The Grande Prairie Drillers have only just confirmed they’ll field a team this season, and they’re already facing financial difficulties. A major sponsor has pulled out, leaving them in the lurch when it comes to covering costs for the team. Player Chris Nauss says they heavily rely on support from the community.
“Sponsorships for a team like the Drillers are actually very important as without sponsors we wouldn’t actually have a team. We’re a non-profit team, so we don’t get paid to play, so without sponsorships we literally wouldn’t have a team; we wouldn’t have equipment, jerseys, anything like that. Grande Prairie would no longer have a team.”
Nauss says they do have some sponsors returning and they’re in talks with others to come on board. He argues it’s a worthwhile investment.
“This is a really good thing for the community, to be honest. It gives a lot of guys the chance to get out if they didn’t get past their high school career or if they’re looking to do something new or just get in shape. It’s really fun, plus it gives the community and kids who are interested in football [the chance to] come out and see us.
Even if they don’t find another major sponsor, Nauss says the men will play this year. Anyone interested in advertising on jerseys or sponsoring a game day is encouraged to contact President Jay White at 780-832-8590.