It’s been a busy week in the Northern Super League from coast to coast. Over the past few months, we’ve witnessed a remarkable journey as each of the six clubs unveiled their branding, culminating in an exciting reveal this past Tuesday in Montreal. From vibrant logos to meaningful colour palettes, each brand is a symbol of the aspirations and spirit of its respective city. As the league gears up for its inaugural season, the excitement is palpable, heralding a new era of women’s soccer that celebrates diversity, creativity, and the power of community!
Unveiling the Roses de Montréal: A Historic Moment in Women's Soccer
In a landmark event for women's soccer in Montreal, the city's new professional club proudly announced its name and branding: the Roses de Montréal. This 100% Montreal, 100% passionate club aims to break the mold of traditional sports branding with its unique identity, celebrating inclusivity, creativity, and authenticity.
The name "Roses" draws inspiration from the rosette in Montreal's official logo, representing the city's artistic spirit and aspirations. The club's colors—red and blue—symbolize the rich cultural heritage of Quebec and Canada, reflecting both the warmth of its residents and the challenges of its winters. Each color embodies a core value of the club: blue for the sky of Montreal, black for tactical strength, gold for victory, red for courage, and white for integrity.
Cofounders Isabèle Chevalier and Jean-François Crevier emphasized the importance of community engagement throughout the branding process, interviewing individuals from diverse backgrounds to create a club that truly represents all Montrealers. “We wanted to ensure an inclusive, informed perspective,” they stated.
The Roses de Montréal also unveiled its core values, focusing on courage, integrity, diversity, and community celebration. Their commitment to fostering local talent is exemplified by partnerships with founding sponsors like Fasken, METRO, and Collège LaSalle.
In addition to the unveiling, the Roses introduced their inaugural merchandise collection, showcasing collaborations with local designers. As the Roses de Montréal prepare to take the field, they aim not just to play but to inspire a new generation of female athletes in Montreal and beyond.
Ottawa Rapid FC Appoints Katrine Pedersen as Head Coach
In another significant development within the league, Ottawa Rapid FC announced Katrine Pedersen as its inaugural head coach. Pedersen, a member of the Danish Fodboldens Hall of Fame and a three-time Danish Women’s Player of the Year, joins the club after serving in a talent development role at the Danish Football Association.
“We could not be more excited to be introducing Katrine as Rapid FC’s inaugural head coach,” said CEO Tom Gilbert. With extensive experience, including 210 international caps and coaching roles in Denmark, Pedersen is set to bring a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the team. “Katrine will challenge, develop, and mentor every player as we build our team,” added Technical Director Kristina Kiss.
Christine Sinclair Joins Vancouver Rise FC Ownership Group
On the west coast, global soccer icon Christine Sinclair has joined the ownership group of Vancouver Rise FC ahead of the club's inaugural season. As one of the most influential figures in Canadian sports, Sinclair expressed her excitement about inspiring the next generation of female athletes.
“I want every little girl in British Columbia and Canada to be inspired to play or coach or manage,” Sinclair stated. Her extensive career includes 331 international matches, six FIFA World Cups, and multiple Olympic medals, making her a pivotal figure in women's soccer.
“Christine’s unparalleled experience and connection to our community make this partnership special,” said Sinead King, president of Vancouver Rise FC. The club is poised to make a significant impact on the future of women's soccer in Canada with Sinclair on board.