After six seasons at the helm, Jeff Yausie is stepping down as head coach of the Saskatoon Valkyries women’s football team.
Former defensive coach Pat Barry will be replacing him in 2017, the Valkyries announced via Twitter last week.
“I’ve had an amazing six years with the team and working behind the scenes, I just feel like it’s time for someone else to take the reign,” said Yausie, who led the team to it’s fifth WWCFL title in 2016.
READ MORE: Saskatoon Valkyries defeat Edmonton Storm 81-6 to reclaim WWCFL title
Pat Barry, who has been with the team since the team’s beginning, is no stranger to football and is a former Saskatoon Hilltop.
“The women on this team are highly motivated, they’re used to success, they’re mentally tough. As coaches, we try to put them in the best situations but really, it’s the ladies team,” Barry stated.
“I’ve known Pat for a long time, and he’s got a great resume. He’s a great person and I’m not worried about the team at all,” Yausie added.
It’s no secret that football is one of the most popular sports in Saskatchewan. But female participation in the sport has always been disproportionate to men.
However, women playing on the gridiron is increasing, and there’s also been a notable shift in the age demographic.
“In the early years, we had a lot of older women play, so our average age was about 30. Now we’re at a spot where we have about 55 players that play for the Valkyries and the average age is in the early 20s,'” Yausie said.
READ MORE: Saskatoon Valkyries players suiting up for Team Saskatchewan
The program is trying to encourage more participation in the sport, and notes there are little, if any differences, from the men’s game.
However, when it comes to coaching men and women, it seems the XX chromosomes may have the upper hand.
“The girls pick up the game a little quicker than guys, and they ask more questions, and good questions. When I coach young men, they’re like robots out there. They say ‘Yes Sir,’ ‘No Sir,’ and they don’t get it as quick,” Barry observed.
The Valkyries resume play in spring 2017.
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