AS Chambéry: Football Club Fosters Integration for Young Migrants

VILLENAVE-D’ORNON, France – In the heart of the Gironde region, L’Association Sportive Chambéry (AS Chambéry) is making a significant impact off the pitch, using football as a powerful tool for social integration. Founded fifty years ago by Christian Cayla, the club has become a haven for young migrants, providing not just a place to play the beautiful game, but also a pathway to community and opportunity.

A Club Built on Social Values

Cayla, who remains president of the club, envisioned AS Chambéry as more than just a football organization. “The key is the social aspect,” he explained, a philosophy shared by the club’s leadership and its partners: Le Prado, Saint François-Xavier, and Quancard, organizations dedicated to child protection. The club’s origins trace back to 1975, when Cayla, working as a youth center animator, noticed the boys’ enthusiasm for football. From a simple inter-youth-center championship, the association was born.

Today, AS Chambéry competes in the fourth division of French football, with aspirations for promotion. But its success isn’t measured solely in wins and losses. The club actively welcomes young, often unaccompanied, immigrants, offering them a supportive environment to learn the language, make friends, and build a future. The story of Christian, a young Albanian who joined the club, exemplifies this impact. He not only developed his football skills but also learned French and secured a professional internship with the club’s support.

An International U19 Team Takes Shape

Building on its commitment to inclusivity, AS Chambéry recently launched a particularly ambitious initiative. Cayla reached out to a local Bordeaux reception center for migrant youth, inviting them to form an international under-19 (U19) football team. The response was enthusiastic, with young players arriving from Mali, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Guinea, and Sudan.

“It’s a complete team, but some of our young players are also brought in to supplement the senior squad when needed,” Cayla noted. The integration of these players into the Villenave-d’Ornon community has been remarkably smooth. Despite administrative hurdles, the project has proven to be a resounding success.

Support from the Department

The initiative has received crucial support from the Gironde Department, which provides financial assistance to cover the young footballers’ licenses and equipment. Coaches are also compensated, and the team has been provided with a minibus for transportation to matches. This support has been instrumental in ensuring the program’s sustainability and allowing the players to focus on their development.

And the results speak for themselves. The team has been winning the vast majority of its matches, demonstrating not only their athletic talent but also their ability to perform together and overcome challenges. This success story highlights the positive impact that sport can have on the lives of young migrants, providing them with a sense of belonging, purpose, and hope.

For those unfamiliar with the French football league system, the fourth division represents a significant level of amateur competition, serving as a stepping stone for aspiring professional players. AS Chambéry’s ambition to climb the ranks demonstrates their commitment to providing opportunities for their players to reach their full potential.

More Than Just a Game

AS Chambéry’s approach goes beyond simply providing a sporting outlet. It’s about creating a holistic support system that addresses the complex needs of young migrants. By fostering a sense of community and providing access to education and employment opportunities, the club is helping these young people to build a brighter future for themselves and contribute to French society.

The club’s success is a testament to the power of football to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers. It’s a reminder that sport can be a force for good, promoting social inclusion and empowering individuals to overcome adversity. The dedication of Christian Cayla and the entire AS Chambéry organization serves as an inspiring example for other clubs and communities around the world.

Looking ahead, AS Chambéry will continue to prioritize its social mission while striving for on-field success. The club’s next matches will be crucial as they push for promotion, and the continued development of its young players will be closely watched. Fans can follow the team’s progress and learn more about their initiatives on their official website and social media channels.

You can locate more information about AS Chambéry in Gironde Mag n°150.