and the opportunity to earn academic credit.

“More coaching will obviously help,” said O’Neill Catholic High student Christian Kobelsky. “Being in the academy gives you more opportunities to show what you have, and more teams can reach out to you.”

The academy is set to launch in the second semester of the 2026-27 school year.

Len Antonini, executive with Regina Minor Football, told CTV News the program will reflect the organization’s core values.

“The lessons teach discipline, relationships, and sacrifice all the things that make you a good football player but also a better person,” he said.

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Both school divisions say they’re excited to grow their partnership with Regina Minor Football.

“This program reflects our commitment to providing diverse learning opportunities that support student growth in the classroom and on the field,” said Regina Catholic Schools Director of Education Kelley Ehman. “Students stay with their home school and earn secondary credits while training with the Regina football community.”

The announcement comes as Saskatchewan football is on a hot streak. The Saskatoon Hilltops recently won the Canadian Bowl, the Saskatchewan Roughriders are fresh off a Grey Cup win, and the University of Saskatchewan Huskies are gearing up for the Vanier Cup on Saturday.

Winston Knoll Collegiate student Ewan Pickering said the recent success is inspiring.

“I look up to them and want to improve, to be the best football player I can be,” he said.

Organizers say the next steps will involve gauging interest from high school students and parents to determine the program’s size and scope. Families can expect updates through EDSBY communications and school division websites.