WWCFL co-founder Craig dedicated to growth of game

As the Western Women’s Canadian Football League continues to write a new glorious chapter for female sport in Western Canada, one of its biggest supporters is Linda Craig. A co-founder of the growing league, Craig is focusing her efforts on ensuring the Foothills Outlawz will be ready for the 2015 regular season.

Craig’s story begins in the 1980s when football was not considered a sport for women to participate in. Similar to the obstacles that many women faced in attempting to play hockey during that time, Craig found herself sidelined simply because of her gender,

“I remember asking my phys. ed. instructor in high school (1981) if girls could play tackle football in high school and was told that we could not and to go play field hockey. I do not remember why we could not, I didn’t really push it back then and now wish I had.”

Twenty-five years after her initial effort to get involved with the game, her love of the gridiron game was reborn. Looking for an opportunity to return to sport, a groundbreaking football club in Calgary would become a new home for Craig.

“The interest came back again in 2006 (I was 41) when I was looking for a full contact sport. I originally looked at lacrosse but women only play field lacrosse not box lacrosse, I was not interested in field lacrosse.

I then found the Calgary Rockies Women’s Tackle Football Team and knew I (had) found my sport! That year was a hiatus year for the Rockies as they did not have enough players so I signed up to help out for the next season and have loved it ever since.”

Over the years, Craig’s involvement with the game would involve the opportunity to help bring a new league to life. A great point of pride for her is the opportunity to have helped establish the WWCFL.

“I was one of the founders of the WWCFL and being the first President was a great experience. I certainly never professed to know everything about football, as I do not, but it was really important to bring together all of those that did and do know all angles and facets.”

The formation of a league uniting female football in Western Canada was a watershed moment in the game’s nascent history and set the foundation for greater days to come. While Craig is one of several women working tirelessly to help the league grow and ensure sustainability, the great reward is the opportunity to provide women with a chance to compete.

“Creating opportunities for women to play tackle football was first and foremost. We also helped to encourage and enhance existing programs and to work together to make them even better. There is a lot involved in creating by-laws and game schedules for teams that are spread so far apart, to create tournaments and even the final WWCFL Championship Games but it was incredible to be a part of it all!”

In a football career that has spanned close to a decade, Craig has accumulated many wonderful moments, energetic teammates and memorable friends. As a charter member of the Foothills Outlawz (known in 2013 as the Okotoks Lady Outlawz), it was a pleasant reminder of why Craig participated in the game.

“There were many moments but for me, coming onto the Outlawz just as we started to play games, I was consistently reminded why we need to keep this team and other teams going for women!

Women playing football is not just about the sport of football but also playing a sport we were told we could not play, playing a full contact sport that many did not think they could and loving it.”

In reflecting on her first season with the Outlawz, Craig is reminded of the strong women who suited up for the franchise. While the franchise featured many players that were attempting the game for the first time, it was a collection of determined individuals who had a love of the game.

Considering how many of the competitors had their own children playing junior football, their involvement in suiting up for the Outlawz was a positive message in the community. The spirit of empowerment and the determination to never give up were strong themes in that inaugural season. Despite unexpected coaching changes and the expansion woes that accompany any first-year franchise, Craig found inspiration in her teammates.

“I have met women that have not done anything for themselves since being married and having children. This is something for them, something they get to do and encouraged to keep going! The confidence building, camaraderie, improving fitness and having a ton of fun doing it (are part of it).

There were many moments that stand out for me, but for the Outlawz to keep suiting up and playing each game and not giving up, even when the head coach did, shows to me the incredible determination and heart this game means to the women of the Outlawz!”

Although the Outlawz are not suiting up for the 2014 WWCFL season, many of the players and management staff are still involved in helping the team restructure. Despite the heartbreak of sitting out the season, Craig is focused on helping the team return even stronger for 2015.

“For 2015, I think they are doing the right thing to reorganize in 2014. Work on the structure of the team and then focus on recruiting. I truly believe the women of the Outlawz have what it take to have a team in the WWCFL for the 2015 season!”

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”