Restarting the women’s football section

It had experienced a meteoric rise at its start. “In two seasons, the women’s section went from two to 80 girls,” remembers Julien Féry, president of the Jarny Football Sports Union. With a peak of 90 players. “We managed to have U13, U15, U18, and senior teams. […] Now, it has taken a hit.”

With 53 licensed players today (out of the total club’s 370), only two categories are still active. The U16s, despite some “minor staffing issues”. And the U13s, which Julien Féry has been coaching again since January. “We managed to create two teams and the results are quite good,” he says. The young footballers have notably reached the regional final of the U13 Pitch Festival, organized by the French Football Federation, competing against teams from Metz, Nancy, and Strasbourg. “We have three girls from our club who have joined FC Metz and six who are currently in detection in Meurthe-et-Moselle,” the president also points out. “After ASNL, we are the club with the most.”

A women’s football school?

Good news that contrasts with the rest of the categories, which have been halted due to lack of players. The goal now is to regain the previous dynamic and have at least one team in each. “Then, in two or three years, being optimistic, we hope to offer both leisure and a slightly more elite level,” Julien Féry projects.

What will the club do to achieve this? “In June, we will have open days. We welcome beginners as well as more experienced players,” he says. For the younger ones, the reopening of a women’s football school is being considered. “When we did it, many girls joined.” Finally, the current club manager will step down as president next season to focus on the women’s section, which he initiated. He could also coach the U16s and seniors. “It’s really pleasant to coach girls, they are attentive.”

Contact for USJ Football: 06 25 43 60 62