The French handball club, Hbc Nantes, has officially launched its academy in Cotonou, Benin, marking a significant milestone in its expansion into the African continent. The academy's first promotion consists of 21 young players, both boys and girls, who will train four times a week. Hbc Nantes president, Gaël Pelletier, outlined the club's vision and philosophy, emphasizing the importance of formation, hard work, and structuration. The club's approach prioritizes patience and long-term development over short-term success.
Pelletier highlighted the reasons behind Hbc Nantes' decision to establish its academy in Benin. The country's commitment to using sports as a tool for education, as evidenced by its investment in infrastructure and education, was a major draw. Additionally, the club identified a gap between school sports and high-level competition, which it aims to fill by providing training and support to young players from the age of 13. This initiative marks the first time such a structure has been established in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Hbc Nantes academy in Benin is the result of a three-year collaboration between the club, the Beninese government, and local sports authorities. The project was built on a memorandum of understanding between the two countries' federations and a protocol signed in 2024 with the Ministry of Sports. Pelletier also cited the personal connection of Rock Feliho, a former Hbc Nantes captain born in Cotonou, as a key factor in the club's decision to partner with Benin.
In August, Benin's U16 team participated in the Nihc tournament in France, where they finished eighth out of 12 teams. Pelletier acknowledged that while the team showed promise, they struggled with consistency and were often defeated by narrow margins. He attributed these shortcomings to a lack of experience and identified areas for improvement, including mastering the end of matches, ball conservation, and concentration.
The Hbc Nantes academy aims to address these issues by providing comprehensive training and development programs for its young players. The academy will focus on both sports and education, with a dual project that combines handball training with academic studies. Pelletier emphasized the importance of a well-rounded approach, which will enable players to develop their skills on and off the court.
The Beninese government has demonstrated its commitment to supporting the academy, with partnerships and collaborations in place to ensure its success. Local businesses have also been invited to support the initiative, which is expected to have a positive impact on the country's sports development. Pelletier expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the potential for Beninese players to develop their skills and compete at the highest level.
As the Hbc Nantes academy begins its journey in Benin, it will be closely watched by local sports enthusiasts and international handball fans. With its focus on development, education, and community engagement, the academy has the potential to become a model for sports development in Africa. Key points include:
Key points
- Hbc Nantes has launched its first academy in Benin, with a focus on developing local handball talent.
- The academy will provide comprehensive training and development programs for 21 young players.
- The initiative is a result of a three-year collaboration between Hbc Nantes, the Beninese government, and local sports authorities.
