Aléo Research Chair, to optimize access and psychosocial support for high-level sports
Sherbrooke, March 17, 2025 – Despite the recognized benefits of competitive sports, many young people struggle to gain access to high-performance sports and to receive adequate psychosocial support. Research conducted by the UdeS reveals concerning rates of mental health disorders among elite athletes and student-athletes in Quebec, ranging from 20 to 38 % for anxiety and depression, and approximately 8 % for eating disorders, particularly among girls and college students. Female athletes are particularly at risk, underscoring the importance of support tailored to the realities of competitive sports and the specific needs of these young people.
Facing these challenges, the Université de Sherbrooke and the Aléo Foundation are announcing the creation of a research chair aimed at optimizing access to high-level sport and the psychosocial support of athletes. Led by Professor Véronique Boudreault, a specialist in sport psychology at the Faculty of Physical Activity Sciences of UdeS, this chair aims to better understand their challenges, document their needs, and develop strategies that promote their educational and athletic success, regardless of their social background or gender.
A decisive philanthropic partnership to overcome these challenges
The realization of this initiative is made possible thanks to the Aléo Foundation, which, since 1985, has been supporting the well-being of student-athletes through personalized services. In 2015, the foundation launched a support department led by Sophie Brassard, Ph.D. in specialized guidance for high-level athletes, giving rise to the very recent Estrie Project. This project will directly benefit from the research conducted within the research chair.
Patricia Demers, Executive Director of the Aléo Foundation, emphasizes the importance of this initiative: «The launch of the Aléo Research Chair is a major moment for the Foundation. We have always based our actions on scientific foundations and research. With the Université de Sherbrooke, the collaboration happened naturally to finally obtain local data, by local researchers, for local athletes.»
Collaborations with Excellence sportive Sherbrooke, the Institut national du sport du Québec, and Alliance sport-études will enable the Aléo Research Chair to implement an ambitious program focused on two priorities: drawing a precise picture of psychosocial support in competitive sport by identifying the factors that influence the well-being of student-athletes, as well as evaluating and implementing tailored interventions to improve the support offered to athletes and those around them. The results of this research will guide authorities, coaching staff, and practitioners in adopting more effective and adapted practices to support the harmonious engagement of young athletes throughout their athletic journey.
Véronique Boudreault, chairholder of the Aléo Research Chair, emphasizes the need to better support student-athletes: «Ensuring better psychosocial support for young athletes not only helps improve their well-being and adaptation to the demands of competitive sports, but also promotes their long-term engagement. Through the work of the Aléo Research Chair, we will be able to effectively equip athletes and those around them to create an environment more conducive to their success.»
About the Aléo Foundation
Created in 1985, the Fondation de l'athlète d'excellence (FAEQ) has awarded more than $25 million in bursaries to nearly 5,000 student-athletes of excellence from all over Quebec. In order to clarify the organization's mission, which aims to propel athletes beyond sports, the FAEQ changed its name and brand image in 2022 and is now known as Fondation Aléo. In addition to continuing to award scholarships and support services to the leaders of tomorrow, it reaffirms its personalized approach, where the overall personal development and performance well-being of its bursary recipients are at the heart of its actions.
About the Faculty of Physical Activity Sciences (FASAP)
Unique in Quebec, the FASAP at the Université de Sherbrooke trains and supports individuals in sports practice, performance, and health. With nearly 850 students, 21 professors, 80 lecturers, and 3 research chairs, it stands out for its innovative approach to teaching and research. The Aléo Research Chair strengthens its expertise in athlete support, standing as one of the faculty's flagship projects, alongside the Interdisciplinary Institute for Learning, Research, and High Performance.
To find out more:
Aléo Chair Webpage, to optimize access and psychosocial support toward high-level sport
Faculty of Physical Activity Sciences of the University of Sherbrooke
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Information:
Annie Dubé, Director of Communications and Marketing
Aléo Foundation
annie.dube@fondationaleo.ca | 438-884-6626
Geneviève Lussier, media relations advisor
Communications Department University of Sherbrooke
medias@usherbrooke.ca | 819 821-8000, extension 65472
