The Sault's three amateur football groups are joining forces and will operate under a single umbrella in time for the 2003 season.
Previously independent of one another, the Sault Storm of the Northern Football Conference, the Sault Sabercats of the Ontario Varsity Football League, and the Sault Minor Football Association will now all be part of the Sault Football Association.
The Storm will go back to the moniker of the Sault's original NFC franchise and once again be called the Steelers.
Both the Steelers and Sabercats will sport a new stylized "S" as consistent logo and wear uniforms with the colours navy, maze and white.
Barry Rushon, head coach of the Steelers, noted that the focus of the new association "is to provide the best scenario for player development beginning at age eight and continuing through an individual's playing career."
Ross Viotto, president and head coach of the Sabercats, is of the notion that "the association, with the support of our city, reinforces the strength of Sault Ste. Marie football in Ontario."
And Trevor Zachary, president of the minor football league, said simply that the new association "is a combination of tradition and a new attitude."