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By École secondaire catholique Paul-Desmarais
At École secondaire catholique Paul-Desmarais, students are now experiencing an environment inspired by professional soccer. Through a growing partnership with Atlético Ottawa, student-athletes are evolving in an immersive and dynamic setting that continues to gain momentum across the region.
Following the success of a pilot project launched in 2025 for Grade 9 and 10 students in the soccer sports-study program, Atlético Ottawa and Paul-Desmarais are now entering a new phase of the partnership that will expand opportunities to students from Grades 7 through 12, giving even more young athletes access to high-level training and development.
Specialized coaching, technical training sessions, immersion in the world of professional soccer, opportunities to meet players and coaches, and access to performance resources are all designed to help students reach their full potential, both on the field and in the classroom.
Over the past few years, the Paul-Desmarais soccer sports-study program has distinguished itself through its dynamic approach and commitment to students’ overall success. Today, this collaboration with Atlético Ottawa takes that vision even further by offering young athletes direct exposure to the standards, values, and culture of professional sport.
For Mathieu Gagné, Principal of École secondaire catholique Paul-Desmarais, the partnership goes far beyond athletics.
“This partnership allows our students to benefit from an exceptional educational and athletic experience where passion, discipline, and perseverance truly come to life,” he explains.
From Atlético Ottawa’s perspective, the initiative also represents a concrete investment in the development of youth soccer within the Francophone community in the nation’s capital.
With an agreement in place through 2029, the partners aim to continue building an ambitious and sustainable program that will help showcase Ottawa’s next generation of athletes.
More than just a soccer program, this collaboration has become a true springboard for a new generation of Francophone student-athletes.
Learn more about the École secondaire catholique Paul-Desmarais Sport-études soccer program here.
