Staying in school: the right way to kick-start your life

Three players from Montreal’s professional soccer team and the Impact’s mascot Tac-Tik were among the people present for the launch of the official English tour called All the Way with the Impact. Mauro Biello, St. Laurent’s own Adam Braz, as well as ambassador and former player Lloyd Barker were greeted like rock stars by the screaming and jumping students. But when it came time to listen to what their idols had to say, the children were all ears. “We’re here today because we believe in you, said Barker. Anything you want to do in your life requires that you stay in school. Everything you begin starts in school and we’re here to help you in your journey.”

The Laurentian home-grown soccer player also had a few words for the young audience. “First of all, I must say you’re the most enthusiastic kids I have ever seen and I hope you bring that enthusiasm to class, just like I bring my enthusiasm to the game.” Braz, who received a scholarship to study and play in an American university, followed by telling the students how lucky and privilege they should feel to go to school. “A lot of people in this world don’t get this chance. Even if there are things that you don’t like, like homework, you have to do it because it makes you better in exams, like practice makes me better in games.”

Mauro Biello, perhaps the most well-known player in Impact history, talked about the similarities between soccer and school and the sacrifices he had to do in order to play the sport he loves. “I started school in NDG, then I went to Vanier College and Concordia, but at the same time I was also playing soccer and hockey. I had to make many sacrifices to keep my grades up, to please my parents and to keep practicing sports.” He then told the attentive students how the things he learned in school helped him in his soccer career. “I learned how to listen to my teachers and coaches; I learned how to be disciplined, which means being on time for my classes and practices and being prepared by doing my homework and by resting before games. I also learned to work with my classmates and my teammates in order to combine our efforts and perform at the best of our ability.”

The conference ended with five students from Gardenview doing soccer drills with the Impact players. It was also announced that the Impact’s game on Wednesday, June 4 against Miami FC will be dedicated to the EMSB and will, of course, be held in the brand-new Saputo Stadium.

(Photo: Jacques Pharand)

(Photo: Jacques Pharand)

(Photo: Jacques Pharand)

(Photo: Jacques Pharand)

(Photo: Jacques Pharand)