Soccer in Vaudreuil-Soulanges

Ice hockey enjoys unmatched popularity in Quebec households. Deeply rooted in our history and a powerful symbol of national identity, hockey holds the same place here that soccer—football, for purists—does in much of the rest of the world. Yet, soccer has carved out a meaningful place in the hearts of Quebecers, especially among the young. Some still see it as the underdog of sports, others believe its best days lie ahead—but no one denies its many benefits.

These pages provide a snapshot of how this sport is thriving in Vaudreuil-Soulanges, thanks in large part to its three major local clubs, which welcome budding Lionel Messis, tireless young runners, and all others drawn to long rectangular fields—year-round.

Three Clubs, One Mission

The region of Vaudreuil-Soulanges is home to three clubs recognized by the Quebec Soccer Federation: Saint-Lazare Hudson, Soulanges, and FC Trois-Lacs. The latter was born from a 2012 merger of clubs from Vaudreuil-Dorion, Pincourt, Île-Perrot, and Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot.

Soulanges competes in the South-West Regional Soccer League, while the other two belong to the Lac Saint-Louis association. However, competitive play doesn’t typically begin until age 9 (U9), with younger children engaging in recreational matches within their own communities—like the grassroots league in Rigaud.

As children develop their skills and interest, they progress into competitive leagues with 14 clubs in Lac Saint-Louis and 9 in the South-West association. Each club fields teams across different competitive levels—A, AA, AAA—depending on registrations and player skill levels. Matches span the region, from Westmount to Kanesatake, with many hosted on synthetic fields at Chêne-Bleu in Pincourt and Cité-des-Jeunes in Vaudreuil-Dorion. Soccer, however, thrives mainly thanks to the dedication of players—and often, their parent-volunteers who serve as coaches, drivers, or administrators.

The Power of Volunteers

One of the keys to the success of these local clubs—and of any nonprofit—is the commitment of volunteers. “Some volunteers don’t even have kids in the program,” says Kimberlee Paul, president of Saint-Lazare Hudson SC. “They’re here because they love it.”

Robert Lapointe, who’s led the Soulanges club for over 25 years, is still involved for his grandchildren now. “I’d rather see kids running than glued to screens,” he says. “If I can help, I do it. If the child is having fun, that’s our reward.”

Most people in Quebec soccer are unpaid. While Soulanges relies entirely on volunteers, Saint-Lazare Hudson has hired a club manager, and FC Trois-Lacs has brought on a technical director: Paul Callou, formerly with the Pierrefonds club. “Kids just want to play,” he says. “We need to let them move. But we’re up against distractions—like Nintendo.”

A Path to Competitive Play

Over time, clubs have built structured systems to accommodate more players—both boys and girls—and better support coaches and athletes. Training programs now equip coaches with more than just a presence on the field. “It used to be hard to play competitively,” says Lapointe. “Now kids start at age four in recreational soccer. By the time they reach competitive levels, they’ve got a solid base. We still let them play, but they also learn technique and game sense.”

Soulanges, like FC Trois-Lacs, now has a technical director to guide players. Soccer, though focused on fun and movement, also opens a pathway for passionate players who want to go further.

And while it’s the world’s most-played sport—and its growth among girls has skyrocketed (especially following the FIFA Women’s World Cup, held partly in Montreal)—its soul remains rooted in the street game, says Callou. “We introduce kids to street soccer culture—playing for fun, with friends. Girls often join for the social side. We must give kids space to just play. No pressure. A slow shift in mindset is needed.”

More Than a Game

Soccer is, by nature, a community sport. It fosters connection, identity, and inclusion. “The best thing soccer gave me was a sense of belonging—to my city, to my community,” says Kimberlee Paul. “It’s important to find your place, to be part of something positive. And for my daughters, it’s brought lifelong friendships.”

A Bit of Background

The word soccer comes from England—originally short for association football (assoc), later turned into soc and given the common suffix -er (like rugger for rugby). Today, FIFA stands atop the global soccer pyramid, presiding over 265 million players (according to a 2006 study).

In Quebec, soccer is governed through associations like:

• Sport Québec – oversees provincial federations, including:

• Fédération de soccer du Québec – promotes and governs the sport provincially.

Regional Associations:

• South-West (ARSSO) – includes Soulanges, Valleyfield, Châteauguay, and more.

• Lac Saint-Louis – includes FC Trois-Lacs, Saint-Lazare Hudson, Pierrefonds, Pointe-Claire, etc.

Clubs:

• FC Trois-Lacs (founded in 2012): ~3000 members (50/50 boys-girls)

• Saint-Lazare Hudson (founded 2001): ~1900 members (60% boys, 40% girls)

• Soulanges (25+ years): ~1100 members (60% boys, 40% girls)

• Rigaud: Mixed recreational program for ages 4–12, no competitive teams