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As many already know, Windsor Park Collegiate launched its inaugural junior varsity football program earlier this year. For their efforts, the earned recognition from the Manitoba Legislature this week when Minister Renée Cable delivered a statement honouring the new team.

The Royals were officially established in just two months this summer, a timeline that typically requires a full year of planning. The accelerated launch was made possible through partnership with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and support from Wade Miller, who helped the school secure coaches, equipment and players for the team's first season.

The program was officially welcomed into the Winnipeg High School Football League in June and held its first training camp in August. Many of the student athletes had never played organized football before joining the team, but their commitment was admirable! The Royals played their inaugural game on Sept. 9 against the Grant Park Pirates at Maginot Field.

"Going in, we knew our measure of success was not going to be dictated by the scoreboard or the stat sheet. Our measure of success was going to be progress," said head coach Brett Delisle-Boughen. And the progress the athletes made was "remarkable," he said.

Under the leadership of Principal Robbie Mager and Coach Delisle-Boughen, Minister Cable described the Royals as "more than just a team.”

“It's become a community," she said.

Fellow Grade 10 player Vivik Patel seemed to agree.

"My teammates become my brothers, we have each other's back,” he said.

Lucas McDevitt, a Grade 10 student who transferred to Windsor Park to join the team, said he was drawn by the chance to try something new. "I knew that the moment I hit the field the first game playing in front of over 300 people that I was hooked," McDevitt said. "I now have a goal of playing university football."

Coach Delisle-Boughen said he’s looking forward to what comes next.

"I can't wait to watch their growth over the next few seasons," he said, noting that the program has fostered "comradery, knowledge, skills, fitness, and most importantly a love of the game."

The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ community couldn’t be prouder of the team. Together, they’ve moved the chains for high school athletics for the better.