With a clear vision and unwavering determination, Enrique Benavidez, the new sporting director of the men’s semi-professional program at Club Soccer Saint-Laurent, begins his mission to elevate the team among the best in Canada. Bringing a solid background in sports management, Benavidez does not hide his ambitions for Saint-Laurent and the central role the club now holds in Canadian soccer.

“Saint-Laurent has now achieved a privileged position within the elite of Canadian soccer,” says Benavidez. “It’s essential to maintain this momentum. We must continue to cultivate team cohesion, and with my experience, I’m convinced of the importance of bringing together expertise that strengthens this unity.” Aware of the club’s recent successes, he is focused on continuity while preparing a sustainable development strategy.

Benavidez also emphasizes the importance of the local talent pool. “The club and the borough are brimming with exceptional talent,” he continues with enthusiasm. “As a strong advocate for youth development, I want to ensure we support the progression of players into the reserve and first teams.” For him, nurturing young players is an essential lever to ensure the club’s sustainability and continually renew the passion around the team.

One of Benavidez’s priorities is to implement more professional management practices for Saint-Laurent, aiming for standards on par with professional clubs. “I am determined to bring my expertise and management knowledge,” he says. “I’m convinced that this is where my contribution will be most significant. My goal is to further professionalize the club to reach the standards of professional clubs.” His vision is ambitious: to bring the club to the top of semi-professional competitions in Quebec and Canada.

“We have a wealth of talent within our team, and we’re committed to advancing step by step, match by match, towards this goal,” he adds with determination. Working closely with the coaches and staff, he is ready to build a strong, competitive team capable of aiming high and meeting the supporters’ expectations.

For Benavidez, the 2024 season has been the stage for an exceptional Canadian championship, and he hopes to offer Saint-Laurent fans even more memorable moments. “A personal goal of mine is to become the first sporting director to lead our club to victory against an MLS team in the Canadian Championship,” he confides. This ambition is not only a personal challenge for the sporting director but also a way to prove that Saint-Laurent is ready to compete with the best.

With Enrique Benavidez at the helm, Saint-Laurent can look forward to a new era of success and a steady climb toward the top of Canadian soccer, both for the team and the young talents of the borough.