Some local kids are going to get the pep talk of a lifetime over at Irwin School in Swift Current. 

This Friday, the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation is coming to town with the big #80 himself, Brayden Lineus, to read to students. His goal with the team and the school is to hopefully spark a lifetime interest in these kids for literature. 

Dan Clarke, the scheduler for the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation, is excited about the opportunity to inspire youth through this endeavour. 

"We're going to be running our 'Rider Reading' with A&W and our 'Win with Wellness', which is on mental health with the students," said Clarke. 

The first half of the visit to the school will see reading being exemplified to the students on the younger side of the school. They will learn that even football players love to read and that it benefits everyone. 

"Not only do football players read, but their teachers read, and that mechanics, farmers, and everyone reads," said Clarke. "It's basically letting them know that reading is important and we need to use it in all aspects of their life."

Later, they will speak with grades 5-8 on mental health, the effects of stress, and how to deal with it. Learning about these concepts from a big tough guy like Brayden Lineus will show that everyone deals with these things no matter who they are or what they do.

After they finish at the school, folks in town are invited to come out to the local A&W, where they will interact with fans from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

"The initiative affects the Community, not just in Swift Current but across the province," said Clarke. "If at all we can reach the youth and be able to talk to them about important topics like mental health, reading, and the ability just to believe in themselves, it will go a long way for the future of our province."