Montreal Roses bloom at home, plant seeds for future of women's soccer in Quebec
Inspired by the Roses, women reflect on new world of possibilities
This past weekend, mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and nieces packed the stands of Stade Boréale in Laval, Que., to support Montreal Roses FC as they hit the field for their first-ever home game.
There were also men in attendance, but this was a milestone moment for women's soccer in Quebec, one that could spark dreams for years to come.
And for many of those who were part of the sold-out crowd, it was a chance to reflect on what the city's first professional women's soccer team means to them.
Montreal Roses FC's 2-1 victory over Ottawa Rapid FC was the exclamation mark on a special afternoon at Stade Boréale.
"It's a great time to be a woman," said Élisabeth Poulain-Lapierre, one of more than 5,000 fans who attended the game, who pointed out that the Roses can inspire many children, regardless of gender, to compete and aim to go professional.
"I'm very happy to see women being so exposed on social media and having the opportunity to speak for other women and to show that women's sports exist and that they can compete on great stages," she said.
Audréanne Beaulieu, a 42-year-old who once played semi-professionally, brought her niece to witness the moment. She said she was happy to see young ladies have the possibility to play on a team like the Roses in the future.
"We're kind of the former Roses but there was no league like that when we were younger," said Beaulieu, remembering her time as a soccer player.
She expressed optimism, knowing that today's players could fully dedicate themselves to their craft.
"It's really unbelievable because, at our time, we had to work besides. We had to have a normal job, come train after," said Beaulieu.
"It was hard, we were tired. So it's really fun for them that they have the chance to have all those trainers, being paid to play the sport."
The Northern Super League's minimum salary is $50,000, allowing many players to solely concentrate on the game.
'They light the path'
The league is the country's first-ever professional women's soccer league.
There are six founding clubs in total: Halifax Tides FC, Montreal Roses FC, Ottawa Rapid FC, AFC Toronto, Calgary Wild FC, and Vancouver Rise FC.
Montreal Roses FC currently sits at the top of the standings, riding a three-game winning streak.
The Montreal club triumphed over Toronto in their debut game, then won against Vancouver before defeating Ottawa during its first home game.
Franco Lipari, the head coach of a women's soccer team, brought his two daughters and other young girls to help them see what they, too, could one day achieve.
"It's an absolute fantastic moment. I'm at a loss of words," said Lipari.
"It's a dream come true that there's a professional women's team here in Montreal."
Team president Annie Larouche looked out at the crowd and smiled, visibly moved as she took the pulse of the moment.
"They look amazing, don't they? We can see our colours. Ah, the stands are full. How lucky am I?" she said.
Larouche stated that she was looking forward to potentially signing young girls one day, hoping the Roses would inspire them.
"To the older ones, I say 'thank you' because they light the path, they are the foundation of what we have right now," said Larouche.
"A month ago, there was nothing here. We built a stadium, we're building a team, an amazing team. The fans, the whole community is behind us. This is very exciting."
And Larouche wasn't alone in her wonder.
Latifah Abdu, a Montrealer who opened the scoring on Saturday, was left speechless by the buzz in the stadium.
"I knew they were going to come, but honestly they exceeded expectations. They were so, so passionate," she said.
"Playing at home, this is my city, I grew up here, and to be able to give the supporters and my city the 3 points together, it's amazing."
Tanya Boychuk, who helped seal the 2-1 win against Ottawa Rapid FC by scoring off a header, said she almost cried after hearing the national anthem.
"I never get to sing my national anthem. I've always sung the U.S, Swedish, Icelandic, everything," said Boychuk.
She urged the fans to keep coming to the games and to keep filling the seats.
The Roses will return to their home stadium next Saturday, facing the Halifax Tides FC.
"Keep coming," said Boychuk. "We're going to put on a show every time."
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With files from The Canadian Press's Daniel Rainbird