Sport occupies an important place in Picardy, both at amateur and professional level. Many companies revolve around this sector and contribute to its dynamism. This article presents an overview of these Picardy economic players in sport.
Sports clubs and associations
There are nearly 6,800 sports clubs and associations in Picardy, all disciplines combined, with 4,800 affiliated to a sports federation. These structures, mainly run by volunteers, offer the practice of various sporting activities such as football, tennis, judo, etc. Some Picardy sports associations have been in existence for more than a century. This is particularly the case of the Soissonnaise gymnastics club, founded in 1874, after the defeat of 1870 for military preparation. Other more recent structures such as the Sports and Artistic Club of the Picardie Gendarmerie (CSA Picardie), created in 1977, welcome both civilians and military personnel.
There are also many multi-sports clubs, particularly in rural areas, which offer the practice of multiple disciplines. The Stade Compiégnois, for example, brings together no less than 24 sections in various fields such as basketball, football, rugby, volleyball, archery, boxing, ice hockey, etc.
The sports federations structuring the Picardy sports movement are also well established in the region. We can cite the Picardie Football League, created in 1967 and which brings together more than 450 clubs from the three Picardy departments.
The Picardie Athletics League, for its part, organizes numerous competitions on track, indoors or cross-country.
If Picardy sports clubs were historically more present in urban areas, in recent decades we have observed a spread towards rural areas. The sports network thus tends to become more dense. Some intermunicipalities support this movement by subsidizing the creation of clubs or by providing equipment.
The disciplines most popular with Picards remain team sports such as football, basketball and handball, which attract a significant number of members. But we are also seeing a growing enthusiasm for emerging activities (roller skating, skateboarding), outdoor sports (mountain biking, orienteering) and even martial arts.
Women’s sporting activities have also been on the rise in recent years in Picardy, like women’s handball supported by flagship clubs such as the Entente Sportive Flixecourt Marquenterre (ESFM). Women’s rugby is also starting to take shape in the region.
As we can see, the Picardy sporting landscape is dynamic and constantly evolving, supported by a dense network of associations which cover the entire territory. Local sports clubs play an essential social role in promoting social ties and integration, particularly in rural areas. They allow access to sport for all in a logic of proximity.
Sports equipment manufacturers and distributors
Many Picardy SMEs design or distribute equipment dedicated to sports and leisure.
Sportus Company
Sportus Company, located in Glisy, specializes in American football equipment and in particular protection such as shoulder pads, helmets and elbow pads. Founded in 2005 by two enthusiasts of this sport, the company quickly established itself as one of the French leaders in this niche. Sportus Company designs its own products in its Picardy factory and works in close collaboration with American football teams. high level in order to test and improve its equipment. The company now exports a significant part of its production internationally.
Prosport XVII
Based in Noyelles-sur-Mer, Prosport XVII is a distributor of sporting goods created in 2010. Over the years, the company has built up a large catalog of more than 10,000 references covering numerous disciplines: football, tennis, running, fitness, combat sports, etc. Prosport XVII distributes products from major international brands such as Nike, Adidas or Babolat but also works with more confidential manufacturers. The company has its own logistics department and delivers to individuals, sports clubs and local authorities in the region.
Laporte Industries
Based in Formerie and founded in 1875, Laporte Industries is the world leader in automatic launchers for trap shooting. The company designs and manufactures a wide range of machines capable of launching the targets at high speed according to variable trajectories. Thanks to its historical know-how and continuous innovation, Laporte Industries today equips the majority of ball clubs -trap around the world as well as numerous international competitions. Its launchers are notably used during the Olympic Games.
Cornilleau
Based in Bonneuil-les-Eaux, the Cornilleau company is the world leader in table tennis. Founded in 1958, the company designs and markets a wide range of tables and accessories for individuals and professionals: rackets, nets, coverings, etc. Cornilleau equips numerous clubs and federations around the world. Its tables and equipment are used during major competitions such as the Olympic Games or the World Championships. Thanks to its expertise and technological innovations, Cornilleau has established itself as an international reference in its field.
Kindy
Kindy is an SME based in Moliens, French leader in high-end sports socks. Founded in 2005, the company specializes in technical socks dedicated to running and cycling. Kindy products are distinguished by the use of noble materials such as pima cotton, merino wool or polyamide. They also integrate innovative technologies for greater support, breathability or thermal insulation. Kindy today equips many amateur sportspeople as well as high-level athletes. Its socks are acclaimed for their comfort and effectiveness.
Other actors
We can also cite other Picardy equipment manufacturers and distributors such as:
Coq Sportif (Romilly-sur-Andelle): textiles and sports shoes France Pare-brise (Nogent-sur-Oise): manufacturing of motorcycle helmets Global Industrie (Compiègne): home trainers and rollers for cycling Lejeune Sports (Crépy- en-Valois): distribution of combat sports articles
With their innovative products and recognized know-how, these companies contribute to the dynamism of the sports sector in Picardy. Their regional roots are an asset for developing partnerships with local sports associations.
Sports-related service companies
Many service companies revolve around the Picardy sports sector:
Profession Sport and Leisure in Picardy, group of employers specializing in sports activities Picardie Obstacles in Rethondes, design of tailor-made equestrian obstacles Loiseleur Paysage in Villers-Saint-Paul, creation and maintenance of sports fields
We can also cite design offices such as Agorespace in Longueil-Annel, specialist in multisport equipment.
Organizers of sporting events
Picardy hosts numerous sporting events throughout the year such as trails, cycle races, tournaments, etc.
These competitions are organized by various actors: sports federations, local authorities, associations or even specialized private companies such as Picardie Sport Entreprise. This structure connects the amateur sporting world with companies in a partnership logic.
Conclusion
As we can see, many Picardy companies gravitate around the sports sector, whether in the distribution of sporting goods, the design of equipment, services or even the organization of events. The local economic fabric dedicated to sports and leisure continues to develop, supported by a dense network of amateur clubs.
2023-12-10 23:04:14
#Businesses #sport #Picardy
