There was an air of anticipation and excitement as CW Jefferys students and football players assembled in the gymnasium while a giant inflatable football player was set up in the back of the school yard. Hundreds of students then gathered near the football field to welcome the Toronto Argonauts football team to their school. The Argos were there to announce a new partnership with the TDSB and the Toronto Foundation for Student Success. Level the Playing Field is a program that is helping re-establish football teams at four TDSB schools: CW Jefferys CI, Eastern Commerce CI, Lester B Pearson CI, and North Albion CI.
The program includes a $10,000 donation to each of the teams from the Argos' Foundation; coaches clinics; recognition for each new team at an upcoming game at the Rogers Centre; pep rallies at the schools hosted by the Argos; player ambassadors, who will visit practices and games and work with their teams on community activities; and cheerleader ambassadors to help build school cheer teams. The Argos Foundation, along with sponsor Tim Hortons, has committed to supporting the Level the Playing Field program for at least the next three years.
Director of Education Chris Spence is a former Canadian Football League (CFL) and university running back and knows from first-hand experience how football can affect students. "Nothing builds esteem, a sense of accomplishment, and fosters teamwork like being a member of a football squad," he said.
Ward 17 Trustee Michael Coteau concurred: "Athletics teaches our students about trying their best, teamwork and coming together for a common goal,” he said. "These skills will have lasting benefits as they move forward in life, regardless of their career paths."
In addition to the benefits to players, athletics also contributes to school spirit and the students at CW Jefferys CI showed their allegiances when the four football teams were announced and players ran onto the field. After politely applauding the Eastern Commerce, North Albion, and Lester Pearson teams, they erupted into loud cheers when their own team ran onto the field.
Principal Audley Salmon said that the reaction to the team has been "amazing." "We had so many students come out for try outs and all of them--some big, some small, some tall, and all from different backgrounds and cultures--we're welcomed and felt a part of team," said Salmon. "The whole school has embraced the team and right now I'm just excited for the season to begin."
Each of the four schools is reviving teams that participated in high school leagues in years past--some with traditions that date back as far as 1926. That was when Eastern Commerce played its first game. They played their last game in 1979. This year they will twin with Monarch Park CI, splitting games at each of the two schools.
The North Albion CI Monarchs haven't fielded a team for almost 30 years. They will be coached by School Resource Officer Ron Chinzer, who has quickly developed a rapport with NACI students. Argos running back and home-grown star Jeff Johnson will serve as NACI’s ambassador and he shared with the crowd how football changed his life. “Today, I have a university degree, I’m in my 10th year in the CFL, and I’m married and have two kids, thanks to football,” he said pointing to the decision he made years ago to try out for his school team as a pivotal moment in his life.
Other player ambassadors include Linebacker Willie Pile, who will work with Lester B Person CI; Running Back Jamal Robertson, who becomes an Eastern Commerce booster; and Cornerback Jordan Younger, who had an early glimpse of his school at CW Jefferys.
All of the Argos players participated in a special practice held at CW Jefferys CI after the announcement was made as students were treated to a barbeque lunch.