In this championship closely watched by recruiters, everyone dreams of signing with a training center, and some have already done so for next year. Leaders, coaches, players have allowed us to share a bit of their daily lives before a big home match against Toulouse, followed by an away game in Marseille. Enter a world where we play, but play seriously.
Summary
1. Tuesday, overgrown grass and a good harvest 2. In the shadows and silence, a dream: to become a pro 3. Millions of views on social networks 4. Video, kinematics, tactics: like the pros, or almost 5. Experiencing the clash against Toulouse from the inside
Tuesday, overgrown grass and a good harvest
Behind the fencing of the training ground, misplaced balls hide in the overgrown grass, waiting for the spring mowing. Players search for them themselves, finding them is harder than a full sprint control, especially at night. This is Domaine de la Junca, of Jeunesse Villenavaise, with a handful of pitches, the classic decor of a 400-license amateur club, in a town of 42,000 on the edge of Bordeaux. The U17 National squad trains on half of the synthetic field, the other half occupied by U18. The level of ballet exudes professional standards, with harmony in a group mainly comprised of club-trained players.
In the Shadows and Silence, a Dream: to Become Pro
Wednesday. Let’s talk about what players don’t discuss with the coach – the possibility of turning pro. This silent, ever-present dream shadows these 16-year-old teens, waiting for a first contact or trial invitation.
Millions of Views on Social Networks
The U17 JV team has gone viral globally, reaching 5 million views on TikTok last season. The club’s accounts also generate around 2 million views each month, engaging a young audience.
Video Sessions, Kinematics, Tactics: Like the Pros, or Almost
Friday, on the eve of the match against Toulouse, players gather earlier than usual for a video session and briefings. They hope to relive the thrill of the Marseille visit and work on tactics, finishing, and set pieces.
At the Heart of the Match: “We make them believe the lightning has struck and then we come back!”
During the match, Villenave quickly scores but is equalized before halftime, losing eventually 1-2 after a penalty debacle. The team pushed for a comeback but fell short.
These updates showcase the hard work and dedication of the youth players at Jeunesse Villenavaise as they strive to pursue their dream of professional football careers.
