Sun Youth football teams need a new home field before season kicks off
Sun Youth football teams will be without a home field starting in September, leaving the organization scrambling to find a new field in time for the season to kick off.
"If we don't have a place to go, what's going to happen to this team?" said Peter Elenakis, whose 9-year-old son plays football with the organization at Jeanne-Mance Park.
Parents were told during a meeting with Sun Youth staff on Monday that the field will be closed for renovation as of Sept. 1
"We don't want to lose the season, and we want the teams to stay together and have this great place to play and practice," said Elenakis, who lives a short walk away. "It's our home field."
The group has five teams, with 150 to 200 kids and teens playing each season.
"The concern is there," said Sun Youth football coach Jesse Blizzard. "Parents have voiced their concern, and I understand."
Guinness Rider, director of community services and sports at Sun Youth, believes a solution will come in time. He added that his team is working with the city to find a field.
"We have a couple of options in place and we're seeking the best ones," he said.
Sun Youth said it hasn't received a date yet for when construction will be completed.
"There will be construction and renovations as far as we know through September, all the way through to the spring and probably parts of the summer," said Rider.
The City of Montreal tells CTV News it is "continuing its rejuvenation of Parc Jeanne-Mance, at the heart of the Mount Royal heritage site...to make it more accessible...and safe."
Officials add that two other major construction projects are also in the works, with announcements to come shortly.
Despite the uncertainty, Rider said there's hope and excitement for what's next.
"This field does need renovations and we are very happy that they are going forward and doing this," he said.
Jesse Blizzard, Football program coordinator, and Guinness Rider, Director of Community Services and Sports at Sun Youth (Laurence Brisson Dubreuil)
Sun Youth's football program is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, a significant milestone for Blizzard, who started playing with the organization at the age of 11.
He's now responsible for running the program.
"For me to be here this long, it means a lot," he said.
Sun Youth's five teams will play at Jeanne Mance Park on Aug. 24 to mark the special anniversary.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ontario's top court dismisses application for bail from Jacob Hoggard
A justice with Ontario's Appeal Court has dismissed an application for bail from Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard as he tries to appeal his sexual assault conviction at the country's top court.
Driver charged with killing NHL's Johnny Gaudreau and his brother had .087 blood-alcohol level
The driver charged with killing NHL hockey player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew as they bicycled on a rural road had a blood-alcohol level of .087, above the .08 legal limit in New Jersey, a prosecutor said Friday.
Air Canada travellers share worries and frustrations ahead of possible pilot strike
Here's what customers had to say about their travel plans ahead of a potential Air Canada pilot strike.
Trudeau says Ukraine can strike deep into Russia with NATO arms, Putin hints at war
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Ukraine should be allowed to strike deep inside Russia, regardless of Moscow threatening that this would draw Canada and its allies into direct war.
2 suspects charged after Lamborghini stolen in armed home invasion in Richmond Hill: police
York Regional Police say they have arrested two suspects and are looking for at least one more following an armed home invasion in Richmond Hill that saw thieves escape in the victim’s Lamborghini.
Former NHL enforcer Stephen Peat dies after being hit by car in B.C.
Stephen Peat, the former Washington Capitals enforcer who fought concussion issues and was homeless at times after leaving hockey, has died from injuries sustained late last month when he was struck by a car while crossing a street. He was 44.
A cat named Drifter is safe after sneaking out and getting trapped in a sewer for nearly 8 weeks
A cat aptly named Drifter is safe at home after sneaking outside and getting trapped in a sewer for nearly eight weeks.
LIVE UPDATES Air Canada flights could halt next week: Here's the latest
Air Canada's potential work stoppage could ground flights, halt cargo and leave travellers scrambling to reschedule next week. Follow along with live updates here.
NDP caving to Poilievre on carbon price, has no idea how to fight climate change: PM
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the NDP is caving to political pressure from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre when it comes to their stance on the consumer carbon price.