CF Montreal celebrates 10 years of meeting soccer fans at local parks

CF Montreal made a stop at Westwood Park in Saint-Lazare on Wednesday night – as they ended their 10 years of BMO Soccer Celebration Tour. Members of the team were on site to sign autographs and meet fans.

“I’m excited for the autographs and to see the players,” said one young soccer fan.

“I have three young kids who all play soccer and love soccer so we heard about it and decided to come out and see what it’s about and we are happy that we came,” said a dad who attended the event.

The annual tour has been around since 2014, and it’s free.

“It’s good for the community because it’s far too go all the way to the Saputo Stadium for events like this. So it’s a good chance to have something close to home and just come and share with people that play around here,” said another CF Montreal fan who came to the event with his family.

In addition to getting up close with the CF Montreal players, the event also featured interactive activities like mini soccer pitches fans could try, workshop zones, inflatable games, and a photo booth. Even the club’s mascot, Tak Tic was there.

 “I feel so excited to go on all the bouncy castles,” said one girl.

About 650 young players from CF Montreal’s CIP partner clubs also got a chance to take part in educational clinics led by Club academy coaches and take part in mini matches with the players from CF Montreal.

For captain, Samuel Piette, experiences like this are meaningful.

“Seeing the fans, seeing the younger fans and the not so young fans that they want to just be on the same pitch as you, you know, kick the ball around, take some photos, autograph, it’s always good. I remember when I was in their places, I was always amazed to see my idols, my models. So yeah, to have that proximity and to be close to the professional, you can feel a little bit that it’s possible to be a professional footballer and you get to live for one night your dream,” he said.

 “Those kids, they see us only at the stadium or on TV or hearing us at the radio, but now they get to spend some time on the field,” added Piette.

 “It’s special because it brings the club close to the community, which is super important for the club.”

Midfielder Alessandro Biello said that he believes events like these are all about giving back.

“Whether it’s an autograph, whether it’s a high five or a smile, just to be able to put a smile on their faces and make their days, that’s what counts and being able to give back to the community in the end.”

Before making a stop in Saint-Lazare, the club visited other parks in the greater Montreal area, including stops in Laval and St-Constant.

CF Montreal plays its next game against Charlotte on September 14 at Stade Saputo.

“We’re gonna keep working hard, we’re gonna finish the season strong, and we need you to continue to believe in us and support us. We’re gonna try to push for the playoffs as best as we can,” said Biello.