Falaise, France – The Union sportive en pays de Falaise (USPF) demonstrated continued growth and stability at its general assembly held Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Vignats, Calvados. The organization, a key driver of sports development in the Pays de Falaise region, reported a rise in membership and a renewed commitment to supporting local clubs.
The assembly began with a moment of silence honoring Gisèle Maurin, a former president of the Falaise badminton club, who passed away earlier in the year. USPF President Jérôme Drouin described Maurin as “a valuable member of our management committee, where she served as secretary, and her commitment was a model for us all.”
The USPF currently represents 47 sports clubs and boasted 4,917 members as of 2025, an increase from 4,838 in the previous year. This represents a 9% increase in membership over the last four years, signaling a healthy trend for sports participation in the region. More than half of the USPF’s members are under the age of 26, and the organization noted a “beautiful progression of women’s sport,” indicating growing female participation across various disciplines.
Founded in 2002, the USPF plays a vital role in supporting sports clubs within the Pays de Falaise. The organization provides assistance with project development, professionalization, training, transportation, and support for young athletes. It too extends support to schools participating in national championships.
The organization’s financial health was also highlighted during the assembly. Kevin Dewaele, an accountant, described the USPF as “a healthy association,” noting balanced annual accounts. However, officials emphasized the importance of maintaining financial stability, particularly concerning continued funding from the Communauté de communes du pays de Falaise. For the current year, the CDC is providing a grant of €240,000.
The USPF’s structure is organized around four micro-regions, each represented by vice presidents and members: Arnaud Huet (Pont-d’Ouilly), Lionel Maurin (Falaise), Thierry Zawadski (Potigny), and Brigitte Pagny (La Hoguette). This regional structure allows for localized support and responsiveness to the needs of clubs within each area.
Changes within the USPF’s membership were also noted, with the departure of the Rugby-club du pays de Falaise and the arrival of Les Renards de Falaise, a new triathlon club with 60 members and what was described as an “enthusiastic, serious, and motivated” leadership team. The USPF is currently reviewing three additional club applications for potential membership.
The USPF’s mission extends beyond simply maintaining existing sports programs. It actively works to develop sports in rural areas, a key priority for the organization. This commitment is reflected in its support for clubs undertaking projects to enhance their facilities and programs, as well as its assistance with volunteer training and transportation for competitions.
The organization’s success is heavily reliant on the dedication of its volunteers – 305 individuals who contribute their time and expertise to support local sports initiatives. These volunteers, alongside 48 paid staff members, help manage the collective budgets of the clubs, which exceed €2 million annually. The USPF supports 29 different sports disciplines within the Pays de Falaise region.
The USPF’s ongoing partnership with the Communauté de communes du pays de Falaise is crucial to its operations. Since 2016, the CDC has provided an annual grant of €237,000, which is now at €240,000, to support the USPF’s initiatives. A yearly convention outlines the objectives to be achieved with this funding, ensuring accountability and focused impact.
Looking ahead, the USPF will continue to focus on its core mission of promoting and developing sports throughout the Pays de Falaise, with a particular emphasis on supporting clubs, fostering youth participation, and expanding opportunities for women in sports. The next general assembly is scheduled for March 2027, where further progress and future plans will be discussed.
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