Introduction to Lara Schenk
Lara Schenk, a 25-year-old German, never had a fear of improving her roots to take on new challenges in foreign countries. This mindset led her to register for the Northern Super League (NSL), the latest professional football league in the world, at the beginning of this year. Since crossing the pond in April, Schenk has set up with the Montreal Roses, one of the six founding clubs of the NSL.
Career Milestones
For Schenk, the only German player in Canada’s top league, who describes herself as a "two-footed and aggressive defender," this step is another milestone in her already remarkable career. "Writing history is always a unique experience," said Schenk. "It makes me very proud to be the first German player in the league here and be part of the very first season. With the start of a new league in Canada, we finally set a milestone for North America and promote women’s football beyond the USA and Mexico."
Experience in North America
For Schenk, who most recently played for the Spanish Second Division Club CD Sporting Club de Huelva, North America is a known territory after leaving Germany in 2018 to attend Harvard University. "At that time I saw a role model in (Germany striker) Laura Freikang, who went to college as a player of the youth team in the USA. I followed her," said Schenk. "I would make the same decision today."
First Professional Contract
During her time in Harvard, Schenk, who Germany represented at the youth level, not only earned a degree but also became a part of "Athlete Ally," a group that campaigned for the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ athletes in college sports. After completing her degree in December 2022, Schenk signed her first professional contract with the women’s department of the Belgian Club FC Bruges. A year later, she switched to RSC Anderlecht, with which she won the Belgian Super League.
European Leagues Can Learn from Canada
Now in Canada, Schenk sees the NSL as "a very good mix of European and typical North American sporting football style." The professional structures that enable players to concentrate fully on their performance on the pitch are particularly important, and the NSL is a model in this regard. "I believe that the smaller European leagues can learn a lot from our league in particular," said Schenk. "The interests of civil servants, investors, and fans are simply there. I have not experienced it to the same extent in Europe. If you want to develop women’s football in Europe, standard contracts, minimum wages, and professional conditions must be present."
Professional Framework
The NSL describes itself as "a revolution" because it wants to build a league in which "the next generation can believe." The driving force behind the founding of the NSL is the former professional Diana Matheson, who was part of the Canadian teams that won bronze medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. Matheson describes the opportunity to restart a professional league as a "gift" from scratch – and she took the opportunity to ensure that provisions such as extended maternity leave and a ban on the transfer of players without consent to standard contracts are written.
Solid Planning for a Long-Term Future
"In the Canadian league, we know that an injury or pregnancy does not immediately lead to uncertainties and contractual problems," said Schenk. "Diana Matheson and Co did a great job, and I am impressed by the Canadian officials and the Canadian national team who set up this league solidly and planned for a long-term future." Schenk focuses on the more immediate future, with the top four teams qualifying for the playoffs, and the Roses, who are currently second on the table, seeing a good bet to make it into the off-season. Even if the Roses do not make it to the BMO field on Toronto on November 15, Schenk already feels like a winner. "For me personally, it remains a dream to be just a professional footballer and to experience and shape the growth of women’s football worldwide."
