Young Archers from Chalon-sur-Saône Shine at Regional Competition in Gueugnon
On a crisp Saturday morning in May 2024, the town of Gueugnon in eastern France hosted a regional archery competition that drew young talent from across the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. Among the standout performers were archers from the Chalon-sur-Saône Archery Club, whose consistent precision and sportsmanship earned them multiple top placements in the youth divisions. The event, organized by the French Archery Federation (FFTA) and held at the Gueugnon Sports Complex, served as both a qualifier for national youth championships and a platform for emerging athletes to showcase their development.
The Chalon-sur-Saône contingent, comprising athletes aged 12 to 18, competed in recurve and barebow categories across U14, U16 and U18 age groups. According to verified results published by the FFTA on May 18, 2024, the club secured three gold medals, two silver medals, and one bronze medal in individual events. In the U16 recurve division, 15-year-old Léa Martin achieved a score of 587 points out of a possible 600, clinching the gold medal and setting a new personal best. Her teammate, 14-year-old Jules Dubois, won silver in the U14 barebow category with a score of 521 points, while 17-year-old Amélie Rousseau took gold in the U18 recurve event with 592 points.
Club coach Marc Laurent, who has guided the Chalon-sur-Saône youth program for eight years, emphasized the importance of consistent training and mental preparation. “These results reflect the daily dedication of our young archers,” Laurent stated in a post-competition interview with the club’s official newsletter. “They’ve been working on their form, breath control, and focus throughout the season, and it’s paying off in competitions like this.” Laurent’s coaching approach, which integrates video analysis and individualized feedback, has been credited by the FFTA’s regional development office for contributing to steady improvement in youth performance metrics across the club’s programs.
Beyond individual achievements, the Chalon-sur-Saône team also excelled in the team relay event. Competing in the mixed U16/U18 recurve relay, the squad of Martin, Dubois, and Rousseau posted a combined score of 1,700 points, securing the silver medal behind only the host team from Gueugnon. This marked the first time the Chalon-sur-Saône club has medaled in a team relay at this level of regional competition, according to historical data from the FFTA’s Bourgogne-Franche-Comté division archives spanning the past five years.
The success in Gueugnon has positioned several Chalon-sur-Saône archers for consideration in the upcoming French National Youth Championships, scheduled for July 2024 in Vittel. Athletes who achieve top-eight finishes in regional qualifiers are typically invited to participate, and based on their Gueugnon results, Martin, Rousseau, and Dubois are expected to receive official invitations. The national event will feature over 200 competitors from across France and serve as a key selection event for the country’s junior international teams.
For the young athletes, the competition in Gueugnon was more than just about medals. Many highlighted the value of competing in a supportive yet challenging environment. “It was my first time shooting in front of a larger crowd, and I was nervous at first,” said Léa Martin after her gold medal win. “But once I found my rhythm, I felt calm and focused. Shooting alongside teammates made it easier to stay positive throughout the day.” Her sentiments were echoed by Jules Dubois, who noted that the experience helped him build confidence for future competitions.
The Chalon-sur-Saône Archery Club, founded in 1985, has grown steadily over the past decade, particularly in its youth outreach initiatives. Current membership stands at approximately 85 active archers, with nearly 60% under the age of 18. The club operates out of the municipal sports complex in Chalon-sur-Saône and receives partial funding from the city’s sports department, as well as grants from the regional sports council. Its youth program emphasizes accessibility, offering introductory sessions at reduced rates and equipment loans for beginners.
Looking ahead, the club plans to host its own regional qualifier in September 2024, aiming to attract participants from neighboring departments. Club president Sophie Moreau confirmed that preparations are underway, including coordination with local authorities for venue logistics and volunteer recruitment. “We aim for to continue providing opportunities for young archers to grow and compete,” Moreau said. “Events like Gueugnon show what’s possible when young athletes are given the right support and encouragement.”
As the archery season progresses, the Chalon-sur-Saône youth team will continue to compete in regional events throughout the summer, building toward the national championships in Vittel. Their recent success in Gueugnon not only highlights individual talent but also reflects the effectiveness of the club’s structured youth development model. For fans and followers of youth sports in central France, the club’s progress offers a compelling example of how grassroots programs can nurture athletic excellence and personal growth.
The next major checkpoint for the Chalon-sur-Saône archers is the French National Youth Championships in Vittel, scheduled for July 12–14, 2024. Fans and supporters can follow the club’s updates through its official website and social media channels, where training highlights and competition results are regularly posted.
Share your thoughts on the rise of youth archery in France or congratulate the young athletes from Chalon-sur-Saône in the comments below. Your engagement helps support grassroots sports coverage and encourages the next generation of competitors.
