The former Chief of Staff of the French armed forces is participating in the launch of a national football tournament for young people, which will combine sports, culture, and discovery of heritage.
The idea with an innovative concept originated from a discussion two years ago between General Pierre de Villiers, former Chief of Staff of the French armed forces, François Morinière, former head of the “L’Équipe” group, and a few other football enthusiasts. It will take shape this year with the launch of the first edition of the Ligue des Étoiles.
Twenty-four professional or amateur clubs located in rural areas, urban areas, or suburbs, and 550 young people will participate in this national tournament with U13 teams at three stages in 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 Football World Cup.
Each stage will span two days, with the second day dedicated to football matches. The matches will feature mixed teams: one half with girls, the other with boys, and a cumulative score to determine the winner. Participants will also engage in local heritage exploration, guided by ambassadors like Laurent Paganelli, a former player turned sports journalist, and former internationals Gaëtane Thiney and Mickaël Landreau. Cultural and educational activities, including reading competitions, will also be part of the event.
The director of the Ligue des Étoiles, Isabelle de Chatellus, explained that the goal is to provide children with a unique human and cultural experience through sports, fostering values of fair play, humility, discipline, and openness.
General Pierre de Villiers shared his sentiments about the initiative, highlighting the positive impact of football on personal development and expressing his wish for the sport to promote unity and appreciation for French heritage.
Former football players Mickaël Landreau and Gaëtane Thiney will also serve as ambassadors for the event, bringing their experience and inspiration to the young participants. Landreau emphasized the importance of guidance and shared values in projects like this tournament, emphasizing the unifying power of football and the potential for positive change in society.
