Many of the children growing up in the inner city communities of Ottawa have been categorized as At-Risk-Youth because of various socio-economic factors and crime factors within these communities. In order to combat this the City of Ottawa supports various Community Centres, Groups or Associations in the inner city communities. Funding for these groups has continued to decline and therefore programs and services have either been reduced or eliminated. This includes recreational or sporting activities. This is not unlike what has happened for independently run community sports programs like hockey, baseball and soccer. These programs are basically run by independent associations however most of those groups have left the inner city communities as those areas no longer had the financial resources and / or facilities to support such programs. The situation now is that the City of Ottawa ranks last in all of Canada for programs and facilities for its inner city communities. In 2004, a small group took over the operations of the East Ottawa Generals Football Club. The Generals are to field competitive tackle teams at 4 age groups. Over the previous 4 years the Generals had folded 3 teams and forfeited 29 additional games because of a lack of players. For legitimate games they had lost 170 straight with an average score of 40 – 0. Since taking over – we have not folded any teams – we have not forfeited any games and are much more competitive – winning a few games at each level - each year. The club was also lacking in volunteers and funds. Records showed only $5,000 in annual income to operate the club. A minimum of $50,000 would be needed with the higher end clubs having $100,000 + for their operations. As of 2008, we have grown that to about $30,000 annually which is still short and we have relied on Grants to survive until we can become sustainable on our own. The Grants have come from various provincial and corporate programs – unfortunately – the City of Ottawa once again has been a huge disappointment. Local TV stations have done reports on our program as it is more than just a football program – for many of the families – it is the only outlet for their children. In 2008 we also started a recreational spring league (the Ottawa Spring Football League). We partnered with 7 local community centers, groups or associations to make this happen. We have an ongoing sponsorship relationship with one of the new members of Ottawa’s CFL ownership group as they work towards bringing a team back to Ottawa. They have the right to change our name and colors to match theirs once a CFL team returns. Although the majority of our players come from low-income families that have no activities for their children and cannot afford to pay registration fees, volunteer or sponsor us – we have reached out to a few smaller more affluent neighborhoods and have a good mix. This speaks volumes for our ability to bring together a very diverse group of families. Additionally, we have 2 players that recently made the Eastern Ontario Under 17 Football Team and will be flying to Saskatchewan in July to compete in the Canada Cup. For 2 players to come from any 1 football club is a huge success for us but neither player could afford to do this on their own and we have taken care of their fees for them. This is just too much of an opportunity for these kids. Opportunities for Grants are somewhat limited – the municipal options have been an extreme disappointment – some provincial and national foundations are not accessible to grass roots programs like ours – and – corporate foundations are restrictive. Demand for our programs is growing but without financial support we cannot even come close to meeting demand as we do not have sufficient equipment for the kids nor do we have enough funds to operate annually. Our home field (Robinson Field) has been closed since 2006. As such we are playing at the only other field close to us. This requires a great deal of car pooling as many of the children do not have access to transportation. If our group is chosen for the Kraft Celebration Tour – I can assure you that the excitement from the community will be astounding. From children that are playing for pure recreation to players that are now viewed as elite – we have accomplished a great deal in a short period of time and are extremely excited about the possibilities going forward. This Grant would go along way in securing that future. Mark Quinn runs this program. Mark is the son of Peter Quinn who played for the Ottawa Rough Riders with his brother John back in the 60’s. Mark’s brother Dan also played 14 years in the NHL. Mark played university hockey and football and some minor pro. He now runs a number of hockey and football programs in the community. The East Ottawa Generals are by far the most important as its need to the inner city communities is paramount.
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COMMENTS (52)
07/01/09
Good football programs in the community.
07/02/09
What Mark Quin and his coleagues have done and continue to do is nothing short of miraculous and must be acknowledged. Kids, of all backgrounds, are this country's future. How many working parents would pick up five kids to take them to practice and games three times a week because they have no other means? Saint Mark does. And he does it for the love of the game.
07/02/09
a must need program
07/02/09
As a parent of a player with the Generals for the past 5 years, I can truly say this is a club worthy and in need of the grant. I have seen first hand the scores of kids who have benefited from playing organized football. For many its one of the few positives in their lives. Bravo Mark and your team of dedicated volunteers..
07/02/09
Ottawa must keep this program alive.