Football fans looking to ‘Restore the Roar’
Justyne Edgell, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Uxbridge Tigers are on track for a touchdown, with the revival of high school football.
For many high school students, Uxbridge Secondary School alumni included, football is central to their high school experience. Due to the financial stress of the sport, USS canceled its football program in 2012, though now, a selection of alumni and enthusiasts are looking to Restore the Roar with the help of the community.
Remembering their high school days, Restore the Roar organizer Michael Kerford approached fellow alumni, and Body Fit Health Club owner, Andy Luukkonen, to share his ideas to fundraise and support the return of football to USS. Together, and with the full support of Uxbridge Secondary School, they started the Restore the Roar Campaign.
“There is no denying that football is an expensive sport with equipment and related costs requiring a fundraising effort of $50,000 to restore and maintain the program,” says Kerford on their GoFundMe page.
“Football was a core program that brought together the entire community at the beginning of the school year. The pep rallies, the band, the cheerleaders, and the fans in the stands. It was something that made you feel like you were a part of something big and it was part of USS tradition for many generations,” recalls Luukkonen.
Restore the Roar has created a long-term, sustainable budget that it says has been developed to ensure a lasting, successful Tigers football program. The funds raised by the campaign will be held in trust and used to purchase equipment and cover operating costs of the team for years to come.
The pair have also secured a celebrity coach to inspire and train the young athletes. “We're thrilled to announce that USS Tigers alumni and CFL Grey Cup Champion, Jeff Keeping will be our head coach. He will bring his expertise, passion, and championship mentality to help develop the program that will guide our athletes to new heights starting this September!” says Luukkonen.
Restore the Roar plans to launch a junior team (grades 9 and 10) in 2024, and add a Senior team (grades 11 and 12) in 2026.
Restore the Roar is looking for community donations to support this program through a GoFundMe campaign, which can be found at www.gofundme.com/f/RestoreTheRoarUSS They have already surpassed 50 per cent of their funding goal.
“Together, we can make a difference,” says Luukkonen. “Whether you're a business owner seeking sponsorship opportunities or an individual passionate about youth sports, your support matters.” Go Tigers!