The space is named after one of the greatest champions in the history of handball, Luc Abalo. But it is basketball that will be the focus for the next few years at the Athletica center (formerly CDFAS) located in Eaubonne (95).
This December 11, a few hours before the reception of Kaunas in the Euroleague, the Val-d’Oise departmental committee and Paris Basketball announced that for two years “at least”, the space will permanently host the two U18 (under 18) and U21 teams from the capital club’s training center.
They will be accommodated there, catered for and will benefit from the training facilities. The players concerned will also be able to continue their studies in surrounding educational establishments. Around fifteen matches per season for the two teams will also be played within these walls.
“The ambition to become a reference”
The heart of Paris Basketball obviously remains around the Porte de la Chapelle with the Adidas Arena. But here it extends up to around twenty kilometers away, still in the north of the capital. “The installation of Paris Basketball,” comments its president David Kahn, “realizes the club’s promises to structure its academy to offer the players of our training center the best practice conditions but also the best academic and educational framework. »
“Athletica has the ambition to become a reference in high-level training,” explains Marie-Christine Cavecchi, president of the department. Our equipment, modernized last year, offers all the best conditions so that these young people can flourish physically and mentally and thus be recognized in the future on the national and international scene.”
During the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Athletica welcomed members of the American delegation. But Team USA and all its stars stayed to train at the Palais des Sports Marcel-Cerdan in Levallois even when it played in Lille.
