The French Connection
THE SOUNDTRACK TO THIS ARTICLE IS ANY ALBUM BY THE SAINTE CATHERINES OR VULGARIS MACHINS
Bonjour mes amis! Today we are taking a quick break from The Green’s early season grind through the Boston teams in our division to focus on something truly beautiful; the relationship between Vermont Green and the supporters/teams from Quebec. SPECIFICALLY the greater Montreal area. This relationship is celebrated with the playing of the Maple Cup this coming weekend against FC Laval and mes frères et sœurs, that game is already sold out. This year we are proud to have Montrealler Judewellin Michel represent the green alongside fellow Canadians Amoni Thomas, David Ajagbe and Victor Akoum.
The Québécoise have been a part of Vermont Green since day one. The Green Mountain Bhoys owe so much to the ultras of Montreal Impact (IT WILL ALWAYS BE THE IMPACT) who helped show us how to build an SG from the ground up. They gave us tips about drums, megaphones, how to hang tifo, chants and pyro. They gave us a sound footing so that we could run forward with our own ideas and songs, but always a goal will be followed by ALLEZ ALLEZ ALLEZ.
I grew up in southern Vermont and the schools I attended were full of Decells, Charbonneaus, Durochers and Bessettes. My in-laws are from the Eastern Townships and Franklin County Vermont. A rite of passage for almost every teenager from Vermont is crossing the boarder to party in Montreal. I’ve been to punk shows at FouFounes Electriques, M Telus, L’Olympia, Theatre Beanfield, and Club Soda. The 77 Montreal and Osheaga music festivals have drawn tens of thousands of Americans to Parc Jean-Drapeau. Why would I travel nearly 5 hours to Boston or New York City when I can be in a cosmopolitan and cultured city in under 2?
Vermont and Quebec have always had an interwoven relationship. The shining example of this is the Haskell Free Library & Opera House. The library was built more than a century ago as a symbol of unity and cross-border friendship and is one of the few buildings IN THE WORLD that literally connects two nations. Tragically after 121 years of Canadians being able to not pass through customs to access the main entrance to the library, the Cheeto in Chief has ended this. Needless to say, Vermonters and our Canadian friends are absolutely ripshit over this. We will get through this turbulence and hopefully come through it with stronger bonds than before. Quebec knows that Vermont didn’t vote for this clown.
The Green Mountain Bhoys have a very special member from Quebec, our guy Tristan. I reached out to him while writing this to get some perspective from across the border and needless to say he crushed it:
Q: What makes it worth driving the almost 2 hours south to come to Vermont Green Games
It’s the passion, the traditions, the camaraderie, the craft beer, the rain and the snow. It all comes together. The drive is effortless because we know we’re going to enjoy a truly memorable football experience at Virtue. To this day, I still feel excitement and anticipation building as I cross the border and start the final 40-minute stretch to the field.
Q: What are the similarities between a game in Montreal and one at Virtue Field
I’d say people in both Quebec and Vermont share a deep, almost instinctive appreciation for the sport of soccer and its culture. This is reflected in the stands, as supporters understand their role and play it well, becoming a vital asset to their club and easily standing out in that regard.
Q: Did you have a long history of coming to Vermont or the US before coming down to watch The Green?
In the U.S. in general, yes. But in Vermont, absolutely not. It’s funny because when you look at the map, Vermont is literally right next to Quebec and quite huge, yet we hardly ever hear about it. For me that changed completely the moment Vermont Green came into the picture, it felt like unlocking a new part of the map in a video game. Now, I take pride in bringing family and friends to explore and experience everything Vermont has to offer whenever I travel south on I-89.
Q: Are you still going to be coming to matches despite the bullshit being perpetrated by the current President?
Absolutely. No elections or politics will ever change my perception of this place or undermine what we’ve built over the past three years. Vermonters are a unique breed, much like us Québécois; we take pride in who we are and what we do differently. It’s important to approach things with logic and nuance. To me, it’s clear that the values of Vermonters resonate with my own, and that’s what matters.
Q: What would you say to your fellow Canadians to encourage them to come to a Vermont Green game?
I often find that the hype surrounding this club speaks for itself, so I don’t always need to say much. However, when I do, I make a point to acknowledge the tremendous efforts put into every aspect of the game, from branding to overall match experience. You’re looking at a self-funded team currently playing in a development league yet run with the standards and ambition of a professional club. People notice this kind of commitment, it stands out.
The Green Mountain Bhoys would like to give a special shout out to our friends, Brigade Montreal (@BrigadeMTL on former twitter and brigade.mtl on Instagram) and Commando Orange (commando_orange23 on Instagram) for coming down en masse to support The Green throughout the years and we have a patch celebrating our connection with our Canadian friends.
We may argue over who has the best Maple syrup and disagree about what should or shouldn’t go in poutine (Ketchup? CALISSE!) But we are together a fraternity of friends.
Separated by an imaginary line
United by a love of the beautiful game
Vive le Québec, vive le Vermont
Je me Souviens, Freedom and Unity
With love, from all the Bhoys