New Quebec Soccer Club Prioritizes Local Talent in Recruitment

Canada’s newest soccer club, Supra du Quebec, has launched with an innovative recruitment policy that emphasizes local talent. Founded last month, the club is set to make its debut in the Canadian Premier League (CPL) during the 2026 season, which begins in April. What distinguishes Supra is its commitment to represent players from Quebec, where French is the official language, marking it as the first CPL team from the province.

The motto, “Un club d’ici, pour ici” translates to “A club from here, for here,” reflecting a philosophy rooted in local community engagement. This approach mirrors traditional European soccer models, where teams are often developed from local talent rather than relying on a franchise system typical in North American sports.

Rocco Placentino, the president of Supra, stated in an interview with The Athletic, “This club will exist to serve the players of this province.” He stressed that the objective is to maintain a strong local presence not only among players but also within coaching and management staff. Placentino cited the Bilbao-based Athletic Club in Spain as a significant inspiration, which exclusively selects players from the Basque Country. He believes Quebec, home to approximately 8.5 million inhabitants, is well-suited for such a localized approach.

Historically, Quebec has not produced a significant number of players for the Canadian national team, but recent developments are changing that narrative. Players such as goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau, who performed admirably in last year’s Copa America, along with midfielders Mathieu Choiniere and Nathan Saliba, have showcased the province’s emerging talent. Saliba recently signed with leading Belgian club Anderlecht, while Ismael Kone, currently on loan at Sassuolo from Marseille, is another notable prospect.

Despite the presence of MLS clubs like CF Montreal, which has a roster featuring players from 16 different nationalities, the CPL has lacked a Quebec team since its inception in 2019. Placentino noted that the limited squad sizes and salary caps in MLS restrict opportunities for local players. “We see their presence as beneficial,” he affirmed, indicating that Supra aims to provide a professional environment for homegrown talent.

The club will share Stade Boreale in Laval with the women’s Northern Super League team, Montreal Roses. This stadium, with a capacity of 5,500 supporters, will be the initial home ground for Supra. As the only CPL team in Quebec, the club seeks to fill a significant gap in the province’s soccer landscape, which has a well-established semi-professional league.

The need for a second professional club in Quebec has been a long-cherished ambition. Placentino remarked, “This is a project we have worked on for more than four years. It was essential for our province to have a second professional club. When our place in the CPL was confirmed, we all thought — ‘Finally!’”

Plans for player trials and recruitment of coaching staff are already underway, with announcements expected in the coming weeks. The club aims to develop a comprehensive youth structure that will create pathways for young athletes to reach the professional level.

This initiative is not just about soccer; it reflects a broader cultural identity. Quebec has a unique heritage that influences its sports, akin to the distinct identities of regions like the Basque Country or Catalonia. Placentino emphasized the importance of locality, stating, “The priority across the club will always be the locality.”

The Quebec soccer landscape has witnessed significant participation, with over 170,000 people reported to have participated in soccer programs in 2023, according to Quebec Soccer. The timing of Supra’s launch coincides with a pivotal moment for Canadian soccer as the nation prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside the United States and Mexico.

As the sport gains momentum in Canada, Supra du Quebec aims to harness the rich diversity of the province. “The beauty of Quebec is the diversity, the multiculturalism and housing every nationality you can think of,” Placentino stated. This initiative is set to celebrate the province’s heritage through sport, highlighting soccer’s ability to unite various communities.

The journey ahead for Supra is both ambitious and exciting, as the club prepares to establish its presence in the CPL and cultivate local talent in the heart of Quebec.