On this Wednesday, November 13 at the beginning of the afternoon, more than a hundred children aged 6 to 8 years old are in the four corners of the synthetic field of the Charles-Rigoulot stadium (Paris 15th) participating in different workshops. Around twenty educators give their instructions for each exercise. The platform is well filled with parents who attentively follow the training of their offspring.
About ten days ago, the Athletic Club Paris 15th (ACP15) registered its 1608th license. It is the 2nd French club in terms of number of licensees behind Paris Atlético (1,756). A great feat given the difficulties in terms of infrastructure for almost all Parisian intramural clubs. The ACP15 is no exception to the rule. The licensees are divided between the Charles-Rigoulot stadium, located at Porte Brancion, where the club occupies 80% of the available slots, the Porte de la Plaine stadium and that of Suzanne-Lenglen, a playing field on the Issy- les-Moulineaux.
“We have refused all license requests since mid-September,” admits founding president Florian Geneston (40 years old). We cannot work properly if we have too many players. If we had accepted everyone, we would be the first French club. The terrain slows us down. I am certain that we will exceed 2,000 in the next 3 or 4 years. This is our goal. »
A great success for the club which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The history of AC Paris 15th only began in 2004 thanks to several friends. “When I was at the Buffon high school, all our friends went through the ring road to play at ACBB, Issy-les-Moulineaux or Montrouge. We saw bones of 5-6 players from the 15th arrondissement in certain categories of these teams, says Florian Geneston. I told myself that it was a shame not to offer something here. We felt the potential. We had the idea of carrying out a long-term project. »
“We will exceed 2,000 licensees within 3-4 years”
While the other club in the 15th arrondissement (240,000 inhabitants), the OP 15, was losing momentum, the ACP15 was born in September 2004. At the time, there was only one senior team at most. low departmental level (D6) made up of around twenty graduates. The ACP15 welcomes young people from 2008 and is growing: 212 licensees in 2009 then 489 four years later and 796 in 2019 before the 1,608 today.
“We are getting closer to a club like Paris 13 Atlético (National) compared to our means. They are the ones who paved the way by showing that anything is possible. “It’s an example to follow,” declared the Parisian president. To supervise young people, the ACP15 has focused on the massive recruitment of educators, numbering 120 this season. “The future of a club is young people! », Supports Florian Geneston. Thanks to contributions but also to a company responsible for seeking sponsors in the 15th arrondissement, the latter can rely on a significant budget (€700,000) to pay educators and finance part of their diploma.
“We even offer them homework help”
This is the case of Christopher Sylva Brito. The young goalkeeper (22 years old) of the flagship team has been an educator at the club since the age of 14. He is responsible for 8-a-side football (U10 to U13), goalkeepers in all categories and assistant to senior women in R3. “It’s great, the club is growing in size year after year,” he says. It’s a pleasure to find myself here. The role of educators is essential here. We try to raise awareness among young people, we supervise them and we even offer them help with their homework. We also emphasize attitude and behavior. It is essential to be exemplary on and off the field. »
It's 6 p.m. The temperature is around 5°. Warm, in the plush clubhouse adjoining the synthetic pitch, Irene follows the training of her son Matteo (10 years old) and her daughter Ana (13 years old). “It’s a very family club,” says the mother living in Vanves. The educators are very accessible and available. The living space to wait for our children is great. We can eat and see them while chatting with other parents. This creates a bond. »
“There is everything in this club and above all good educators,” praises Mohamed Bouare (14), a 3rd grade school student who plays with the U16s. I have been here for 6 years. There is a good atmosphere, we all respect each other and encourage each other. I like school and football. It's important to know how to manage both. »
This Saturday, two buses of 50 people, plus numerous vehicles, will go to Calais to support the flag team (R2), Petit Poucet Île-de-France, which is competing in the 7th round of the Coupe de France for the 2nd time in its history . “We are going to play outside of Île-de-France for the first time,” relishes Christopher Sylva Brito. We will give everything to qualify for the 8th round. In terms of visibility, the Coupe de France is an exceptional showcase and a vector of communication. We are known for our number of licensees but we also want to be known for the quality of our football team. » It's off to a good start.
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