Founder of The Hergy Mayala Foundation
Hergy Mayala
From conflict to opportunity, building pathways for the next generation.
A Journey of Hope
Originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo during a time of intense civil conflict, Hergy’s early life was marked by a courageous search for safety and a better tomorrow.
At age eight, his family moved to Canada to escape the instability of home. It was in this new land that he began to rebuild his life, eventually finding his true passion and purpose.
At ten years old, Hergy discovered football. This game became a catalyst for change and a lifelong mission.
A Fresh Chapter
While settling in Montreal, Hergy embraced sports as a vital pillar of his development, with football soon defining his path. The game instilled in him a deep sense of grit, focus, and unwavering perseverance. For Hergy, football provided much more than competition; it offered a clear sense of purpose, self-belief, and a bold vision of his potential.
A Greater Purpose
As his professional path unfolded, Hergy recognized that his legacy would extend far beyond the gridiron. Witnessing the transformative power of sport to reshape lives and build character, he saw a gap for those from underserved communities. He understood that while talent is universal, support is not. This insight led him to establish the Hergy Mayala Foundation to give back to the youth of Africa and beyond.
Mission and Impact
A Heart for True Change
Hergy founded this organization to spark change by opening doors through athletics, mentorship, and holistic growth. His objective is to provide others with the guidance and encouragement that can reshape a future. He believes that a child's background should never restrict their potential. This foundation stands as a beacon of hope, fostering discipline and new prospects for upcoming leaders.
His Vision
The goal of the Hergy Mayala Foundation is to connect raw talent with real opportunity. Spanning from Africa to North America, Hergy strives to ensure young players receive the coaching and visibility essential for success in life and on the field. This mission is about long-term influence beyond the game, empowering the youth to dream far bigger and achieve much more for their communities.
1
Trinity-Pawling School
His path led him to Trinity-Pawling, where he continued to develop as an athlete and a young man while gaining exposure to the American football sporting system.
3
Professional Football
In 2019, Hergy was drafted by the Calgary Stampeders in the CFL, turning his dream into reality.
The Journey
His football journey has taken him across borders and through every level of the game.
2
University of Connecticut
From there, he earned the chance to play Division I football at UConn, where he competed at a high level and grew in discipline, leadership, and resilient character.
4
CFL Journey
Hergy's professional career continued with the Montreal Alouettes in 2022 and 2023, Edmonton in 2024, Toronto in 2025, and finally with BC in early 2026.