12-05-2025
Steel women's football ready to tackle new season
The Steel women's tackle football team is promoting female empowerment as they kick off their season on Saturday.
Founded in 2011, they are a part of the Western Women's Canadian Football League (WWCFL) which is the largest full-tackle league in Canada.
Carly Williams, head coach of Steel says there are many new faces this year but is excited to see the team in action.
'It's been really exciting to watch everybody pick everything up really quickly, see all the light bulbs turn on in their head and for Saturday, I'm just really excited to see all of our new players turn into football players.
One of these new faces is Jaylene Tillack, who plays quick and right tackle, says before this year she hadn't even watched a full game of football, never mind played the game, but wanted to challenge herself.
'I wanted to give myself a challenge and play for one season, so here I am and I'm loving it and it's been absolutely life changing.'
There are a few returning players, including Ruth Schuepbach, who has been playing for Lethbridge Steel for six seasons. She says before she began playing for the Steel, she didn't even know women's tackle football existed.
'Before I started, I had no idea women's tackle competitive football existed, so it's super exciting and I feel like women's sports doesn't get enough recognition and most people don't know we exist.'
Having an active lifestyle has many health benefits, and Schuepbach says tackle football has been a great outlet for her.
'All of the girls on the team are wonderful and it's great to make new friends, so it's a good outlet for me, instead of just going home and chilling, it's nice to get out and do some physical activity and make some friends along the way.'
The team is always welcoming new players to join the team, anyone interested can send them a message on Instagram at yqlsteel.
Lethbridge Steel home opener will take place at the Community Stadium at 2 p.m. today. Tickets can be purchased at the door.
