Penticton is officially home to a new minor football league.

Three months after announcing their intent on reviving tackle football in the South Okanagan, a group of Pentictonites have teamed up to bring the sport back to the region in an organized capacity.

Penticton Minor Football (PMF) will be affiliated with the British Columbia Provincial Football Association and begin play in the fall of 2024, representatives from the group announced Friday, June 14.

The local team, branded as the Penticton Mavericks, will compete in the Southern Interior Football Conference and battle squads from 琉璃神社, Kamloops, Vernon and Salmon Arm.

鈥淐oaching has been a passion of mine for decades and I'm very excited to bring tackle football to Penticton," said the association's visionary and coach Cord Crowthers, who has been training youth football players for 16 years in B.C. and Saskatchewan.

PMF says it plans on running a U12 program this fall, with U10 and U14 divisions expected to be added in 2025.

Registration opens Monday, June 17, at 9 a.m., for youth players who want to be part of the association's inaugural season.

The association says it "strives to be a South Okanagan," and also encourages athletes from Oliver, Osoyoos, Summerland, Okanagan Falls, Keremeos to get involved.

Crowthers, 55, will see Glen Burlingame join the Mavericks' coaching staff this fall.

鈥淚'm super excited for this opportunity to help grow football community here in Penticton,鈥� said Burlingame, who grew up in North Vancouver and played high school football for the Carson Graham Eagles. 鈥淚t is such a great sport for all different types of athletes.鈥�

PMF is also currently made up of Cassi Petersen (team manager), Meaghan Tribbeck (treasure), and Dale Cory (director).

The Mavericks are sponsored by Bannister Ford Penticton and are actively raising additional funds for the association's inaugural season. 

A total of $30,000 is required for equipment, with the group hoping to have 27 players sign up for this fall's campaign, PMF said.

鈥淲e are so proud to support youth football in Penticton and be part of the community,鈥� said Jon Foster, general manager and partner of the local car dealership. 鈥淕o Mavericks!鈥�