The French Archery Championships are underway and the club from Brienon-sur-Armançon is looking to make its mark. Representing the Yonne department alongside clubs from Monéteau, La Sentinelle Brienon tir à l’arc has consistently demonstrated its strength on the national stage, and is competing in the youth, adult, and para championships over the next three weekends.
Strong Regional Showing at the Youth Championships
The first leg of the championships, the French Youth Archery Championships, took place from February 20-22, 2026, in Yzeure, in the Allier department. The Yonne region is well-represented, with both Monéteau and La Sentinelle Brienon tir à l’arc sending athletes to compete. La Sentinelle Brienon, boasting 180 members, is hoping to achieve a top finish.
Recent Successes Fuel Optimism
The club’s archers have been in fine form, recently achieving impressive results at the regional adult championships. According to François Degrange, president of La Sentinelle tir à l’arc, “Out of 15 archers, 7 reached the final four, resulting in 5 podium finishes. That’s remarkably satisfying. We secured one title, two silver medals, and two bronze medals.” This momentum carries into the national championships, with high hopes for a strong performance.
Louise Chollet a Contender for a Podium Finish
Looking ahead to the French Youth Championships in the Allier, Degrange believes Louise Chollet has a strong chance of reaching the podium. “We definitely have the potential to reach the podium with Louise Chollet, who achieved the second or third best performance of the season in the U21 category,” he stated. This highlights the club’s commitment to developing young talent and competing at the highest level.
Financial Challenges for the Club
Competing at this level, still, comes with a significant financial burden. The club’s total expenses for the year are estimated to be between 35,000 and 40,000 euros. A portion of these costs are covered by the club, but competitors too bear a financial responsibility. “We can’t cover everything, it’s simply impossible,” Degrange explained. “It’s an amateur sport, and we are far from being fully supported.” This underscores the challenges faced by amateur sports clubs in securing the funding needed to support their athletes, and programs.
Looking Ahead
La Sentinelle Brienon tir à l’arc will continue to compete in the upcoming adult and para championships, building on the success of the youth competition. The club’s dedication to archery, combined with the talent of its athletes, positions them as a force to be reckoned with in the French archery scene. The club’s calendar includes the Departmental 3D competition on March 17th, and the Mixed Trophy 89 on March 24th, 2026, as well as preparations for the April campaign and championship events in July 2025.
The club’s continued success relies on the dedication of its members, coaches, and supporters. As they navigate the challenges of funding and competition, La Sentinelle Brienon tir à l’arc remains committed to fostering a thriving archery community in the Yonne region and beyond.
What’s next: The club will be competing in the French Adult Championships following the youth competition, with the Para Championships to follow. Keep an eye on the club’s website, https://archers-brienon.fr/, for updates and results.
What do you think of La Sentinelle Brienon tir à l’arc’s chances at the championships? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
