Get to know U16 East All Star Team Defensive Lineman Leif Magnuson!

Leif Magnuson is a defensive lineman from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan who is representing Canada at the 2018 International Bowl in Arlington, Texas as a member of the U16 Eastern Canadian Team.

The defensive standout got his first taste of football at the age of 10.

“I played Warriors football,” recalled Magnuson.  “It’s just a small peewee football league.”

“I actually played 6-man league before 12-man and it was a mini-games type deal.”

Other teams he has suited up for include the bantam Warriors, South Saskatchewan Selects and Bethlehem Stars of the Saskatoon Secondary School Athletic Directorate (SSSAD).

This past July, Magnusson helped Team Saskatchewan earn the bronze medal at the 2017 U16 Eastern Challenge in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.

“Travelling with the South Saskatchewan Selects or even or the Eastern team had a lot of team bonding and it’s really fun to go down as a team,” reflected the defensive lineman.  “It’s great to enjoy something you wouldn’t normally do with other people from your city.”

Surprised at being chosen to represent Canada at the 2018 International Bowl, he is fortunate but excited for the opportunity.

“It means a lot to me,” Magnuson expressed.  “That’s representing Team Sask, representing where I come from but also representing our whole country; that’s amazing.”

“To experience new things and new teammates and also that kind of international experience.”

Magnuson credits his father as being a source of inspiration throughout his career.

“He did play college football at Washington State University and he also played in the CFL for a couple of teams,” the defensive standout said. “That’s been pretty cool for me and he’s just been a real role model, showing me how the sport is.”

This post is also available in: French