FC Supra du Québec: A New Era for Soccer in Montréal
Boulevard Saint-Laurent serves as one of Montréal’s key streets, bustling with food lovers seeking out delicious smoked meat sandwiches or authentic pizza from numerous establishments in Little Italy. Among these is Evangelista Sports, a spot that has proudly represented the city’s soccer culture for over 40 years, becoming as integral to Montréal as poutine and discussions about the cold weather.
Recently, FC Supra du Québec chose this vibrant avenue to reveal their inaugural signings. The Canadian Premier League (CPL) expansion team aims to intertwine itself with the cultural identity of the city and province. Inspired by European clubs like Athletic Bilbao, they are committed to assembling a roster featuring players who were born or raised in Québec, aiming to create a pathway for local talent that has often been overlooked.
“We needed it, the players needed it, the youth in this province needed it,” states club president and co-founder Rocco Placentino. “Having a CPL team is crucial. While it may sound biased since I’m from here, Québec has abundant talent.”
Québec, Canada’s second-most populated province with around nine million residents, has produced numerous players for both the men’s and women’s national teams. These include talents like Moïse Bombito, Ismaël Koné, Nathan Saliba, Maxime Crépeau, and Mathieu Choinière, many of whom may shine under head coach Jesse Marsch in the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Historically, there hasn’t been a solid pathway for young talent, especially since CF Montréal, now part of MLS, was the only professional club. Players like Bombito faced challenges breaking into the professional scene from amateur leagues, often having to leave Québec to find opportunities.
Placentino believes FC Supra will bridge this gap by connecting players in Ligue1 Québec, the province’s pro-am league, with opportunities in MLS. “Who’s the next Moïse Bombito? Who’s the next Ismaël Koné? We now have a genuine platform for emerging players,” he emphasizes.
Sean Rea, one of FC Supra’s first signings, expressed that a club like this would have provided crucial opportunities during his early career in CF Montréal’s academy. He believes that with FC Supra’s support, players can gain valuable minutes on the field, fostering their development in a more inclusive soccer environment. The anticipation is building as FC Supra gears up for the pre-season in January and plans to unveil more signings and sponsorships in the weeks leading up to kickoff.
