Champlain’s Cavaliers Men’s Soccer team members participated in an event this week in support of the Canadian Street Soccer Association and its aim to further its mission of inclusion through sport in Montreal.
Representatives from Canada Soccer, Soccer Québec, CF Montréal, and Les Roses joined in support of the initiative during the launch of the Montreal chapter of the CSSA.
Soccer players from Montreal shelters joined the Cavaliers on the pitch, playing a friendly game to kick off the program.
Dean Howie, director of Student Services at Champlain Saint-Lambert and assistant men’s soccer team coach, helped organize the event in Montreal and get the Cavaliers involved.
In an interview with CBC radio, Howie explained that he read about the initiative online and felt it would be a great opportunity for the soccer team’s players to create connections within the community.
“The Men’s Soccer team has been volunteering at the Welcome Hall Mission since the start of the season in August. Three days after the return from the National Championship the players were there again serving meals,” said Howie.
“For the players to be able to share their passion for the game with others was a natural fit and hopefully connected the student-athletes with the players from the missions.”
Starting in January, amateur athletes from shelters in Montreal will have access to a donated soccer pitch every week, thanks to Socceroof and Ministère du Cricket.
Amy Walsh, an alumnus of Champlain Saint-Lambert, former national team player, and consultant for Les Roses, was in attendance at the event and emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for women in situations of homelessness to participate in sport.
The CSSA aims to reach 2,000 participants across Canada by the end of 2025 and would like to send players from men’s and women’s teams to the 2025 Homeless World Cup, which will be held in Oslo, Norway, from August 23-30, 2025.
More:
Radio-Canada | Le soccer pour transformer la vie des sans-abri montréalais
