Street soccer summer season kickoff: A field of inclusion and hope

The non-profit organization the Canadian Street Soccer Association (CSSA), along with the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) and other city-based shelter partners, is kicking off its summer season while providing stronger bonds and breaking down social barriers between Montreal’s SPVM and those experiencing homelessness.

Representatives from Maison du Père, the City of Montreal, Maison Tangente, Old Brewery Mission, Accueil Bonneau, and Plein milieu have all participated with the CSSA, saying they use sports to help people experiencing homelessness and other forms of social exclusion.

“The importance really I think is community building. It’s about giving something back to the community,” said Quebec program Director of CSSA, Bob Humphreys.

“We’re trying to reintegrate them back into society and by having the SPVM guys coming on board with us,” he added.

With the end of the CSSA indoor winter training at SoccerRoof in the Plateau, activities have now moved outdoors every Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Parc Toussaint Louverture. This field will act as a space of inclusion where people experiencing homelessness can rediscover confidence, dignity.

“It’s not about the soccer talent. It’s not about technical skills. It’s really about helping these guys”

Two SPVM officers have been training weekly with program participants, which aims to build greater bonds of trust and foster mutual understanding.

“We’re all humans. We’re all people. We come from different backgrounds with different life experiences. But I believe that, for example, playing soccer is a great way to break some barriers, come together,” said Montreal police officer Simon Pierre.

“Everybody’s tired at the end of the game. Everybody’s happy.”

Clients from organizations and workers all voiced their appreciation for one another along with the importance of staying active while fostering stronger connections.

“It’s good to get exercise, to stay healthy, to eat well, to sleep well, and to have physical endurance,” Pierre said.

“It’s a great way to have self-discipline, to come together. If we’re all suffering together, we form our relationships, we form bonds, and if we have a common goal, it’s a very team-building.”

The launch also highlighted the potential selection of two program participants who could represent Canada at the annual international soccer tournament — the Homeless World Cup in Oslo, Norway.

Each team will field four players — one goalkeeper and three outfielders on the pitch, which is smaller than the regular size FIFA soccer field.

Players must be recently unhoused or temporarily housed. The tournament is hosted by a different city each year as previous editions were hosted by Paris and Rio de Janeiro.

Humphreys will participate in the selection process which looks at two to three representatives from Vancouver, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec. He says the selection process is nearly complete as travel logistics are being finalized.

“It would be very important if Montreal is represented on the international level,” said Pierre. “People from all around the world can find out about what’s going on here. The beautiful stories, the beautiful things that are going on.

“I think it would be superb to have people from Montreal going over to the World Cup.”