At the Chaumont Arena, in the northeast of Montreal, dozens of young people from immigrant backgrounds gather every Sunday afternoon to learn the basics of hockey, the national winter sport. It is the community organization Until Au Bourg, led by Alexandria Aubourg, which allows these children and adolescents to practice this sport, for a fraction of the price. The main objective: to promote their integration into Quebec culture.
” At first, [mes deux enfants] were a little shy, but now, no. They tell me: ‘Dad, we’re waiting for Sunday to play,’” says Youssef Benjaddi, who emigrated from Morocco a year and a half ago.
According to the head of the organization, young people from immigrant backgrounds do not naturally gravitate towards hockey, since they do not skate in their country of origin. By providing them with equipment and offering them almost zero registration cost — $100 for those who can afford it — Alexandria succeeds in promoting this sport that it considers essential to integration. “There is always a skating trip at school. I see it with young people, [ils sont fiers de me dire] that they went to the activity,” she says.
The importance of representation
Alexandria Aubourg, a nurse by training, has always been involved in her community, and volunteering has always played an important place in her life. “I believe in youth,” says the woman who thinks that future generations are formed by example. “For communities with an immigrant background, there is a significant lack of representation [dans les sports]. » It is with this in mind that she set up Until Au Bourg, whose mission is the development of young people through sport and culture. The hockey program, which has existed for three years, is part of a broader offering of events, including summer camps.
Although she is a second generation immigrant, Alexandria Aubourg admits, she has managed, through word of mouth, to reach so many young people because they look like her. “They have a little less embarrassment when they get on the ice because they recognize each other,” she explains.
On the ice, young people of several nationalities and of all levels shoot on goal, pass the puck to each other and learn to skate. All team coaches are volunteers.
“Honestly, it’s so rewarding,” says Benoît Medor, who has been coaching for a year. Just to see their smiles, or their thanks […] you see that you have a positive impact. »
Sometimes, in a single season, they succeed in training new players who will subsequently play in associations. “In two years, we must have transferred around thirty young people who are with the Minor Hockey Association. It’s truly exceptional. These are young people from immigrant backgrounds who would not normally be found in these teams,” explains Alexandria Aubourg.
A mission that casts a wide net
In the stands, many parents watch their children skate and chat with Alexandria. “It allows young people who have never done sport or for whom it is not affordable to get started,” says mother Nidia Ferreira. Because cost is the main obstacle to playing hockey. “If, for example, you have four children who want to play, it’s just not possible. Four uniforms, four registrations, it’s starting to get expensive,” adds Alexandria Aubourg. To help them develop in hockey, Until Au Bourg also helps parents find financing when their child ends up in an association.
Along with the two-hour workout, Alexandria prepares snacks. “We want to show them good habits. It’s important to have a snack when you’re burning off energy,” she says. Because the influence of the manager is not limited to learning hockey. By being present every Sunday, she became a role model for many young people. “For me, Until Au Bourg is a family! »