It's not new that Montreal Alouettes players have tried to make an impact on their community.
Since 1998, the team's football players have traveled to high schools to talk about academic perseverance as part of the Together for School program. There will also be a new initiative in 2024, as the Belle Province Club has joined forces with the DPJ Youth Foundation.
The players visited youth centers in the Montreal area on Tuesday and Thursday to discuss the importance of staying in school. Kicker David Côté was there.
“It is important to take part in this type of initiative because we can use our life experiences to try to inspire them a little while they are going through more difficult times,” explained the one who will compete in his fourth season with the Alouettes in 2024 .
The Als have never been more popular in almost a decade. This is largely due to their capture of the Gray Cup last November. Côté, his teammate Frédéric Chagnon and former player Martin Bédard also came in front of the young people with the big trophy.
“We were very well received,” said the kicker. It was really nice to see the smiles on the young people's faces. The trophy always has an effect. We need to use the popularity that comes with our championship wisely to try to make an impact on future generations.”
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“Presenting inspiring role models to young people from the DPJ who have overcome challenges just like them is an important source of motivation,” said DPJ Youth Foundation Director General Fabienne Audette in a statement.
“Many thanks to the Alouettes players, partners of the Foundation, who came to meet the young people and share with them, in complete transparency, parts of their story marked by perseverance. Giving the young people at the DPJ the desire to continue their school career is the key to a better future for them.”