Country of Montbéliard: The miracle of 2023 continues

Ten minutes that Lucien scrutinizes the wall from top to bottom, from left to right. Subscriber of the Tribune Nord Sochaux (TNS) for three years, he contributed “to the rescue of the club to my measure, during the summer of 2023”. Last autumn, the Daslois put his hand in his pocket for the training center. An operation led by Sociochaux, which raised 140,000. Like each of the 3,500 contributors, he has a brick with his name on it in this wall of members and legends, under the Forges stand. “It’s important that the money goes to the training center. It’s a good message for the future. When we help the club, we do it as a whole: for the professional structure, the training center, the women’s team.”

Jérémy has stars in his eyes. Dijonnais but an unconditional FCSM fan, he is on cloud nine. “We were able to visit the training center before the match. We feel a bit privileged. And this wall, it’s as if each of us is laying a brick to rebuild or strengthen the club.”

Expatriates at the heart of Bonal

Elyse quickly found her brick, much to the delight of her children. “Even though I left the region, it’s my youth and a family passion. I am happy to have participated in this popular momentum in 2023 and still today,” appreciates the expatriate quadragenarian in Annecy.

Another family also rejoices at seeing their nominative brick. “We are from Châlons-en-Champagne, in Marne. As soon as our schedule allows, we come to Bonal, in the bend near the TNS. Our heart is here,” insists Jean-Marc, for whom it was obvious to place this stone in the building. “I was at Lycée Viette in the 80s, during the European adventures. Since then, I have kept the same enthusiasm.”

New names in September

Not far from him, the club president, former emblematic players, elected officials of the Agglo, and even the general manager of Peugeot observe the scene that is repeated tirelessly by these anonymous rescuers and contributors. Finally, not so anonymous anymore, with their names engraved forever in the concrete of Bonal.

Léna Chatonnay, an employee of Sociochaux, is very moved:

“As with everything we do with Sociochaux, it is a source of pride. The members already had their names in very small letters on the jersey, now it’s in larger letters, with a message. It tells a story, the passion that is passed on, the family…”

“Those who still want to join the adventure can. As of September, we will add new names,” she emphasizes.

President of Sociochaux, Mathieu Triclot does not miss any of the emotions conveyed by this wall of members and legends. “It’s just magnificent to continue in this direction, with this popular support. In 2023, the fundraising had exceeded our expectations. What had happened was a miracle on all sides. Today, the miracle continues.”