Atlético Ottawa and École secondaire catholique Paul-Desmarais are proud to announce the expansion of a collaborative project to bring professional soccer training to Ottawa youth and elevate youth soccer development in the capital region. Building on the success of the pilot project announced in June 2025 for 50 Sports-Études students in Grades 9 and 10, the program is now set to expand and inspire approximately 200 students in the next generation of athletes from Grades 7 through 12. This partnership means much more than just a soccer program for Atlético Ottawa, said Max Rosen, Director of Business Development at Atlético Ottawa. It’s a concrete opportunity to invest in the youth of West Ottawa, to continue growing the sport within the Francophone community, and to offer Paul-Desmarais students a professional environment that allows them to dream big. The program offers students access to the expertise of Atlético Ottawa coaches, individualized coaching, high-level programming, immersive activities with the players, and concrete visibility within professional networks. The goal remains to pave the way for potential talent identification pathways through Atlético Ottawa, Atlético de Madrid, and other Canadian Premier League (CPL) partners. It will aim to provide young players with a real opportunity to stand out and be noticed, while equipping them with professional standards in the sport. During the pilot project, Grades 9 and 10 were provided with a 20-week program run by an Atlético Ottawa-hired coach, professional equipment, visits from players and coaches to discuss pathways to professionalism, a co-branded uniform and an enhanced matchday experience during the “Célébration franco-ontarienne” match in September 2025. The second phase of the project will offer: Grades 7-8: Individualized sessions integrated within the Paul Desmarais multi-sport program. Grades 9-10: A tailored 30-week program, expanding from the current 20-week structure for the 2026–27 school year. Grades 11-12: A 30-week program, with a focus on developing the skills of the players and preparing them for the next level of competition.