The city of Trois-Rivières is switching to soccer and it’s time for the final preparations for hosting the Montreal Alouettes on Sunday.
• Also read: A terrible tragedy made Jason Maas the new head coach of the Alouettes
• Also read: Alouettes: Multiplayer Contracts
The changing room is set up, players and team personnel arrive.
“It’s going well, we know the demands of the team well as it’s the second year in a row. We knew our game plan well. We are ready. We really get into the last little details,” explained Isabelle Philibert, coordinator at Cégep de Trois-Rivières.
Cégep’s gymnasium, which has been completely transformed into a locker room with a hundred lockers, is almost unrecognizable. It must be said that this is a feature of the camp that the Alouettes organization really likes.
“I would say the facilities, whether UQTR, Cégep, the leaders, there is a warmth. We’re being received really well,” said team general manager Danny Maciocia.
A camp that requires a lot of organization as several players and staff will be in Trois-Rivières for three weeks. Including supervisors, coaches and players, between 130 and 150 people are expected.
Companies and organizations in the region have contributed to the preparations.
“The university’s dormitory service is also responsible for providing accommodation, meals and meeting rooms. They also eat at the Cégep. The Cégep and the university have a partnership with the Société de Transport de Trois-Rivières. The city is involved, but innovation and business development are also involved. There are days off when you have the chance to do business with a local yoga company,” explains Isabelle Philibert.
Like last year, Diablos football players are involved in organizing the event. This time they will take advantage of the front row seats to admire Louis-Philippe Bourassa, a former player who also wore the red jersey. The latter discovered football at Cégep de Trois-Rivières and now plays in the world of professional football. He is an inspirational role model for young Diablos players.
On May 20th an intra-team match will be open to the public free of charge and on May 27th the players will be on the terrace of Les Aigles to sign autographs and meet local football fans.