“I have been here for forty years, this is the first time that such an event has been offered!”: after a festive afternoon with its young people, the SUA wants to consolidate its links with its public

“I have been working here for forty years, and this is the first time that such an activity has been offered! » rejoices Jean-Jacques, educator at the Armandie rugby school, always ready to “play the penguin” to make the youngest smile again after a defeat. “We have some really small players, the youngest are three or four years old, they have joined “baby rugby”. For some, I knew their parents in the field, when they themselves were children! »

Create a unique entity with pros and little ones

Successive generations, players as tall as three apples who grow from year to year, it’s a whole story of which Thierry Milani, responsible for the 6-12 year olds at the rugby school, is particularly proud. “For a first intergenerational party organized at the club, it lived up to our expectations! Sébastien Calvet, the new manager of the team, wanted to create a unique entity, with the pros involved in the training of the little ones. And for our pros who have just started again, this afternoon is a moment of relaxation. Our educators are also there to support the players. I told them to enjoy! »

The holidays are approaching for the young people at school, and their last week was the perfect opportunity to party in Armandie. To properly celebrate the event, the SUA players took matters into their own hands. Professionals who became coaches for an afternoon, they supervised small matches between young people. A way, too, of putting yourself within their reach.

Dorian Bellot, scrum-half, was keeping a close eye on the U8s with his comrades. “We had already met some of the children from the school, at small events,” he smiled. “They are all very attentive to us, but they have a lot of energy and I didn’t expect to have to channel all that, it’s quite an exercise! Now, seeing them on the pitch, it’s like they’re playing for their lives! I feel like I’m back at the same age!”

“They are used to seeing them on TV”

Whatever their category, baby rugby, U8, U10, U12, the young people all relished the opportunity. It’s not every day that we have Dave Ryan, Hans Lombard or William Demotte to correct tackles or show how to convert a try.
“All these kids have stars in their eyes,” rejoices Loïc Fior, responsible for the dual school and sports project. “They are used to seeing the pros play on TV, so obviously, having them as coaches all to themselves is a great moment to experience! »

And in fact, on the pitch, people shout, they run, they bicker. Like a real match, “like the big guys”, but more relaxed. Inflatable games, cotton candy stand, refreshment bar, and a well-deserved snack, followed by a party. Relaxation and fun on the program, and strengthening of links between pros and future terrors of the field.

For our SUA players, it is also the start of a series of events intended to bring them closer to their audience. After this moment of sharing with the children, they will be present at other highlights in the city of Agen.