Female Warlord

By Christy Marsters

Amy McDade was inspired to play football when watching her older brother, Dustin Moore, play for the Windsor Warlords. This year, the 10-year-old Brooklyn girl plays both offense and defense on the line, and breaks ground for football for Hants County.

Playing the Windsor Warlords Atom team, McDade is probably the first female to play the sport in Hants County. “I feel happy about it,” McDade says. “I just get to be different from everyone else … I get to be unique.”

She is often the only girl on a squad when playing baseball and hockey McDade says, “I’m used to it. “I’m just different than every other girl … I call myself a tomboy.”

Opponents sometimes exlaim “You are a girl?” during games, she reports. “It happens almost every game. It’s really funny. Even though I am the only girl, I keep with it.”

She enjoys meeting new people and playing with friends, as well as the game.

Andy McDade, Amy’s father, says he was a bit concerned about his little girl wanting to play football, she seems to be happy with it. And she turned out to be as tough as most of the boys. “I’m ecstatic (with how she’s played),” he says. “I couldn’t ask for anymore.” “I hope Amy brings (more) girls out … I think football will be big here in the next five years.”

Albert Bahri, president of Windsor and Area Minor Football, says McDade’s presence adds more diversity. “I think (football) is a sport that intimidates other females from playing and it shouldn’t,” Barhi said. “We want more females to play (for this team).”

Football gives kids the ability to plan, execute plays and develop mental skills and to think fast on foot, Bahri notes. “Plus, lots of aerobic exercise and interaction with people.” “For Amy, the sky is the limit (in football),” Bahri says. “And, she just loves to play.”

Jeff Fraser, McDade’s coach, reports her ability to play matches or exceeds most of her peers. Amy has a real presence on the field, he says. “She’s real a good player.”

Gender is not an issue, and all his players are treated the same, Fraser says. ‘We run practice three nights a week, keep busy and play together as a team.”

Anyone from West Hants is welcome to join, Fraser adds, boys or girls. “Amy will probably inspire some girls.”

The Warlords are finished for this season, but anyone aged 9-15 interested in joining up next year can email Albert Bahri at abahri@safe-ir.com.