The inaugural all-girls tackle football squad in Prince Edward Island is set to embark on their debut season, with team members expressing their enthusiasm for this long-awaited opportunity. Fourteen-year-old Brynley Letner, a lineman who previously played on boys’ teams, shared her excitement about the girls’ team finally coming to fruition after years of anticipation. Letner recounted facing skepticism due to her gender but is thrilled to challenge the notion that football is exclusively for boys, aiming to inspire younger girls interested in the sport.
Comprising 19 girls aged 14 to 17 from across the island, the team is prepared to compete against counterparts from New Brunswick. Letner highlighted the team’s commitment and determination, emphasizing the shared bonds that have formed among the players.
Seventeen-year-old running back Mela Richard, transitioning from flag football to tackle for the first time, expressed her eagerness to embrace the physicality of the sport and learn from her teammates. Undeterred by the commute from her hometown of Tignish to Cornwall for practices and games, Richard is focused on giving her best effort on the field.
Steve Letner, Executive Director of Football P.E.I. and a coach for the team, commended the growing interest in female flag football on the island and the excitement surrounding the all-girls tackle team. With the approaching inaugural game scheduled for Saturday evening in Cornwall, anticipation and excitement are palpable among the players and staff.
