The Hbc Nantes Bénin Academy has officially begun its operations in Cotonou, Benin, with an inaugural intake of 21 young players, comprising 11 girls and 10 boys. The academy is a collaborative project between the French handball club Hbc Nantes, the Beninese Handball Federation (Fbhb), and the Hbc Nantes Foundation. The initiative has been in the works for several years, with the goal of promoting handball development in Benin.
The academy's first intake of students was welcomed with a ceremony where they received school and sports kits from the academy's officials. The academy aims to provide a holistic education to its students, combining sports training with academic support and personal development. The students will undergo regular training sessions focusing on technical and tactical skills, physical conditioning, and competitions.
In addition to sports training, the academy will provide academic support and scholarships to its students, courtesy of the Hbc Nantes Foundation. This will enable the students to pursue their studies without financial constraints. The academy's director, Murielle Ahokpe, emphasized that the institution's objective is not only to produce skilled handball players but also to instill discipline, autonomy, respect, and responsibility in its students.
The Hbc Nantes Bénin Academy is a result of collaboration between the French and Beninese handball authorities. The project has evolved over the past three years, with Hbc Nantes engaging in exchanges with Beninese handball officials, coaches, and clubs. A protocol of agreement was signed in 2024 between Hbc Nantes and the Beninese Ministry of Sports, paving the way for the academy's establishment.
According to Gaël Pelletier, president of Hbc Nantes, the academy is not a replica of the French model but rather a Beninese project supported by the French club. The academy's primary goal is to produce players for the Beninese national teams and clubs. The Beninese Handball Federation (Fbhb) shares this vision, with its president, Sidikou Karimou, urging the students to strive for excellence both on and off the field.
The establishment of the Hbc Nantes Bénin Academy marks a significant milestone in Benin's handball development. The academy's success will depend on the collaboration between the French and Beninese partners, as well as the support of the local handball community. With a strong foundation in place, the academy is poised to produce talented handball players who will represent Benin in national and international competitions.
The academy's impact will be closely monitored, with stakeholders eager to see the results of this collaborative project. The Beninese government and handball authorities have expressed their commitment to supporting the academy, which is expected to become a hub for handball development in the country. As the academy begins its journey, it is expected to face challenges, but its potential to transform Benin's handball landscape is significant.
Key points
- The Hbc Nantes Bénin Academy aims to promote handball development in Benin by providing a holistic education to young players.
- The academy is a collaborative project between Hbc Nantes, the Beninese Handball Federation, and the Hbc Nantes Foundation.
- The academy's first intake of 21 students will undergo training and academic support, with the goal of producing skilled handball players for Benin's national teams and clubs.
