Posted on 11/20/2024 at 4:17 p.m.
After the traditional international break in November, two new “UNFP Meetings” of the year were held this week with players from Châteauroux and Orléans.
It was first in Châteauroux, then in Orléans, that Cedric Cambonregional delegate, kicked off the first two meetings in his region, in front of almost all the players from each club. Accompanied by our lawyer Juliano Khankan and our training advisors Pascal Bollini et Joffrey Cuffauthe successfully hosted these meetings, which over the seasons have become a highlight of our union’s news and an essential meeting place for discussing with the players on the main subjects that directly concern them.
As in Nîmes, Martigues, Angers, Le Mans and Laval, our team addressed a wide range of international topics, including the consequences of the Lassana Diarra ruling and a summary of the work carried out by the UNFP and FIFPro Europe on charges of work and the hellish schedules imposed by FIFA and UEFA.
On the national level, crucial subjects were also discussed:
- The scourge of players being sidelined, which still affected 180 players from L1 and L2 clubs last season.
- The election of David Terrier as president of the union.
- Renewal of the steering committee.
- The mobilization of the UNFP against all forms of discrimination.
These meetings are also an opportunity to present the personalized services offered by the UNFP, whether legal, social, societal, prevention or protection. New awareness-raising actions on sports betting, social networks and anti-doping rules were also highlighted.
Marc Giraudon with Pascal Bollini.
To raise awareness of the importance of training and retraining, two former professionals, Marc Giraudonpassed through Châteauroux, and Maxime Brillaultformer US Orléans player, came to share their career paths. They explained the support they received from Europ Sports Reconversion, both during their career and in their transition after hanging up their crampons.
“Marc, now a real estate expert, and Maxime, an asset manager, came to testify at our request,” specifies Pascal Bollinidirector of Europ Sports Reconversion. “What could be better than former players to tell active players about the thoughts and stages they went through, their doubts, and the way we were able to help them. »
Strong and highly appreciated testimonies from the players, who were able to see that a second fulfilling life off the field is possible, but that it requires rigorous preparation.
Maxime Brillault tells his journey to the Orléans players.
– In what ways do the success stories of professionals like Marc Giraudon and Maxime Brillault inspire former athletes in their transition to new career paths through Europ Sports Reconversion?
1. What were some of the main topics discussed during the Regional Delegate meetings hosted by the UNFP in Châteauroux and Orléans, and how did they relate to issues faced by players in those regions specifically?
2. How does Europ Sports Reconversion support former athletes transitioning into new career paths, and what was the impact of hearing from successful professionals like Marc Giraudon and Maxime Brillault on the players present?
3. Can you provide an overview of the services offered by the UNFP to players, including legal, social, societal, prevention, and protection?
4. How has the UNFP been working to address sidelining issues in Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, and what progress has been made on this front?
5. As president of the union, how would you like to see the UNFP continue to evolve and improve its services for players in the coming years?
