Regina Riot welcomes first female head coach

Regina Riot football team are eager to start the season with their first female head coach Claire Doré. (Sierra D'Souza Butts / CTV News)

Regina Riot football team is entering their first season with female head coach Claire Doré.

“I’m excited to take on this role and be the first to do this job,” she shared.

“As a female leading a women’s team, I think that speaks to the progress we’re making in terms of women’s sports.”

The women’s tackle football team finished off their spring training camp on Saturday – kicking off the start of the season at the University of Regina – Rams Football Field.

With their first home game happening on April 28, Doré expressed her enthusiasm for the months ahead.

“We want to get out on the field, give our best and compete in every play in every way,” she expressed.

“We believe that if we’re dedicated and we take care of our own jobs, that the scoreboard will take care of itself.”

One defensive line player said she is eager to have Doré as a coach, based on her experience in the field.

• Download the CTV News app to get breaking news alerts sent to your device

“Having Claire as our head coach is just phenomenal. She’s a trailblazer, she’s one of the OGs,” said Chris Fox.

“She’s someone that I think that a lot of us have looked up to for countless, countless years. I think if there is anybody that was fit for this position, it would be her.”

Aside from being a Riot alumna, Doré has coached for the CFL’s Women in Football program through the Saskatchewan Roughriders, as well as the Balfour Bears (Regina Intercollegiate Football League) and Regina Victorias.

“Saskatchewan is known for their love of football and to have women now participating in that, in such a big role as the Regina Riot does, is really special,” she voiced.

“We are so fortunate to have the support we do from the city and from the province in the growth of women’s tackle football here and across the country.”

Since 2011, the Riot have been members of the Western Women’s Canadian Football League (WWCFL).