For a long time, the discussion around women’s sports was that the hypothetically minimal interest of spectators and investors could not sustain this facet of the entertainment industry. But in recent years, the discourse has changed. And the new Soccer Super League of the North (SLN) intends to position itself at the center of the “movement”.
“It’s a growing industry, which has only been getting real funding for about five years,” explained the circuit’s founder and president, Diana Matheson, Tuesday evening at Dalhousie Station. The former Canadian international player was present, as were the elite of Quebec soccer, for the grand unveiling of the Montreal Roses brand image.
Without naming them, we understand that she is referring in particular to European women’s leagues, such as the Women’s Super League in England, Liga F in Spain or Serie A Femminile in Italy, which have been growing at breakneck speed in recent years.
The SLN will kick its first balloons in the country in the spring of 2025. And seeing the success of the very popular event on Tuesday evening in Montreal, the enthusiasm is very real.
“In Canada, we are just getting started. We believe, like many Canadians, that we have one of the best markets for women’s sport in the world. Soccer, which is a global sport, means that we are in competition with other leagues, particularly for talent. All our owners believe that we can be in the top 5 global. This is where we are heading. »
It’s ambitious, we agree. But why not dream? Especially since the example of the LPHF, of which the Victoire de Montréal is a part, proves “that there are interesting business opportunities,” Minister Isabelle Charest told us.
PHOTO KARENE-ISABELLE JEAN-BAPTISTE, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Isabelle Charest, Minister of Sport, Recreation and the Outdoors
“I was there the day there were 19,000 people [au Centre Bell]underlines the person responsible for Sport, Leisure and Outdoors at the Quebec government. There are more and more young girls who want to identify with this world. I think that’s a combination to make it work. »
Grow and build together
The member for Brome-Missisquoi had addressed the crowd of 550 people gathered in the Old Montreal establishment a few minutes earlier. Among the lot, the coach of the Canadian men’s team, Jesse Marsch, and the general secretary of Canada Soccer, Kevin Blue, already in town for the Reds camp.
“It’s inspiring,” Blue enthused after the presentation of the Roses logo and name. It’s very professional, first class, which should be a reflection of what to expect in the SLN next year. This is a critical step in Canada’s maturation as a football nation. »
PHOTO CHRISTINE MUCCHI, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Balloons with the Montreal Roses logo
The Canadian federation made sure to offer its support in terms of “promotion” and “operations” of the circuit, in addition to offering funding. “We’re here to help,” said Kevin Blue. We want to encourage the entrepreneurship of Diana and the owners. We are very, very excited for next year. »
Since his arrival at the head of the men’s team, Marsch has worked to rebuild the foundations of a program long disconnected from its roots. Hence the idea of making it “the people’s team”, starting with this week when the players visit local amateur clubs in Montreal.
His mandate does not involve taking care of the women’s program, but his ideas carry over there too, he says.
“I want to ensure that the movement we create applies to both genders, that the vision affects both sides of the federation,” he said in front of The Press. So that we grow and build together. »
One thing is certain, the Montreal Roses seem to be off to a good start. In addition to the two co-owners, Jean-François Crevier and Isabèle Chevalier, around fifteen investor-ambassadors in the club have been announced in recent weeks. And it’s not over yet.
“We are looking for investors who have the project in their hearts,” Crevier told us on Tuesday. Who do it for the right reasons. »
“We are building a movement,” adds Chevalier. There’s still room. Come on! »