The Alberta Schools' Athletic Association (ASAA) has recently approved an extended spring football season on a one-time basis.

The 2021 spring season for football will run from Mar. 15 to June 30 to allow participating schools and zones the opportunity to have a competitive season at the regional or league level, providing restrictions permit.

Normally, high school football is limited to May and June in the spring, and this gives them an extra month and a half of play.

"It is imperative for all schools to abide by all regulations imposed by the Government of Alberta (GoA) and their respective school jurisdiction," states the Dec. 15 memo of the ASAA executive committee. "The ASAA will support all member schools to engage in athletic opportunities under the authority of all GoA regulations."

While this high-level approval has been received, before any high school football competition can take place, it would require the approval of school divisions, and individual schools and zones to proceed.

Football Alberta executive director Tim Enger sees it as good news for high school football teams.

"It at least it gives them at least the opportunity for a regular season, especially for the grade 12s. That's the main focus of everybody right now. These are the kids that are going to lose their last opportunity to play football, in the vast majority of cases."

Football Alberta was able to do some indoor winter programming before the door was once again closed. Now, they've had to push forward programs originally scheduled and continue to adjust to restrictions put in place by Alberta Health Services.

Cochrane has high school programs at both Cochrane High and Bow Valley High.