2024 U15A Red Deer Chiefs Honoured with Mayor’s Recognition Award
On June 18, 2025, the U15A Red Deer Chiefs were awarded a prestigious Mayor’s Recognition Award, a tribute to their exceptional achievements during the 2024 lacrosse season. Led by Head Coach Darren Kinnear, the team demonstrated unwavering dedication, athletic excellence and an inspiring team-first mentality that elevated them to the top ranks of Alberta lacrosse.
The Chiefs’ 2024 season was nothing short of remarkable. With a 12-1-1 regular season record and a 21-2-1 overall record, the team amassed 101 goals while allowing just 40, finishing the year with an impressive +61 goal differential. Their .875 win percentage is a reflection of the strength, consistency and heart that defined their season.
Championship Season Highlights:
- Canada Day Tournament Gold Medalists (Calgary, 2024)
- CDLA League Finals Champions
- Alberta Provincial Champions
- 10-1-1 Regular Season Record
- Seven players ranked in the CDLA’s Top 20 for points
Throughout the season, the U15A Chiefs consistently showcased their resilience, grit and teamwork that set them apart on and off the floor. They not only played to win but also upheld the core values of sportsmanship, discipline and camaraderie, becoming true ambassadors for Red Deer’s lacrosse community.
Building a Legacy of Excellence
The Mayor’s Recognition Award is a fitting acknowledgment of not just a single season’s success, but of years of hard work, development and a strong culture within the Red Deer Chiefs lacrosse program.
The Chiefs' success is also a testament to the program’s commitment to nurturing talent and building a team culture rooted in mutual respect and shared goals. Their journey has inspired younger athletes and strengthened the presence of lacrosse in Red Deer, ensuring that the future of the sport in the city remains bright.
Role Models for the Future
While the championship banners tell part of the story, it’s the team’s character and leadership that have left a lasting impact. Each athlete contributed not only skill but heart by overcoming challenges, supporting one another and striving for continuous improvement. Their collective effort has made them role models for the next generation of players and an example of what’s possible with determination and teamwork.
As Red Deer celebrates this team’s accomplishments, these athletes continue to represent everything that’s great about community sport: pride, perseverance and the power of playing for something bigger than yourself. Their legacy will inspire young lacrosse players for years to come.
Congratulations to the 2024 U15A Red Deer Chiefs on this well-deserved recognition—you’ve made RDLA and your city proud!
