Members of the Montreal Alouettes took to the turf at Université de Montréal on Saturday, July 20th as the organization’s flag football camp marked its return to the Alouettes’ roster of community events. “It was important for us to reinstate this program to connect with our youth and share our passion for our sport, “Mark Weightman, President and CEO of the Montreal Alouettes said. “All the players and coaches will be present because they want to give back to the young people. It says a lot about our team, and I am extremely proud.”
The day long clinic welcomed over 300 boys and girls between the ages of 10 to 17. The participants got to sharpen their skills under the tutelage of 60 Alouettes players and volunteers from Football Quebec . Once the skills drills were complete the youths then had the opportunity to apply what they had learn in some friendly games to close out the day.
Alouette Dylan Winn, who plays defensive tackle, was one of the guest coaches on hand for the day. “Anytime you have a sunny day and can put cleats to turf is a great one,” Dylan Winn said. “It is amazing to see the skills of these young players, both the boys and the girls.”
Winn feels that flag is a great sport because it can be so inclusive on different levels. “Football can be expensive with the equipment,” Winn said. “Flag football is more economic and is welcoming to all players despite size or gender. A pair of cleats and a couple of flags and you’re good to go.”
As the day progressed and the seven-year CFL veteran had a chance to observe the players taking part, Winn was wowed by what he saw. “There’s been some great plays made by the boys and girls,” he said. “As a father of a daughter (4-year-old Charlee) it’s great to see the girls fitting right in and making great plays too because she’s anxious to play football already.”
The popularity of the sport has exploded worldwide, and flag football will be part of the Paris Olympics as it makes its debut. School and civic leagues continue to expand and the youths taking part are enthusiastic about being the best they can be. With events like the Alouettes hosted, there could be a future Olympian out there.
