Montreal soccer charity ‘GOAL MTL’ returns for 14th edition

Montrealers and soccer fans alike participated in the 14th annual ‘Goal MTL’ charity event at McGill Percival Stadium on Sunday.

Founded by Paul Desbaillets, the event provides funding for initiatives including youth soccer programs and teams, while facilitating clinics, camps and scholarships for young athletes, with a mission to foster equality and opportunity.

The tournament and fundraiser was organized by the Goal Initiatives Foundation, a charity dedicated to empowering the next generation of soccer players through health, wellness and inclusivity through play.

In collaboration with Canadian soccer player Patrice Bernier’s Fund, the Foundation was able to raise funds for schools around the city for youth to enjoy for years to come, Desbaillets told CityNews.

“It’s about doing and I think that’s the most important part too here is that nobody here is a professional, that’s the point,” Desbaillets said, adding “the point here is that boys and girls come together and just play soccer and it can be fun.” 

With 24 teams participating, the 14th edition of Goal MTL featured hundreds of athletes at the stadium participating in activities like Nordic recovery services, music, drinks, entertainment and more.

Verdun City Councillor Sterling Downey was also present at the event as part of his longstanding relationship with Desbaillets.

“I’ve known Paul since he was 17 years old at Dawson College. He volunteered at my own festival when he was young. He didn’t have to, he offered to,” Downey said. “[So] those values that make up who he is as a person have always resonated with me.”

The funds raised this year will support the refurbishing of a soccer pitch at Verdun Elementary School, along with a 16-week lunchtime program with Canadian soccer player Patrice Bernier at James Lyng High School in St-Henri. 

Senator Tony Loffreda, representing the province of Quebec shared the importance of sport in health and building community.

“Activity is so important for mental health, physical health and community,” Loffreda said. ” It’s about getting out there, meeting people, exchanging ideas.”

Sterling said with the COVID-19 pandemic impacting children’s ability to play and get together, events like Goal MTL are a reminder of how important sports are when facing isolation.

“Community has played such an incredible role in terms of people’s well-being, and everybody here today is coming together to support that for the next generation,” Sterling said.