Delta Leopards (U-8) kick things around with rising soccer superstar Rachel Lamarre

The visit, arranged by head coach Sylvain Lamarre, was not just a passing fancy. It was a working session that included a display of talent by the 16-year-old Lamarre as she showed the boys some amazing tricks with the ball.

A graduate of the Delta program herself, Rachel took plenty of time to put on a mini-instructional clinic that included ball control, head work and deft ball handling.

In keeping with the spirit of the visit, Lamarre also handed out plenty of autographs and tickets to a July 4 Comètes game at Bois-de-Boulogne Stadium. (Alas, the Ottawa Fury beat the Comètes 3-0 that Friday evening.)

Some of the suggestions contained in the lessons conducted by Rachel at the Leopards practice were put into effective use very quickly just two days after the visit (end of June), when coach Lamarre's boys were full measure in a 4-0 win over the Pumas, a win made even sweeter by Rachel's presence at the game, a generous gesture on her part which meant a great deal to the youngsters.

"It's really quite an experience to be around kids with this kind of boundless energy, love of the game, and great motivation for learning," the coach adds, noting that his policy of alternating captains for each game has brought wonderful results, with each youngster truly appreciating the privilege and responsibility of being the skipper for that game.

"It's a source of super motivation for the kids. I've seen some special qualities manifest themselves as each player dons the captain's band. And it's also refreshing to see them carrying their enthusiasm into the next game, event though they turn the captain's role over to someone else. It's an approach that more teams in minor soccer should try," sums up Mr. Lamarre, who is in his first year of coaching soccer.

The respect and appreciation reflected by Rachel's visit with the Leopards are characteristic of the young star's high level of maturity and heightened sense of responsibility, says Mr. Lamarre, who has known the young woman and elite athlete since she was just a youngster.

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To date (July 20) the Leopards are sporting a rather impressive record of 9 wins, one draw, and only a single loss. (Photo: Martin Alarie)