This week, Martin Bédard, Boris Bede, Jean-Gabriel Poulin and Hugo Richard are touring across Québec to teach elementary school students the fundamentals of the sport that saw them grow into the athletes they are today. Catching, throwing, carrying the ball, cutting; each ability is being shown in the safe environment of the Subway Ultimate Football Tour. Managed by Alouettes Amateur Football Supervisor Olivier Turcotte, the tour aims to promote the benefits of physical activity and team sports.

“Starting football at a young age teaches you fundamental skills that will be useful throughout your athletic career, regardless of your sport,” says Olivier who played quarterback for the Rouge et Or himself. “Through football, you acquire discipline and a strong work ethic, and you learn the definition of team work.”

Ultimate Football is a mix of football and Ultimate Frisbee. Every player gets to throw, catch and run receiver-like routes. It is forbidden, however, to run with the ball in hand. Therefore, the kids are forced to look up, find their team mates and keep the ball moving. No contact, just a whole lot of fun!

In addition to visiting many schools of the Montreal region throughout the off-season, the tour team will be making pit stops in Québec City, Alma and Rimouski.