Rocco Placentino stood before Supra du Quebec's first training session, emotional as he looked at the group of players and coaches all born or raised in Quebec. The former Canada international co-founded the club inspired by Athletic Bilbao's Basque-only policy, aiming to showcase Quebec's unique character on the Canadian Premier League stage.

Placentino, who played for Montreal Impact in MLS and CF Montreal, saw an opportunity to give local talent a platform. Unlike Montreal's global scouting approach, Supra focuses exclusively on Quebec-born players like Alessandro Biello, whose father Mauro played for the original Supra Montreal in the 1980s. The club has already rejected over 150 offers from players without Quebec connections.

The club's identity celebrates Quebec's multicultural heritage, featuring the provincial flag on their kits. Chief branding officer Paul Desbaillets emphasized that Supra represents a "melting pot" of French, Italian, British, Moroccan, Persian, and Asian communities united under one banner. Players like David Choiniere will represent this vision in their maiden season.

Supra's ambitious project has attracted international attention, with Quebec-based players from Guatemala, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, and Malta expressing interest in returning home. The club motto "Un club d'ici, pour ici" - "A club from here, for here" - encapsulates their mission to build local pride through football. Placentino plans to visit Athletic Bilbao to learn from their successful Basque-only model as Supra prepares for their Canadian Premier League debut.

Quick Fact: Supra du Quebec was announced as a club in 2025, with the Canadian Premier League kicking off in April 2025.