INNISFAIL - More bad luck has fallen on the beleaguered Innisfail Minor Football Association (IMFA).
On the same day (Aug. 31) the association announced the folding of two of its programs, local RCMP were called to investigate another break-in at the association's storage shipping container at the high school football field. Last spring IMFA officials reported their shipping container was broken into three times during a one-month period, with vital equipment stolen – including nearly 40 footballs.
Innisfail RCMP Staff Sgt. Chris Matechuk said the preliminary investigative report stated locks were broken, along with thefts and damage to football equipment, including gear and jerseys. He said it's believed the break-in and thefts occurred sometime between 8 p.m. and midnight on Aug. 30. Brian Thomas, president of IMFA, said the value of the theft and damage was at least $1,000. The RCMP investigation is continuing.
In the meantime, the IMFA is moving forward despite the cancellation of its peewee and bantam programs due to lack of players showing up for pre-season practices, despite hopeful registration numbers since last spring.
On Sept. 4 the IMFA hosted its annual bottle-drive fundraiser for the remaining atom program, which is continuing play this season. Alexis Verhegge, club manager for the IMFA, said there are now 24 players registered to play in the atom program but only 10 to 13 who have been showing up for practices.
"We are going to try to keep things as positive as we can for the rest of the players that are still here, like the atom kids," said Verhegge, adding the mood around the association has been "pretty sombre" over the past week.
"We are looking for community support to get their kids out to get active and enjoy the sport," she said. "As for the bantam and peewee programs we are hopeful for next year but unfortunately this year did not work out."
Verhegge and Thomas said six to eight of the association's peewee and bantam players have gone to Olds to play, with another two heading to Sylvan Lake and one to Red Deer.
Despite the recent setbacks and misfortune both Verhegge and Thomas insist it may not be totally over for the peewee and bantam programs.
"We just got to rebuild," said Thomas. "We still have the atom team coming up. Hopefully they will make the peewee team and the bantam team two years after."
For more information on the IMFA and to register in the atom program visit its website at www.innisfailminorfootball.com or call Verhegge at 780-668-8697.
