Uxbridge Secondary School Tigers football makes triumphant return

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

UXBRIDGE: The Uxbridge Secondary School (USS) Tigers' football team is set to make a comeback this September, thanks to the successful "Restore The Roar" fundraising campaign. Launched earlier this year, the campaign aimed to resurrect and support the new Uxbridge Tigers' football program.

Campaign organizer, Michael Kerford announced, the campaign received over 90 donations from USS alumni, community members, local businesses, and service clubs. "We exceeded our $50,000 target, by the June 15th deadline, raising a total of $52,715. The Uxbridge Optimist Club provided the final $5,000 donation, to get us ‘over the line’," Mr. Kerford said.

Among the donors were six “Grey Cup” level contributors, each donating $5,000 or more. These generous supporters included: the Uxbridge Optimist Club, APEX Financial Management, Seasons Trust, Williamson Uxbridge Automotive, Andy Luukkonen, and Michael Kerford himself.

The successful fundraising ensures Uxbridge Tigers football will return with a Junior Team, starting in September 2024, followed by the Senior Team, in September 2026. "Special thanks, to the Uxbridge Secondary School, including Principal Melissa Lee, for their support, encouragement, and collaboration," Mr. Kerford added.

Preparations are now underway, to finalize the uniform design, order equipment, build a coaching staff, and plan for the upcoming season. The Uxbridge Tigers football homecoming is scheduled for Thursday, October 3rd, at 2 p.m.

Michael Kerford expressed his gratitude, saying, "The outpouring of support and encouragement from the community has been overwhelming and highlights the passion Uxbridge has for Tigers football!"