On the move
Senior men’s team will begin to play at Eric Johnston Field this spring
The Island Mariners’ senior men’s team, which plays in the six-team Maritime Football League that features players aged 18 and over, will call Eric Johnston Field, next to Credit Union Place, home beginning this spring.
“The grassroots of football in Summerside is very strong. The community here that surrounds football during football season is inspiring. It was a natural fit for us to come up here and take advantage of Summerside’s great facilities.”
Mike Miller
SUMMERSIDE – A new football program is moving to Summerside.
The Island Mariners’ senior men’s team, which plays in the six-team Maritime Football League that features players aged 18 and over, will call Eric Johnston Field, next to Credit Union Place, home beginning this spring.
“We have been searching for a home, an identity for a lot of years,” said Mariners head coach Mike Miller, who lives just outside Summerside. “We have (played) out of Charlottetown and had home games at UPEI, Cornwall and we used the 911 Jail field by Pizza Delight (in Charlottetown).
“It’s really about getting guys to identify with their football team as a central location that is home where we can put roots down and become a great football organization. We spent a lot of years just piecing together when field times were available and getting guys to come.”
NO STRANGER
Miller is no stranger to the football scene as he has coached in a very successful Summerside minor program.
“The grassroots of football in Summerside is very strong,” said Miller. “The community here that surrounds football during football season is inspiring.
“It was a natural fit for us to come up here and take advantage of Summerside’s great facilities.”
Mariners owner, general manager and player Richard Lush is very excited about the move to the Prince County city.
“The fan base up in Summerside is tremendous,” said Lush, who plays the linebacker and running back positions. “Unfortunately, I’ve had to coach against (Summerside Clippers’ varsity head coach) John Turner and Mike Miller the last four years.
“The stands are packed every time a Clippers’ game is happening, especially a Clipper-(Cornwall) Timberwolves’ game. The fans are tremendous and I think it’s going to be able to support the market we are looking for.
“With us moving to Summerside, we are hoping it’ll open up (opportunities) for those graduating Clippers or those graduated Clippers to come back and play senior men’s football.”
The Mariners are hoping to carry a roster between 35 and 40 players.
“This football provides an opportunity for guys right out of high school, who are in transition of whether they are going to university or they are going to play at Holland College, or they are not just sure and they still have some football in them,” said Miller.
Football is not a cheap sport and Lush noted the Mariners will operate on a budget of $10,000 to $12,000 this season.
“Football is a really expensive sport and you are looking as low as $250 a helmet sometimes,” said Lush. “If you are going to have a successful team you need at least 40 players.”
PARTNERSHIPS
The organizational work has already begun and Miller announced the Mariners have entered partnerships with major sponsor Uncle Mike’s and Frank’s Hot Sauce.
Miller noted the Mariners will be wearing new allteal coloured uniforms with white helmets. He added the Mariners want to make every home game an event that will include entertainment, food, music, contests and giveaways.
“We are always seeking out different opportunities to benefit the program and benefit the players,” said Lush. “We are trying to grow the sport of football.”