At 16-years-old, Jarred Valentine, son of Steve and April Valentine, has earned an exciting opportunity to compete in San Antonio, Texas. Jarred’s hard work and perseverance has led to him being chosen for the Southeast Selects 16U Football Team which is based in Moose Jaw.
The young man, a multi-sport athlete playing hockey and competing in golf as well, began playing in Grade 6 out of Estevan. When that league ended, Jarred had developed a great passion for the game and a new opportunity to play arose with the Moosomin Generals.
“He played with the Estevan Steelers for two years and when that team folded, we found out there was a league in Moosomin,” April explained. “He’s been there ever since. It’s a really great program that they’ve built up there.”
Jarred added, “We’ve made it to the finals the last two years.” (This included the opportunity to host the league final in 2017 as well.)
With the Moosomin Generals, Jarred earned the opportunity to play on the All-Star Team of the Rural South Manitoba Football League. They competed against North Manitoba in Winnipeg last year in May.
Over the past few years, Jarred is thankful for the support of his family and friends, as well as his coaches, which includes Dexter Mondor and Jason Schenn with the Generals.
With the Generals, Jarred plays as a fullback, but after try-outs for the Selects team were held in Moose Jaw, Nov. 18-19, he was asked back the first weekend in December for the coaching staff to see him in a different position.
“They couldn’t decide what position really fit him best,” April explained. “They decided that a D-Lineman was a better fit and offered him a place on the team. We were told as we were leaving to expect a call within the week as they had others retrying out as well, but that same night he received the call saying he was on the team.”
With football becoming ever more popular, Saskatchewan is sending a 12U, 14U, and 16U team, while Manitoba is sending an 18U team to San Antonio, Texas this February for the week long round robin tournament.
Jarred is particularly excited for the opportunity in Texas as the football program in the United States is very strong.
“I’m really looking forward to just the level of football,” he explained. “It’s pretty hard hitting.”
Which when his favourite part of the sport is the hard hitting contact, Jarred will do well and rise to the challenge.
“We’re very proud of him,” April stated on behalf of herself and Steve. “It’s a big opportunity. Playing through the Sask Selects teams opens up potential offers to schooling in the future. If someone notices you they follow you. There are always scouts out during their regular season as well.”
“I’m hopeful of being able to work towards schooling with football,” Jarred added.
This opportunity with the Selects offers another level of competition as well as an extra opportunity to be seen by scouts for his future. It is the sixth year that the Selects have organized teams to attend the tournament and elite football in Saskatchewan has seen a dramatic rise over the years in skills and abilities.
