Paul Desbaillets doesn’t do anything halfway. If you know him, it’s likely through the Burgundy Lion Group, or The 1st Half podcast, or his radio show on TSN 690, or as the guy who’s probably watched more live football than anyone else in the city. But for the past 15 years, he’s also been behind something quieter, bigger, and arguably more meaningful: The GOAL Initiatives Foundation.

On Sunday, July 27, GOAL MTL 2025 takes over Percival Molson Stadium from 11AM to 4PM. It’s free to attend, and as always, the point is that it's all about showing up.

Twenty-four teams from Montreal restaurants, businesses, pro clubs, and hospitality circles will face off in a day of friendly competition and grassroots giving. Every squad has a fundraising page on goalinitiatives.org, and the one that brings in the most? They get crowned Top Fundraiser 2025. Bragging rights included.

The annual Top-Bins Challenge is back too, with players trying to slot the perfect shot for a cash prize. And every drink, sandwich, or scoop you buy on site? That money goes straight to the Foundation’s 2025 beneficiaries.

GOAL started with one cold afternoon of pick-up games and barbecue. It’s now a CRA-registered charity that’s sent shipping containers of gear overseas, built pitches for local schools, and funded mental wellness programs across the city.

Its crown jewel? GOAL MTL, the city’s annual soccer fest-meets-fundraiser where anyone—from Olympians to line cooks—can lace up and play for something bigger than bragging rights.

“Football has become a language we all speak here,” says Paul. “Across boroughs, backgrounds, and generations—it brings us together in a way few things can.”

"It shows up in parks, schoolyards, futsal courts, and weekend leagues. It’s more than sport. It’s family, It’s identity, It’s hope and through it all, the GOAL Foundation has been there—growing, building, and giving back."

Paul Desbaillets doesn’t do anything halfway. If you know him, it’s likely through the Burgundy Lion Group, or The 1st Half podcast, or his radio show on TSN 690, or as the guy who’s probably watched more live football than anyone else in the city. But for the past 15 years, he’s also been behind something quieter, bigger, and arguably more meaningful: The GOAL Initiatives Foundation.

On Sunday, July 27, GOAL MTL 2025 takes over Percival Molson Stadium from 11AM to 4PM. It’s free to attend, and as always, the point is that it's all about showing up.

Twenty-four teams from Montreal restaurants, businesses, pro clubs, and hospitality circles will face off in a day of friendly competition and grassroots giving. Every squad has a fundraising page on goalinitiatives.org, and the one that brings in the most? They get crowned Top Fundraiser 2025. Bragging rights included.

The annual Top-Bins Challenge is back too, with players trying to slot the perfect shot for a cash prize. And every drink, sandwich, or scoop you buy on site? That money goes straight to the Foundation’s 2025 beneficiaries.

GOAL started with one cold afternoon of pick-up games and barbecue. It’s now a CRA-registered charity that’s sent shipping containers of gear overseas, built pitches for local schools, and funded mental wellness programs across the city.

Its crown jewel? GOAL MTL, the city’s annual soccer fest-meets-fundraiser where anyone—from Olympians to line cooks—can lace up and play for something bigger than bragging rights.

“Football has become a language we all speak here,” says Paul. “Across boroughs, backgrounds, and generations—it brings us together in a way few things can.”

"It shows up in parks, schoolyards, futsal courts, and weekend leagues. It’s more than sport. It’s family, It’s identity, It’s hope and through it all, the GOAL Foundation has been there—growing, building, and giving back."

Paul Desbaillets doesn’t do anything halfway. If you know him, it’s likely through the Burgundy Lion Group, or The 1st Half podcast, or his radio show on TSN 690, or as the guy who’s probably watched more live football than anyone else in the city. But for the past 15 years, he’s also been behind something quieter, bigger, and arguably more meaningful: The GOAL Initiatives Foundation.

On Sunday, July 27, GOAL MTL 2025 takes over Percival Molson Stadium from 11AM to 4PM. It’s free to attend, and as always, the point is that it's all about showing up.

Twenty-four teams from Montreal restaurants, businesses, pro clubs, and hospitality circles will face off in a day of friendly competition and grassroots giving. Every squad has a fundraising page on goalinitiatives.org, and the one that brings in the most? They get crowned Top Fundraiser 2025. Bragging rights included.

Paul Desbaillets doesn’t do anything halfway. If you know him, it’s likely through the Burgundy Lion Group, or The 1st Half podcast, or his radio show on TSN 690, or as the guy who’s probably watched more live football than anyone else in the city. But for the past 15 years, he’s also been behind something quieter, bigger, and arguably more meaningful: The GOAL Initiatives Foundation.

On Sunday, July 27, GOAL MTL 2025 takes over Percival Molson Stadium from 11AM to 4PM. It’s free to attend, and as always, the point is that it's all about showing up.

Twenty-four teams from Montreal restaurants, businesses, pro clubs, and hospitality circles will face off in a day of friendly competition and grassroots giving. Every squad has a fundraising page on goalinitiatives.org, and the one that brings in the most? They get crowned Top Fundraiser 2025. Bragging rights included.