SM Caen. Jean-Luc Pignol: ”The children leave Jean-Pingeon with stars in their eyes”
By Thomas Huve
Published on
The association of Malherbe Caen Stadium organize the 19ᵉ edition of its Tournaments Jean Pingeon after two years of absence for health reasons. The various U11 youth meetings will take place on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 April from 9:00 a.m. on the Venoix facilities.
This year, the Jean-Pingeon tournament will bring together 56 French teams. 26 professional clubs (Ligue 1, Ligue 2, National), 21 clubs from Calvados and 9 regional clubs from the qualifying tournament organized on Saturday March 19, 2022 will be present. Interview with the president of the Stade Malherbe association, Jean-Luc Pignol .
Sport in Caen: Why is the Jean Pingeon Tournament so important in your opinion?
Jean-Luc Pignol: The Jean Pingeon Tournament is the big event for educators in France. Some even come back this year when they no longer coach. For young people, it’s an opportunity to create lifelong memories. And who knows, maybe they will have the chance to play against a future great player.
Do you remember any great players who went through the tournament?
Yes of course, there were players who are currently at SM Caen like Jessy Deminguet, Johann Lepenant or even Prince Oniangué. But of the very well-known players that I have in mind, there are two: Kylian Mbappé, who was very close to signing for the club elsewhere, and Edouard Mendy, winner of the Champions League with Chelsea and African champion this winter with Senegal.
Return to the tournament after two years of absence
The tournament returns after two consecutive cancellations due to the pandemic. Is it a relaxation for the organizers?
Of course, but not just for us. I am thinking above all of the hundreds of children and the dozens of educators who were unable to attend the last two editions. We don’t do this for the money, but to share happiness.
Will there be anything new this season?
Not really, there is a new professional club joining us, Olympique Lyonnais. Other than that, the formula remains the same: an unforgettable weekend for the children. For parents and educators too: we invited the coaches this Friday evening for a meal at the restaurant all together in Saint-Contest. The families will be housed with Norman families as we did before the pandemic. These are strong moments where young and old create a lot of memories.
A moment of fellowship
What are you expecting this weekend?
May the children leave the Pingeon Tournament with stars in their eyes. May they make as many memories as possible that will remain etched in their memories for a long time. We expect a beautiful communion between players, families, educators and spectators. Personally, if I had a wish? I would very much like to see the SM Caen supporters at the Tournament after the match against Auxerre (Saturday, 3 p.m.). There are catering stands, we will be able to welcome them (laughs). More precisely, it would be an opportunity to commune together in a good-natured spirit. Call launched!
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