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Regina’s two school divisions, along with Regina Minor Football, launched a new football-focused academic program on Nov. 19 that they say will strengthen both classroom learning and athletic development.
The Regina Football Academy, announced at Leibel Field, is scheduled to open in the second semester of the 2026-27 school year.
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Education and football leaders said the academy will allow Regina high school students to earn credits while training with experienced coaches — a model that will boost engagement and improve achievement.
“Providing students a pathway to practise and perfect their football expertise while still achieving their academic requirements is a win-win,” said Mark Haarmann, director of education and CEO for Regina Public Schools. “This academy shows how we can offer students a variety of paths to personal and academic success.”
Open to Grade 9, 10 and 11 students from both divisions, the academy will run out of Regina Minor Football’s Leibel Field facility. Mornings will include two core classes, two football-focused electives, a physical education course, and a locally-developed football course. Students will return to their home schools each afternoon for the remainder of their timetable, ensuring they stay connected to their school communities and teams.
Regina Catholic Schools director of education Kelley Ehnman addresses reporters Wednesday as the two school divisions and Regina Minor Football unveil the Regina Football Academy for Grade 9 to 11 students.(Jacob Bamhour/980 CJME)
Regina Catholic Schools Director of Education Kelley Ehman said the structure was built around student needs, not just athletic performance.
“This reflects our commitment to providing diverse learning opportunities that support growth in the classroom and on the field,” she said. “Student-athletes stay with their home school and earn credits while training with the Regina football community.”
Regina Minor Football, which has served players in the community since 1954, will support the technical and developmental side of the program. Executive Director Len Antonini said the partnership fits naturally with RMF’s role in the city.
“We’re proud to partner in a program that builds character, discipline and athletic excellence,” Antonini said. “Coaches are ready; parents are ready; and most importantly, players are ready.”
Regina Minor Football executive director Len Antonini speaks at Leibel Field during the launch of the new Regina Football Academy, surrounded by student-athletes representing teams across the city. (Jacob Bamhour/980 CJME)
Division officials emphasized that the academy is not intended to create a central “super team,” but instead to strengthen every high school program in the city. Students will return to their teams with advanced skills, experience and, potentially, coaching or officiating certifications.
Superintendents Mark Wernikowski of Regina Catholic Schools and Jason Coleman of Regina Public Schools said student engagement has been a consistent priority in the program’s design. Coleman said pairing core classes with areas of interest often boosts achievement. At the same time, Wernikowski noted that graduation rates improve when students are connected to their learning.
Students involved in the announcement said they were excited to be part of the first group to hear about the program. Grade 10 student Ewan Pickering said being at the launch felt like “the start of something that could grow fast.” In contrast, Grade 12 student Christian Kobelsky noted the success of Saskatchewan teams, including the Roughriders’ Grey Cup win on Nov. 16, adds inspiration.
“It’s cool to think one day this (program) could help us get there,” Kobelsky said.
Families will be able to submit expressions of interest online through both school divisions and Regina Minor Football as phase two of planning begins.
In Regina, there are 12 high schools. Of those, the public school division has eight and Catholic school division has four.
