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Star football player for the SRSS Sabres, Javien Chartrand of Kleefeld was recently named to Team Toba's U18 Indigenous football team and it's come through hard work and dedication.
The start of Chartrand's football career came a little later in his life, but he hasn't wasted any time in developing into a rock solid player. "I started in grade 9," he explains. "It felt very fast paced at first, but I've been able to adapt. My mom was worried I'd be too small, but I've grown. I gained a work ethic and more respect for my teammates and coaches, I've also become more disciplined and it's given me a better attitude."
Having started later than most of of his teammates, Chartrand says he really had to put in the work to catch up to their level. "It was a lot of extra work, those guys were a lot more talented than me, so I had to compete a lot harder. It's one of those things that were if I get hit, I just get up and go back at it. Ignore the distractions and just work."
Working with the Sabres is something Chartrand says has made a massive difference in his life. "It's been a good journey with them. The coaches have really helped me a lot, they've helped me improve."
It's been announced the Chartrand has been selected for a great opportunity and he couldn't be more excited. "Recently, I was named to the U18 Indigenous Team 'Toba. It's going to be really great for the community, to get football more recognized in the Indigenous community in Winnipeg and around Manitoba. It's going to be a really good thing and I'm so proud to represent."
Being a local guy and loving Kleefeld, Chartrand says that once he was named to the team, one of his first thoughts were about others kids in his home community. "I just hope that kids in Kleefeld that are in middle school right now, they can see this and they know they can join football when they join high school."
Chartrand says the success means a lot more thanks to the family support he has and he cherishes them always having his back. "If my mom wasn't here, this wouldn't be happening. She's the one that gave me the go for football. My dad comes to games and my mom also comes to games, it's really good."
At 16-years-old, Chartrand is living in the moment but he also has an eye for the future. "If I get the opportunity to play outside of high school, I'm going to take it. I haven't given it much thought yet, because I'm still new to the game. I haven't thought too far past high school, but maybe soon."
No matter where Chartrand goes in football and in life, the community of Kleefeld will be there cheering him on with his family being the loudest.