Pierre Figaro was only 17 years old when he started playing badminton in Milizac. “When I arrived at this club, which was more leisure, we were only around thirty members and only adults”remembers the badista.
The young man at the time did not hesitate to get involved in the organization of the club. “I started by helping out in tournaments and it was pointed out to me that I was quite good at this exercise. »
Throughout the seasons, his appreciated involvement within the sports association encourages him to take responsibility. In 2019, Pierre Figaro became president of the Milizacois club. With an absolute priority: opening the entity to young people. “It was inconceivable for me to continue our development without them, they are the future of the club”he assures.
“Taking a player to the highest level”
Pierre Figaro has therefore put in place a demanding framework. “We had to work more to prepare our training sessions and structure them better”explains the president.
I am lucky to have been joined by Eric Pallier, former youth manager at Milizac handball, who shared his experience with me.
Both are training as volunteer coaches. “We sometimes accompany the young people to their matches to analyze the points to work on during training. My dream would be to take one of my players to the highest level. »
In the meantime, the coach wants to listen to all his licensees. “My goal is for everyone to have fun, whatever their level. »
In this sense, Pierre affiliated the club to the FFbad (French Badminton Federation). Enough to allow players to progress to a higher level in competition. The others still have the leisure to progress in the Ufolep competitions (French Union of Secular Physical Education Works).
Bad school soon?
The club now has 76 members: 52 adults (33 of whom compete) and 24 young people. Proof of a positive evolution of the club, which now hopes to obtain the “badminton school” qualification, awarded by the FFbad.
A great reward in perspective, which would not have been possible without the commitment of its president. Which provides three training sessions per week, plays competitively and participates in administrative tasks.
That source of motivation? “Simply the passion for badminton. » With satisfaction at stake: “the progress of the kids which reassures me in the idea that I am in my place. »
