Currently ranked among the top-rated high schools in Quebec, Collège Bourget de Rigaud cultivates an important academic and athletic tradition. Combining structured programs and top-level coaching for student-athletes, the Voltigeurs program stands out for its ability to train young people who shine both in the classroom and on the field.

Today, Collège Bourget boasts nearly a dozen sports, some 50 teams at various levels and over 1,300 male and female athletes.

Over the years, the Voltigeurs have made their mark and now compete at the highest levels of Quebec and Canadian sport. In fact, many Collège alumni have gone on to distinguish themselves at college, university and even professional levels.

Success doesn't happen overnight. The results we can see on the field today are the fruit of many years' work, with the ultimate goal of offering a unique experience to young student-athletes.

The key to success

In an interview with Néomédia, Collège Bourget sports director Maxime Bérubé explains how the progression of sports programs was possible. “The key is the openness of management.“

He also stresses the collective effort of the sports, academic and administrative staff. “It's a team effort; you can't pull off projects like we did without everyone working together.” In his opinion, the arrival of Philippe Bertrand as General Manager has been an excellent helping hand. As a former Triathlon Canada coach himself, his involvement in the Voltigeurs program was a natural fit.

Maxime Bérubé does not, however, forget to mention the former management, who were already very involved. “The Collège's former management, led by former director Jean-Marc Saint-Jacques, already contributed a great deal to the development of sports at the Collège. Sport has always been part of the school's DNA. Today, we've evolved and diversified our offering.” 

In his interview, the Sports Director mentions the need for collaboration between teachers and coaches. He sees the staff as a team that needs to work cohesively to “ensure that young people perform at a high level in school and thrive in their sport.” He points out that it all relies on “a balance with the help of teachers and coaches who are all competent and motivated.”

A lot of work has also gone into raising the profile of Collège Bourget. The creation of a school program in English has enabled many students not only to come and study in English, but also to get involved in the Voltigeurs program. The school residences also enable many athletes who do not live in the region to join the ranks of the Collège.

Their presence on social networks is also a major asset in raising the profile of our sports programs. The Voltigeurs are active on several platforms and have over 8,000 followers on Instagram.

Major investments have been made in infrastructure, including the construction of an outdoor synthetic pitch in 2010 and an indoor one in 2020, as well as a major renovation of the swimming pool in 2025. 

The Collège also benefits from partnerships with other sports organizations, including Football Québec, enabling them to hold their annual training camps on the sports facilities and residences.

Passion

Another cornerstone of the Voltigeurs' success is the introduction of the “parcours passion”. This is a concentration model that enables students to combine the practice of their sport with their studies. In this way, students benefit from 100% of the academic subject matter in addition to sports training. “We want our young people to be in class. We want the four classes a day to be given and the training sessions to be added throughout the day,” explains Maxime Bérubé.

Students participating in sports concentrations have designated periods that do not interfere with their school schedule. These periods are additions to their curriculum, so they don't have to make up class time.

Golden coaching for youngsters

Nearly twenty of the Voltigeurs' coaching staff are full-time employees. For a Quebec high school, Collège Bourget stands out in a remarkable way.

Among them are several coaches who have been university or professional athletes.

To name but a few:

- Jean-Gabriel Poulin, head of soccer and former member of the Montreal Alouettes.

- Mélodie Daoust, head of women's field hockey, Olympic champion and former professional player.

- Martin Gascon, head of men's field hockey and former professional player.

Collège Bourget's coaching staff is highly attractive to young athletes wishing to join a top-level program. “The seriousness of our programs has increased, the quality too, so it's attracted athletes who have a lot of talent.”

In the eyes of the Athletic Director, Collège Bourget offers an experience very similar to that of the prep schools found in the United States. “We like to say that we're a bit like a prep school in Quebec. Young people want to live an experience, so why not live it at Rigaud.”