For two weekends over the course of the last few months, Anthony Calvillo took young quarterbacks from the university level (March 12-13) and the CEGEP level (April 9-10) in Quebec, under his wings, during the Anthony Calvillo Leadership Academy. More than 30 young football players had the unique opportunity to be coached by professional football’s most prolific passer. During those weekends, Calvillo shared his knowledge about the game as well as the mental and physical preparation that are required to perform at a high level.

PHOTOS -> Anthony Calvillo Leadership Academy university level quarterbacks

In 2014, the President and CEO of the Alouettes, Mark Weightman, along with Anthony Calvillo, wanted to give back to the amateur football community. Weightman suggested organizing a football camp for amateur players and Calvillo found the idea very interesting. Calvillo strongly wanted the Academy to focus on young quarterbacks of Quebec and that it wouldn’t cost anything for players to participate. “It was important for me that the Academy was going to be free, because I did not have the money to go to any of these camps when I was younger and I did not want to exclude anyone now,” declared Calvillo.

“I did not have the money to go to any of these camps when I was younger and I did not want to exclude anyone now”

In the context of the Academy, Anthony Calvillo works alongside Jason Hogan, the Alouettes Offensive Quality Control Coach. Hogan came to know Calvillo gradually throughout the occurrence of several amateur football events on which they worked together. Throughout the years, Calvillo had the opportunity to discover Hogan’s personality, determination and the work ethic of the 29-year-old coach.

PHOTOS -> Anthony Calvillo Leadership Academy CEGEP level quarterbacks

During the Academy, Anthony Calvillo focused on sharing the importance of the quarterback’s role regarding one’s influence on his teammates. He emphasized on the responsibility the quarterback has, as the leader of the team, and on his role beyond being on the field. Also, the coach insisted on the importance of having a proper mindset. “The players need to understand that one day they will all be competing against one another. Therefore, it is significant that they know how to stand out. In other words, anyone can be good, but how are you going to make a difference to be great?,” concluded Calvillo.