Pointe Claire Pumas roar to a start

Sure, last Sunday’s inaugural game was technically forfeited, but no one said the task of beginning the new Pointe-Claire football organization would be easy. Besides, for Alton Francis, head coach of the newly formed Pointe Claire Pumas, the game goes way beyond winning and losing. “We want the kids to have the learning experience of playing even though it won’t count,” Francis told The Chronicle. “My primary goal is to have fun, teach football and be competitive, not necessarily to win." Working with a short bench at the best of times, overlapping vacations left the Pumas with just 9 players last Sunday, meaning they would take the field without a single sub, not to mention the fact that they had yet to practice together as a team. Sensing disaster, Francis contacted the opposing coach and offered to cancel the official game and scrimmage instead. The situation was made easier because of the familiarity between the coaches; the Pointe-Claire initiative is in fact an offshoot of the Lakeshore Football Association, who had too many players trying out for their three atom teams. Rather than deny some kids the opportunity to play, the Pumas were founded. The game progressed slower than normal as both coaches took the opportunity to do some on-field instructing between plays. For many players, this season is their first experience with organized football, and the extra coaching permitted turned out to be for the best. Organizing the players into a huddle and then a formation prior to each play isn’t an easy task, especially as the kids’ attention wanes. Despite this, Coach Francis sees no reason why football can’t compete with other sports in attracting youngsters. “It’s a great game,” he said. “There may be a lot to learn in the beginning, but once the kids understand the basics it’s no different than any other sport.” With 16 kids on the roster, the Pumas still have room to grow. If your child was born between 2000 and 2002 and would like to give football a try, please contact Alton Francis at 514-697-6183.