Yesterday morning, the players of OGC Nice opened the doors of their training center to the children of the Supporters Club. It was an opportunity for the young supporters of the club to meet their idols.
More than 60 Pichouns answered the call of the Supporters Club this Wednesday morning. Taking a break from their usual school routine to live the life of an aspiring footballer, with their parents’ blessing, who came in large numbers under the sun of the Plaine du Var.
Once the formalities were completed, the next generation took to the field. Cleats on their feet, red and black jerseys on their backs, and ready to get going. Once Dante, Le Bihan, and company were greeted with a handshake, coach Gioria blew the whistle to start the fun.
The session was divided into five workshops. The children could work on their ball control with Srarfi and Lloris, improve their shooting with Eysseric and Lusamba, their accuracy with Super Mario and Bosetti, or even face Dante, Le Marchand, Le Bihan, Ricardo, Koziello, and Dalbert on a mini field, among others.
“Their eyes are sparkling, they try to do their best. For us, it’s important to give them pleasure,” says Valentin Eysseric.
“We had parents tell us it was better than Christmas,” recounts Solange Claude, the president of the Supporters Club. Since they announced it to their children, they’ve never been so well-behaved. Other parents kept it a surprise. The kids were amazed. These are magical moments. We are very grateful to the club, which plays along and allows us to give so much happiness to the children.”
“This event is one of the highlights of the season,” adds Virginie Rossetti, director of communication at OGC Nice. “It has become a tradition as it’s the 14th consecutive year we have organized it hand in hand with the CDS. Seeing all these children dressed in red and black interact with the pros and witnessing once again the joy that football can bring is a great source of pride.”
Only an hour after it began, it was already over. But the children will have lasting memories of this moment. “I will come back next year. And so on, until I am too big,” concludes Elona, smiling with stars in her eyes.
