Standing before Supra du Quebec's players, coaches, and management, Rocco Placentino felt a wave of emotion. It was the club's first training session, and as co-founder and president, he was about to give a speech to mark the occasion. This wasn't just another club; it was a dream realized.

Placentino, a former Canada international, gazed at the group. Each member was either born or raised in Quebec, Canada's only French-speaking province. Inspired by the model of Spain's Athletic Bilbao, which only recruits players with Basque heritage, Supra du Quebec aims to spotlight local talent and bring Quebecois pride to the forefront of Canadian football.

"It's done with local pride, local players, local staff, local upper management, and local partnerships," Placentino said, emphasizing the community-driven ethos as the club prepared for the Canadian Premier League. "This isn't just talk; it's action. It's real, and we're incredibly proud of what we're building."

A Diverse Blend Reflecting Quebec's Culture

Placentino hails from Montreal, where he once played for CF Montreal in Major League Soccer. His professional journey also took him through Italy's lower divisions. While CF Montreal casts a wide net globally, Supra du Quebec focuses on homegrown players, hoping to nurture talent that might otherwise be overlooked.

The club aspires to develop local players to emulate the success of Canadian internationals like Ismael Kone, who plays for Saussolo, and Moise Bombito of Nice. Kone moved to Montreal from the Ivory Coast at age seven, while Bombito was born there, illustrating Quebec's rich cultural diversity and passion for football.

"Our goal is to foster a program rooted in local pride within the Canadian Premier League," Placentino stated. "Quebec has the potential to produce and export football talent worldwide, just like Belgium and Iceland have done."

To symbolize their provincial pride, Supra's kits feature the Quebec flag. Paul Desbaillets, the club's chief branding officer, emphasized the importance of showcasing Quebec's unique character, noting the province's mix of French, Italian, British, Moroccan, Persian, and Asian influences.

"There's a longstanding history of Quebec versus Canada," Desbaillets said. "Our club is a testament to the spectacular blend that defines Quebec. It's a melting pot formed around Supra."

Honoring the Legacy of Supra Montreal

Though new, Supra du Quebec draws inspiration from the past. Its colors and name pay homage to Montreal's early football team, Supra Montreal, which operated from 1988 to 1992. Placentino, who was a young fan back then, recalls attending games with his father and cherishing the vibrant blue, white, and red hues.

"I wanted to relive those experiences and bring back that sense of local pride," he shared. The club's connection to the past is also personal, as one of their players, Alessandro Biello, is the son of Mauro Biello, a former player and captain of the original Supra.

"Signing Alessandro was a proud moment," Placentino said. "His work ethic and passion for the city align perfectly with our values. We hope he follows in his father's footsteps."

A Unique Transfer Policy and Global Interest

Supra du Quebec's commitment to local talent is reflected in its strict recruitment policy. To join, players or coaches must have a meaningful connection to Quebec. This approach mirrors Athletic Club's Basque-only policy, and Placentino plans to visit the Spanish club to learn from their model.

While this policy has led to over 150 rejected offers from those without Quebec ties, it has also attracted interest from Quebec-born players scattered worldwide. "We've heard from players in countries like Guatemala, Finland, and Malta," Placentino revealed. "They want to come home, and that gives me goosebumps."

The club's motto, "Un club d'ici, pour ici" (A club from here, for here), encapsulates its mission. Supra du Quebec is not just about football; it's about community, identity, and pride.