15th annual pre-season Football Jamboree about more than just the game

It's quiet at Shouldice Park now, but on Saturday, over 750 players from 19 teams will converge on the park for the 15th annual Football Jamboree.

It’s all quiet at Shouldice Park right now, but Saturday will be a different story.

More than 750 players from 19 teams will converge on the park for the 15th annual Football Jamboree.

Matteo Diluzio, 14, plays for the Bantam Mavericks, and he’s playing in his fifth Football Jamboree this weekend.

He says it never gets old.

“It’s really great because you get to go into this tournament before the season, and it’s to really show off your skills and see how far your team is going to be,” he said.

For Max Piattelli, 14, of the Bantam Cowboys, this will be his third time playing.

He says it’s always a great time.

“I think it’s an amazing way to start off the season and get everybody out there and to warm up for the actual season,” he said.

“But also to make connections and make friends with other players and coaches.”

The Football Jamboree is about more than just the game.

Al Cooper is on the organizing committee, and he says over the first 14 years, they’ve raised more than half a million dollars for the Ronald McDonald House.

Some of the stories through the years hit home.

“I had a player from 20 years ago whose daughter stayed at the Stollery Hospital, and they lived at the Ronald McDonald House for a year and a half while their daughter had a heart transplant,” he said.

“We had another player just two years ago that played bantam, and he had to go all the way to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for his cancer treatments.

“Ronald McDonald House covered his expenses and stay at the house.”

For the players, this is a chance to get ready for the upcoming season, but also give back, which they say is so important.

“That means a lot to us,” said Piattelli.

“Every organization, I think they stress giving back and learning the importance of giving to the less fortunate or just sharing your wealth in general.”

“It feels amazing,” said Diluzio.

“We get to help other people while playing the sport we love. It’s the best, and at the Children’s Hospital, it’s really good because my sister got injured and they were really good there.”

The Calgary Minor Football Association’s pre-season Football Jamboree runs all day Saturday at Shouldice Park.