James Bay Eagles, taking big steps in the right direction

The James Bay Eagles of Quebec, are making a name for themselves as one of the best in the Country in 6-A-Side Football.

Tucked away along the Quebec countryside, sits a small place called James Bay. It is here, where you will find a team with a positive attitude, lead by a man who’s wiliness to win, and making a difference, is key in the teams valiant success thus far. Trevor Monaghan has been in charge of the James Bay Eagles since the beginning and is now looking to take his team, which is made of up many aboriginal players, to the top.

“This football program, which was created 2008 with the help of Josh Sacobie of Football Canada has given a new door of opportunities to Cree youth in sport. Most play hockey, but it seems some are making the transition to football since they can develop later and possibly play league ball in the city after their minor hockey careers are over,” coach Monaghan says.

“The 6-A-Side model we created, asks communities to hire university student-athletes to have a work placement in the community (5-10 weeks) help develop football and support other community initiatives. We have had Craig Bears from Ottawa U (Coach 2009-10), Andre St-Amour from Laval (2010), Morgan Johnson-Koehn Ottawa U (2010-11), Mike Randazzo Ottawa U (2011) and Devon Millar Ottawa U (2011) coach for the Eagles program.” Monaghan could not be happier with the support he has gotten and feels that others are benefiting to. “This a great way for student athletes to spend their summer, coaching football, training and gaining work experience.

Finding competition at the beginning was an issue. Location was not on James Bay Eagles side, and the whole growth of their program was not up to level with some of the other teams from across the country who dominate the sport. “Presently finalizing a 3 team league for the 2012 summer. The Cree Nation of Mistissini (Mustangs) has a team which was coached by Craig Bearss (Ottawa U RB coach) last year. We played a series of mini games where the final game was slated as the Big River Bowl which was the highlight of our First Annual Eagles Football Camp weekend where we beat them 34-32 in a nail bitter of a game,” Monaghan says. His key to being successful in 6-A-Side is simple, “Since we play shoot out style format, it is crucial for teams to score on every 10 play drive they have.”

Personally, Trevor Monaghan has turned many players lives around with the program and his passion to make his team better, and his players better, shines through with his football past. “Having played football for the Orleans Bengals in NCAFA for 8 years (mosquito though bantam), played Midget ball for the Dukes and University football for Ottawa U 1997-99 & 2001, I enjoy developing our youth for the sport,” the former Ottawa U standout says. “It teaches them discipline, teamwork and most of all work ethic. Most players have changed their lifestyles, to train and stay in shape for football.”

For what’s to come, is exciting to Monaghan and anyone involved in 6-A-Side football. “Future plans are to have a 6-A-Side National Championship and keep developing athletes for this sport. With the help of Brian Guebert of football Sask. We develop the 6 Nation Challenge to showcase the game and calibre of play on a national scale.” In the end, their is a goal to reach. “In years to come, it will be a national competition and follow the same standards as the Football Canada Cup.”

That dream does not seem to far off.

Click here to view CBC’S 8th Fire documentary on The James Bay Eagles