Sun Youth Hornets football – The Sun Youth Hornets football program has been around for decades and they owe their longevity to the late cofounder of the organization, Earl De La Perralle, who sadly passed away on June 19th at the age of 73. The “Godfather”, as he was known in the amateur football scene, may be gone but he will never be forgotten. His legacy lives on through Sun Youth’s sports programs, including his beloved Hornets.
The Sun Youth Hornets offer children 7 to 17 years old the chance to play football in various provincial civil leagues such as the QMFL, QBFL and the MRFL. The organization thus provides yougsters with an alternative to channel their energy positively through sport while supporting their education.
Coach Earl always believed that school success should come first, with his pass-to-play approach. With Sun Youth the student-athletes are fully supported in their education with tutors available after class in the organization’s Study Hall. They are also provided with a healthy snack prior to practice to make sure they have enough energy to play the sport they love.
While the football season has already started the Hornets are still recruiting players for all their teams: Atoms (7-9 years old), Mosquitoes (10-11), Pee-Wee (12-13), Bantam (14-15) and Midget (16-17), with the former three levels needing the most players at the moment (7 to 13 years old). No previous experience is required and Sun Youth provides all the equipment, except for mouthpieces and cleets.
The Hornets home field is located at Jeanne-Mance Park and games are on weekends. The program can count on the support of 40 devoted volunteer coaches. These coaches were named Personality of the Week by La Presse+ in November 2017, a testament to Earl De La Perralle’s lifelong dedication to Montreal’s youth. Meanwhile, the Hornets have shown an amazing track record so far this season, especially the Midgets currently undefeated 3-0. Kids interested in joining the Hornets football teams may contact the program’s Coordinator, Jesse Blizzard, at 514-842-6822 or by email at football@sunyouthorg.com .
