The La Milliaire multisport center in Thionville will remain empty next weekend. Death in the heart, JC Thionville had to give up organizing its traditional Excellence label tournament because of the health crisis. “This competition is recognition for the club. It allows us to forge links on the right, on the left and to be invited to tournaments. It is also a source of income, with the refreshment bar and partnerships. And it allows athletes from the region to participate in an international level event without having to travel very far, ”explains Jérôme Guenzi.
None of this is envisioned in the short term. “We are at a total standstill,” laments the Thionville coach. He resolves to keep in touch with the youngest thanks to videoconference and outdoor lessons with adults on Saturday mornings. “We try to keep them under pressure. We know that, when you resume, it may hurt after so much downtime. “
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“I am learning to stay at home”
JC Thionville, which had 370 licensees in the previous world, has lost a hundred members. He hopes to stem the fall by applying the stimulus plan launched by the Federation, with the support of regional leagues and departmental committees. “We agree to lower the price of the membership fee significantly and the Fed will reimburse us for part of it, the Grand Est League and the Moselle Committee also for any new license as soon as the resumption”, explains Jérôme Guenzi.
It is about retention of staff. Like from his post. “I have a thirty-hour a week contract in Thionville and I also train in Luxembourg. Today, I fear for my future, ”admits the 33-year-old technician, who has served in the Moselle club for more than twelve years. “Physically, it’s complicated: we are used to moving all the time. And psychologically, it’s very hard. Me, it’s my job … So I learn to stay at home. ”Where he follows training to expand his CV in order to“ continue to live normally ”in the future.
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