Former French army chief of staff participates in launching a national football tournament for youth that combines sports, culture, and heritage discovery.
Going beyond the simple framework of a sports tournament, the event will blend football, culture, and the exploration of France’s rich heritage. The innovative idea was conceived by General Pierre de Villiers, former chief of staff of the French army, Francois Moriniere, the former head of the newspaper L’Equipe, and a few other football enthusiasts during a discussion two years ago. This year, it will take shape with the launch of the first edition of the “Ligue des étoiles” (League of Stars).
24 professional or amateur clubs located in rural areas, urban settings, or suburbs, along with 550 young participants, will take part in this national tournament. The U13 teams will gather for three stages at Arles (April 11-12), Saint-Dizier (April 17-18), and Meudon (April 24-25) before a grand final in Paris at the Emile Anthoine stadium (June 20-21), near the Eiffel Tower during the World Cup.
Matches will be played over two days with mixed-gender teams, where one half will feature girls and the other boys, with cumulative scores determining the winners. Participants will also engage in cultural and educational activities, including reading contests, and explore local heritage sites with ambassadors like Laurent Paganelli, a former player turned sports journalist, and ex-internationals Gaetane Thiney and Mickael Landreau.
Director of the Ligue des étoiles, Isabelle de Chatellus, supported by Agache Sport, the majority shareholder of Paris FC, the Canal+ foundation, the Center for National Monuments, and the Fondaction football, aims to provide children with a holistic experience combining sports, human connections, and culture to promote growth and passion for beauty and football.
General Pierre de Villiers expressed his desire for football to remain a unifying force, emphasizing values like teamwork, respect for opponents, and discipline, which are beneficial both on and off the field. He hopes that through initiatives like the Ligue des étoiles, football can foster a love for France’s heritage and culture, steering away from the violence that sometimes overshadows the sport in young matches.
Former footballer Mickael Landreau, known for his tenure at FC Nantes, Paris SG, and Lille, will participate in the Meudon stage of the tournament as requested by General Pierre de Villiers, highlighting the importance of mentorship and shared values in the project. Landreau, at 46 years old, sees football as a tool for learning to coexist peacefully, both in the locker room and beyond. He believes in the potential of the Ligue des étoiles to contribute positively to societal unity and understanding in France.
