BC Lions players mentor Surrey Schools football students in new partnership program

Despite the Grey Cup playoffs being just around the corner in November, BC Lions players have been taking time to visit several Surrey schools to help students up their football game.

The initiative is part of the BC Lions’ High School Football Mentorship Program, which sees players from the local Canadian Football League (CFL) team attend one practice per week this month at each of the district’s three high school programs: Lord Tweedsmuir, Sullivan Heights and Earl Marriott secondary schools.

BC Lions players Andrew Peirson and Marcus Sayles.During a recent Lord Tweedsmuir practice, BC Lions players Andrew Peirson and Marcus Sayles took to the field to provide student players with hands-on feedback and coaching.

“We have so many coaches that give so much to us, so this is kind of our way of paying it forward to the sport, doing our duty and passing on what we know to the next generation,” said Peirson, who is an offensive linesman for the Lions. “It’s also fun taking some of the stuff we’ve learned, teaching it to the kids and seeing them have that lightbulb moment where you see them get it, and then they go and use it.”

For Sayles, a defensive back, working with students has been a great way to give back to the community, and a chance for him to inspire students that may be walking a similar path to his.

“I definitely see a bit of myself in these kids,” he said. “I didn’t start playing football until high school and like a few of them here, I was a smaller player when I was in school, and so if I can help them along that journey that’s really what we’re here for.”

Grade 12 Lord Tweedsmuir student Eli Melnyk said having professional players on the field has added a whole new dynamic to training, with the professional players providing advice on technique and strategy.

“We have coaches that have had collegiate or some pro experience, but to get guys that are currently doing it now has been really exciting,” said Melnyk. “Just being able to chat with them, get their opinions on how we can elevate our game and bring us somewhere else higher has been great.”

Teammate Ede Aimiose agreed. Having enrolled at Lord Tweedsmuir specifically for the football program, the Grade 12 student said the opportunity to ask questions and learn from pro players has been a key motivator in his senior year.

“I want to play in college and being able to see how they do things, pick their brains on what they did to get to that next level and to where they are now has been really fun,” said Aimiose.

With the CFL playoffs set to begin next month, the mentorship program will come to an end in the final week of October. Former player and current BC Lions director of community relations Jamie Taras said it’s been a good first year for the program. He looks forward to continuing to work with the district for years to come.

“We’ve been working with Surrey Schools for many years now doing different school programs here in Surrey,” he said. “We’ve always had a great relationship and so we’re always wondering what more could we do to help the largest, growing school district in BC?

“There’s so much you can learn through the sport, character commitment, determination, teamwork and all those great attributes that this game can teach you. That’s a big part of why we do this.”