SCAN SPORT – On the initiative of the French Federation of Rugby Supporters, a collection of clothes and toys is organized until the end of November for the benefit of Emmaüs.
Franck Lemann is a very busy man. Director of Information Systems in the “civilian” sector, he has also been the president of the French Federation of Rugby Supporters (FFSR) for two years after twelve years in the office. He is also the founder of the Virage des Dieux, one of the Stade Français Paris supporters clubs. However, he entrusted the management to his wife, Nathalie. “She’s the boss“, he smiles, admitting that all these occupations take him “quite some time».
It must be said that the attributions of the FFSE, which federates the associations of supporters of professional and amateur clubs throughout France – more than 14,000 supporters from 87 member clubs, from the Top 14 to the Federal 3 (Clermont and Oyonnax being the only of the thirty professional clubs not represented, the Servette de Genève, he has just joined, editor’s note) – are numerous and that the 17 volunteers like him who take care of them are not idle. “We have very good relations with the League (LNR, in charge of professional rugby) which has integrated us into its CSR committee. For example, we are behind the Fans Days, these Top 14 and Pro D2 days devoted to derbies. I recognize that our relations are more difficult with the FFR…»
“Rugby is rather preserved. There are some overflows concerning the referees, but not more than before. »
Franck Lemann, president of the FFSR
The FFSR is also a member of the national body of supporters wanted by the Ministry of Sports. “We participate, among other things, in the training of supporter referents imposed by decree by the INS. We also provide legal advice to associations or conduct mediations with clubs when relations are difficult with their supporters.enumerates Franck Lemann. We make recommendations to appease these relations. We do not hesitate to say when things are not going well. Generally we are listened to, or at least heard. If necessary, we also reframe the supporters. But, conversely, we go up the information if the problem comes from the club.“Recently, he worked with Racing 92, whose security prohibited flags or drums from opposing supporters at La Défense Arena…
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Pedagogue, the FFSR also pays great attention to behavior vis-à-vis the referees. “We have very good relations with them. They regularly write little words in our newsletter. And we invite a referee at the start of each season to come and explain the new rules to us.» Does he notice deviant attitudes? “There are not so many reasons to be vigilant at the momenthe assures. Rugby is rather preserved. There are some overflows concerning the referees, but not more than before, and some behaviors to reframe sometimes, but not dramatic, far from it. There is no problem of racism, sexism or homophobia brought to our attention. It must be said that we have 30% of women among our supporters. This is rare for an outdoor team sport. The values of hospitality, fraternity, solidarity, fair play, respect and conviviality are doing quite well. And there is never a fight between supporters.»
“The 2023 World Cup will attract a new new audience. We will do as in 2007, it will go well. »
Franck Lemann, president of the FFSR
For these values to be perpetuated, the FFSR ensures thatwelcome the new public and ensure that they behave properly“. Franck Lemann knows what he is talking about. The Virage des Dieux welcomes many stadium bans from Paris SG. Which pose no problem once you cross the street that separates the Parc des Princes from Jean-Bouin. “The regulars take the new ones under their wing. The 2023 World Cup will attract a new new audience. We will do as in 2007, it will go well.He hopes this will help to swell the ranks because “While attendances are up, the number of supporters is stagnating. The way of consuming has changed. People come to the stadium à la carte, when they like the line-up, but no longer for all the matches…»
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To put words in accord with deeds, andbecause solidarity is part of our DNA», the FFSR has just entered into an unprecedented partnership with Emmaüs. By organizing with member associations a collection of clothes, toys, small household appliances and sports equipment during the month of November. More than thirty supporters’ clubs affiliated with the FFSR take part in this action, “including twelve from Top 14 and eleven from Pro D2“, specifies the president. For the Stade Français Paris, for example, the collection will take place on November 26, when RC Toulon is received. All donations will be officially handed over to Emmaüs on December 4th. To prove that rugby fans have big hearts.
