River Riders ready to rumble Bantam tackle football squad prepared for initial campaign in Saskatoon league RYAN BOULTON Herald Staff

The Prince Albert River Riders are starting from the ground up.

However, as the local bantam football club prepares to open its inaugural season in the Saskatoon Kinsmen Football League, the Riders look to be on the right track.

Sunday will be their initial test as the under-14 team takes the field for the first time in hosting the Ledingham Steelers at 1 p.m. at Prime Ministers' Park.

And while a majority of the 36 players on the River Riders roster know the game mostly from television or through video games, head coach Ryan Hughes has been impressed with what has been displayed in the first weeks of practice.

"It's pretty promising and great to see the level of interest for the sport in P.A.," said Hughes. "There are kids who have never touched a football and some kids who just slightly know the game, but I have been impressed that they have soaked everything up.

"They already look like a team and they are so committed to playing as a team, which definitely has made it easier to coach."

The club is the brainchild of several local football enthusiasts, who hope to take what the Kinsmen youth touch league created to the next level. It is no doubt a work progress, but Hughes said the signs of improvement are there.

With many bumps expected along the way as the River Riders clash with some long-established programs that began at the peewee level, Hughes said the focus right now is on development.

Looking to build a base to continue from for years to come, Hughes said growing pains are the nature of the beast, and while wins are nice, they will come in due time.

"Eventually we would like to see us help build the program in the local high schools and help advance the sport before the kids get into high school," said Hughes. "This is another option for the kids in the city, and hopefully we can continue to teach the game and continue to advance the sport here in Prince Albert."

For players like James Thorpe, the River Riders came at the perfect time as he looks forward to joining the Carlton Crusaders program upon entering high school next season.

A diminutive tailback, the 13-year-old Thorpe had been anticipating moving from touch football to the real thing. And he's excited the opportunity is here earlier than had expected.

"It has been everything and so much more," Thorpe said of the experience of putting on the pads. "You may end up with the odd bump or bruise, but it is really worth it because the game offers so much and is amazing to be part of."

And while Thorpe is mindful of the fact the Riders could take some lumps for a year or so as he and his teammates familiarize themselves with the contact game, he is confident there is a big payoff to be gained.

"Normally I would have had to wait until I got to high school, but now I will have a season under my belt even before I start and that should be a big help next year," said Thorpe.

Following Sunday's season opener against the Steelers, the River Riders will travel to Saskatoon Sept. 19 to take on the Tinkler Raiders at TCU Field.

Prince Albert's next home game is Sept. 30 against the Schoenhals Titans.