Montreal’s Roses prepare for the NSL’s first games

Canada's first women's professional soccer league hits the pitch April 16 in British Colombia. Montreal's team, the Roses, has their debut on Saturday.

Canada’s first women’s professional soccer league hits the pitch April 16 in British Colombia, and Montreal’s team, the Roses, has their debut on Saturday.

The Northern Super League (NSL) holds the title for being Canada’s first professional women’s soccer league. 

“Considering how amazing Canada is and women’s sports, especially soccer, this has been a long time coming and I’m really happy to be a part of it,” Roses’ right back player Hailey Whitaker says.

The Canadian Women’s National Soccer Team has seen a lot of success and experts say a feeder league is important to nurture the next generation of players.

Roses Sporting Director Marinette Pichon says young Canadian talent no longer has to leave the country to play at a high level. 

Roses Defender Stephanie Hill of Dollard des Ormeaux says playing at home feels right. 

“I think that we’ve had incredible talent throughout the years in Montreal and Quebec and in Canada. And to see so much of that talent have to go abroad, whether it’s in the States, Europe or just to start playing soccer, it’s been so sad. Being given this opportunity for young female athletes to see a potential in Canada, it’s fantastic,” she says.

At the Centre Sportif Bois-du-Boulongue in Laval, a new stadium is being completed for the Roses and can fit 5,500 seats.

Forward, Latifa Abdu isn’t worried about filling them.

“We’re just super excited. I think if there’s pressure, it’s because we’re putting it on ourselves. I don’t feel like external pressure, this pressure is because I want to do well,” she says.

Whitaker adds “We have an amazing stadium, getting the atmosphere and the environment ready for us and for our fans. So it’s a fun experience on both sides.” 

The league’s first game will be played April 16 in Vancouver against Calgary. The Roses will play Saturday at 4 p.m. against Toronto at BMO Field.

“I think it’s a fun challenge and we’re ready to go head on. So let’s go Roses!” says Whitaker.