Amateur football. A second prize with the taste of victory for the women of FC critourien (Ariège)

When you register, it’s to win. But, even before the result, FC Critourien had already won. Selected first among the xx applications from Occitanie, selected in the 8 national finalists out of more than 300 applications submitted, the Ariège club cannot be disappointed by this formidable second place. Moreover, Pierre Servant, president of FC Critourien, still had difficulty achieving it. “It’s a victory for us. It’ll look pretty on the business card (laughs). It was magical. » Initiated by Intermarché, in partnership with the FFF (French Football Federation), the Sensationnelles prize aims to highlight women’s football through a call for projects. Last Tuesday, at the FFF headquarters in Paris, the representatives of the 8 finalists met to defend their files. Pierre Servant was accompanied by Karine Artuso, former president and real driving force of the club, and Magali Terrail, director of the FC critourien football school. Carrier of the concept “All at the club” which aims to fight against opening up (transport), to develop social support (homework help, childcare, sponsorship) and to develop training for the supervisory team, the FC critourien made a (very) strong impression. “We really fell in love with Critourien FC,” says Olivia Soudais, president of the Union des Mousquetaires and member of the jury. We were seduced by the sincerity of the speech that was offered to us. It wasn’t just ‘help us, help women’s football’. There was something concrete. The energy displayed was also incredible. The three representatives of the club showed total involvement, with great values. FC Critourien is committed to a long-term project. »

€2,000 in vouchers

And if the Ariège club is “only” second it is because the winner, the Entente sportive Molsheim Ernolsheim, was undoubtedly further along on inclusion. Her project “Révèle-toi”, dedicated to welcoming young girls with disabilities, hit the mark with the prestigious jury. Second, FC Critourien leaves with a check for €2,000 in vouchers and equipment (balls, outfits) which will do the greatest good. Beyond the rewards, Pierre Servant welcomed above all the recognition of the work of an entire club for many years. “It was a wonderful evening. When you set foot in the FFF, it’s a change from the La Tour-du-Crieu clubhouse (burst of laughter). This second prize is a great reward. What gives us the most pleasure is seeing the pride of the entire club. Many clubs from other departments welcomed this award, the Ligue Occitanie also congratulated us. » And everyone lingered to praise Karine Artuso’s performance. The one who was at the origin of the development of FC Critourien, who was its emblematic president, put on a show and won the support of the entire room. “It’s true, as she knows how to do, Karine revealed anecdotes about the club,” laughs Pierre Servant. We were simply ourselves, sincere. It’s still quite an adventure. » A separate evening which allowed the Ariégeois to discuss with representatives of the other finalist clubs and to discuss what works and what does not work elsewhere. “We will use this prize to accelerate our development.” From now on, FC Critourien is one of the clubs that counts in France. As he left, the actor Fred Testot, a member of the jury, turned towards Karine, Karine and Magali and said to them: “See you soon Ariégeois. »

Palmares

1st. Entente Sportive Molsheim Ernolsheim (Amiens; Somme; Hauts-de-France); 2. FC Critourien Féminin; La Tour-du-Crieu (Ariège; Occitanie); 3. Gazelec Sports Le Mans (Sarthe, Pays de la Loire), with the project of creating a mixed living space to encourage “living together” and to carry out inclusion projects.