As soon as the presentations were made, Tanya Boychuk asked that the questions be asked in French. The new striker of the Montreal Roses finally spoke in the language of Molière during the majority of the interview.
• Also read: From diving to the Montreal Roses Soccer team
• Also read: A second Quebecer, member of the national soccer team in 2023, with the Montreal Roses
• Also read: Soccer: from “nobody” to the first Quebec player for the Montreal Roses
“In three months, I will be dreaming in French!” she said with pride on Thursday.
It had been seven or eight years since she had spoken regularly in French. After an exchange of around 20 minutes, there is no doubt that she will no longer be searching for words by the start of the inaugural season of the Northern Super League in the spring.
Ukrainian family
Her parents do not speak French, however, but Orysia, born in Ontario, and Vlodko, originally from Ukraine, wanted their daughter to attend a French-immersion school in Alberta until the eighth grade.
“At home, we spoke a lot of Ukrainian, at school, it was in French, and with my friends, in English,” said the woman who also learned a few phrases in Swedish.
Besides, Boychuk still has family in Ukraine, a country invaded by Russia for almost three years.
“Everyone is fine. We talk often. They live in a small town and are safe in Kolomyia,” she said.
Ben Pelosse / GoM
Not a priority, but…
So people will definitely speak French in the Roses locker room. Boychuk is the fourth player to agree with Montreal, after Quebec goalkeeper Gabrielle Lambert, French midfielder Charlotte Bilbault and Montrealer Latifah Abdu.
For the sports director, Marinette Pichon, a legend in France, and the head coach, Robert Rositoiu, a native of Romania, French is not a criterion, but that can’t hurt.
“We talk about personality, footballing qualities. I prefer to have a player who exudes an aura and who perhaps struggles a little in French. Sporting talent should not be linked to language, Pichon confirmed. But if a player has no knowledge of French, we will support her so that she can have the basics and feel at home in Montreal.
“Very important details”
The two leaders, who have lived in Quebec for years, want to recruit the best athletes, but remain aware of the linguistic reality in Montreal. Rositoiu wants to ensure in particular that each meeting begins in French.
“I like PowerPoint to have things written large in French and small in English. That way, everyone understands and we remember where we are. These are very important details for us,” he said.
Conversing in French on the pitch could also prove to be an advantage for the Roses.
