As every year, it is at Opéra Plage, traditionally hosted by Michel Maiffret (an iconic figure of the club and Nice sports who left us almost a year ago but whose memory was in the minds of all those present), that Stade Niçois officially opened the 2020-2021 season, which promises to be full of uncertainties (what will be the impact of the virus?) and expectations (how to perform well in the new National Championship, a ProD3?).
It was also an opportunity to introduce the players (both old and new) and the confirmed staff who will have the daunting task of holding the club’s banner high against worthy opponents, and in some cases, against well-established traditions.
Driven by the sporting passion of its Mayor and with the support of a highly renowned sponsor like Allianz, whose CEO of French operations is Jacques Richiert, a newly elected member of the Nice city council, the club aims to continue its ascent. As its president Patrice Prévot rightly stated, “it has the right to be ambitious,” with the climb to ProD2 remaining a medium-term goal but one that is always present in everyone’s minds.
However, a club is more than just a first team; it is a structured organization, as is the case with Stade Niçois, which boasts 600 licensed members in various categories, including women’s teams, and a sports academy of 35 young athletes in partnership with the Don Bosco Institute.
In addition, the partnership with the Scottish Federation has ended and has been replaced by one with Stade Français, with some prospects from the Parisian club joining the red-and-black team.
Mark your calendars for September 13 at Arboras for the championship kickoff against Albi.
