UEFA foundation ambassador Eugénie Le Sommer inspires youngsters at Sport dans la Ville campus in Lyon
Lyon, April 30 – The UEFA Foundation for Children brought joy and inspiration to young people at the Sport dans la Ville campus in Lyon with a memorable appearance by French football legend and foundation ambassador Eugénie Le Sommer.
Le Sommer, ambassador for the UEFA Foundation for Children since 2021, has long supported other women and girls in football, striving to make the game more inclusive and welcoming to all. Considered one of France’s best football players, she has always used her high profile to raise awareness of children’s rights and education issues around the world.
As she arrived on the Sport dans la Ville campus, excitement rippled through the crowd of young players. The Olympique Lyonnais forward joined the children on the pitch for a series of football exercises, offering guidance and encouragement and plenty of smiles. After playing for an hour, the group moved inside for a Q&A session where children had the opportunity to ask Le Sommer questions about her career, personal experiences and passion for the game.
She also took the time to sign autographs and have pictures taken with her young fans, creating lasting memories for all. Reflecting on the experience, Eugénie said:
“Many women and girls have told me they gave up football because they didn’t get the support they needed. I want to help change that, get the right messages across and try to spread some happiness too. Whether it’s through playing, talking or just being present, I hope to help them regain confidence. It may seem small to me, but it means a lot to them, and that’s why I keep doing this.”
Many women and girls have told me they gave up football because they didn’t get the support they needed. I want to help change that, get the right messages across and try to spread some happiness too. Whether it’s through playing, talking or just being present, I hope to help them regain confidence. It may seem small to me, but it means a lot to them, and that’s why I keep doing this.
- Eugénie Le Sommer, Football player and UEFA Foundation ambassador
Sport dans la Ville is a French association that helps young people navigate life through sport. For decades, it has successfully empowered many children with underprivileged backgrounds through programmes that promote respect, perseverance and teamwork. The organisation helps young people to integrate socially and professionally.
“Our mission is to guide youngsters from disadvantaged areas towards independence and employment. We use sport to engage young people and teach them essential values and social skills to thrive and achieve a better future,” said Delphine Teillard, Sport dans la Ville programme director responsible for L dans la Ville (Girls in the City) and Réussite dans la Ville (Success in the City).
Our mission is to guide youngsters from disadvantaged areas towards independence and employment. We use sport to engage young people and teach them essential values and social skills to thrive and achieve a better future
- Delphine Teillard, Sport dans la Ville programme director for L dans la Ville and Réussite dans la Ville
The long-term impact of Sport dans la Ville is exemplified by Tahiratou, a former participant who now works with organisations focusing on diversity and inclusion, including women’s and LGBTQI+ rights.
“I started coming to Sport dans la Ville when I was about 15,” she recalled. “Thanks to the programme I’ve travelled to Brazil, which is not something everyone gets to do at 16! I’ve also been to India on a humanitarian trip, as well as England for professional purposes – experiences that shaped my personal and professional journey. I met many of my best friends here, and it has opened lots of doors for me internationally.”
I started coming to Sport dans la Ville when I was about 15.Thanks to the programme I’ve travelled to Brazil, which is not something everyone gets to do at 16! I’ve also been to India on a humanitarian trip, as well as England for professional purposes – experiences that shaped my personal and professional journey. I met many of my best friends here, and it has opened lots of doors for me internationally.
- Tahiratou, Sport dans la Ville beneficiary
This visit by Eugénie Le Sommer not only highlighted the power of sport to inspire and uplift but also reinforced the UEFA foundation’s commitment to creating inclusive opportunities for young people across Europe and beyond.
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