Fourteen-year-old Logan Deurbrouck of Elm Creek will represent Manitoba this summer after being named to the provincial football roster through Football Manitoba’s Blue and Gold program.
The Portage Collegiate Institute (PCI) Grade 9 student, who stands 6’3” and weighs 270 pounds, has played football for seven years and was thrilled when he received the news from his coach.
“I was very excited when I found out I had made the team,” Deurbrouck said. “It means a lot to me to compete at this level.”
Deurbrouck, who primarily plays right tackle, said he enjoys the technical and mental challenge of the position.
“I enjoy playing on the O-line because it is one of the hardest positions in football, and I like how unique the relationship is between the linemen — how it works as a complete unit,” he said.
Team Manitoba’s season runs from spring to early summer, with games played at St. Vital Mustangs Field in Winnipeg. The team will face off against provincial squads from Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.
Deurbrouck earned his roster spot through Football Manitoba’s Blue and Gold program, a two-week development and selection camp for athletes in the U16 and U17 age categories. Players were evaluated during a series of practices and a final showcase game at Princess Auto Stadium. Athletes who impressed were invited to a second round of tryouts featuring two six-hour practice days. Final team selections were based on overall performance.
Four of Deurbrouck’s Grade 11 teammates at PCI — Harley Utech, Kingston Daniels, Max Johnson and Dominic Nickels — were selected for the U18 roster.
Though he lives in Elm Creek, Deurbrouck opted to attend PCI for high school in part because of the school’s strong football program. His decision has paid off: during the 2024 season, he won PCI’s Rookie Offensive Lineman of the Year and the team’s Dedication Award. He was also named recipient of the Robert Whitlaw Memorial Award — given to the top rookie in the Winnipeg High School Hockey League.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute of playing football,” said Deurbrouck, who credited his parents for supporting his journey in the sport and keeping him motivated.
Now, with years of hard work behind him, Deurbrouck will take his game to the next level — proudly wearing Manitoba colours on the national stage.
