On June 8-9, 2024, in association with Soccer Pointe-Claire, Coach Phil will be hosting the third annual special fundraising tournament in support of the ALS Society of Quebec to support patients and fund research into new treatments for the devastating condition commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Coach Phil is aiming to raise $90,000 for patient support and research into this devastating disease.
Founded by long-time Pointe-Claire resident and soccer coach, Phil Lalonde, the tournament is an annual event on local soccer calendars where friends, participants, and supporters join together in an effort to kick Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
"I’ve been coaching soccer for more than 30 years, and this tournament is my way to raise awareness and funds for this important cause,” Lalonde said.
It’s a challenge that is not only important on every level to Lalonde; it’s also personal. Lalonde himself was diagnosed with the disease in September 2021. “I believe in keeping a positive attitude no matter what. ALS challenges that every day, but so far, with the help of the ALS Society and my army of family and friends, I'm staying true to myself." The tournament raised close to $100,000 over the last two years, and Coach Phil's army is working hard to set a new record this year.
The opening ceremony for the tournament will be held on Saturday, June 8th at 11:30 a.m., after which there will be a charity game between The Legends of Montreal Soccer with players Lloyd Barker, Nick Desantis and other Montreal soccer elite vs. Tony Marinaro’s Montreal Media team, made up of Amy Walsh, Georges Laraque, Grant Needham, and many other local celebrities.
Mike Moretto from Canada Soccer grabbed the reins and built the Legends team after hearing about Coach Phil’s tournament and Phil’s desire for this charity game. “When I asked Grant Needham if he could reach out to his buddies for an exhibition game, I had no idea how big and great it would get. Mike and Tony have been great to work with. Evangelista Sports are supplying the uniforms, with some autographed ones being auctioned off. Nick is amazing, and the uniforms look great,” said Lalonde.
The tournament will take place at Terra-Cotta Park in Pointe-Claire on June 8th and 9th from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for women, men, and mixed senior recreational teams ages 25 and up. There will be a kids’ corner and activities for the whole family, and players and supporters can enjoy their lunch in a designated picnic area; concession stands, a bar, and Wild Willy’s ice cream will be on-site. There will also be a silent auction and other fundraising activities to help fight ALS.
For more information, you can contact Phil Lalonde at 514-231-1316 or CoachPhil4ALS@gmail.com. You can also donate directly here. Visit his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CoachPhil4ALS and his Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/coachphil4als/.
Jillian Lalonde is the proud daughter of Coach Phil.