One school looks to continue to build on its success on the track while quickly turning into the Toronto's new powerhouse sports program. In a era where schools are cutting funding to programs, James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic High School continues to invest in extracurriculars. JCM has started Toronto high school's newest football team.
Behind the leadership of Principal Bisceglia, Trustee Li Preti, Superintendent Campbell and Coach Nick Vescio, James Cardinal McGuigan understands the value of sport and using football has the tool to engage students. To kick off the first ever JCM Football game in the school's 42 year history, we had to have a venue that generated some excitement for the neighbourhood. With the partnership between York University and JCM, the game was played at the York University - Alumni Field. Special thanks to the over 500 students from our feeder schools attended the game.
Last year, JCM launched the Toronto Catholic District School Board's (TCDSB) first High Performance Athletics program, and this year, we launched the Board's newest Football team.
"Football provides the opportunity for children to take part in physical activity, play and leadership development during school, while working for a common goal," Coach Vescio explains. "Keeping children in school can be a challenge in itself, engaging them is the best way to create a sense of pride, belongingness and outlook towards the future."
“In our community, it’s not uncommon for students not to participate in sport because they have to take care of younger siblings while parents work multiple jobs. Or they have no money. There are many financial situations that stop students from participating in extracurriclars. From excelling at school.”
The mission of JCM's Athletics programs and their new High Performance Athletics program (HPA), is to keep as many children in school for as long as possible; by providing mentorship, supporting students in sports and academics, and addressing the challenges students have regarding school access. Funding for the team came from private investments from groups like Football Toronto, Toronto Argos and others. Trustee Li Preti provided funding for hosting our local elementary schools.
"Sport is an extension of the school community,” Coach Vescio explains. “Sports are an added layer of support schools need to help kids get over whatever barriers they’re facing.”
Football in another reason we are the school of choice. We are JCM! And we hope you are too.
