- The Girondins stopped their partnership with the “Proyecto Crecer” structure at the end of 2019, from which Emiliano Sala in particular came.
- Despite this decision, two young Argentinian players continue their training at the club with the U17s.
- From Argentina, the club will follow the tribute paid to the former Bordeaux and Nantes striker on the occasion of Bordeaux-Nantes, Sunday (5 p.m.).
Without this structure perhaps the whole world would never have discovered Emiliano Sala's talent. The "Proyecto Crecer" ("Project Growing Up") was indeed a real springboard for the Argentine attacker who died tragically a year ago. Created in 2002 by Julio Di Meola, a former player, this training center located in San Francisco de Cordoba in Argentina has made it possible, thanks to its partnership with the Girondins de Bordeaux, to young people from the country to realize their dream: to become a professional player.
Emiliano Sala but also Valentin Vada (Almeria) or Daniel Mancini (Aris Salonica) are the best examples. A great success for all parties. However, this 17-year collaboration has just ended: “The agreement which bound us ended on December 31st. It had been the subject of several extensions until 2019. The "Proyecto Crecer" has been informed of this decision in a transparent and official manner for several months ", explains today the Bordeaux club which seems to want to redirect its policy on this subject with more local partners (see box).
A win-win partnership
If for Guillermo, who took up the torch with his sister Gisela on the death of their father in 2017, it was "surprising after many years of collaboration", and that he "did not expect it", it n 'do not want the Girondins:
“We are not at all angry with the club. We still love the Girondins. There was no conflict. Everything ended well. This ends a very positive step for us. "
It was win-win. On the one hand, the Argentine structure received logistical support (equipment for the coaches and the 250 young players) and monthly financial aid. On the other, the best elements joined the club at the scapular to complete their training. And sometimes you had to insist as with Emiliano Sala. The Argentinian made several round trips before settling in Gironde and coming a good scorer (94 goals in 239 games).
Two young Argentines still at the club
While the partnership is officially over, it is still going on in practice for the moment. Two 16-year-old Argentines (Maximiliano Gay and Valentin Aiassa) play this season with the Girondins' U17s, and the club will support them until the end. On the other side of the Atlantic, Guillermo says that “in any case, [his] club now has a solid structure which is based on many years of experience and work. We are not at all worried. "
The "Proyecto Crecer" will continue its journey even without Emiliano Sala and the Girondins de Bordeaux. The Di Meola family intends to find a new partner club in the coming weeks: “There are contacts with many European clubs today but nothing concrete yet. We will speak in due course. In the meantime, they will watch their vibrant Sunday tribute to their former player at their Beaujoire stadium in front of their TV on Sunday afternoon (5 pm).
FC Nantes: The club unveils the jersey worn by the players on Sunday in tribute to Sala https://t.co/MJ7kIquosU via @ 20minutesnantes pic.twitter.com/Vdw5zn9Ok2
- 20 Minutes Nantes (@ 20minutesnantes) January 21, 2020Sport
FC Nantes: The club unveils the jersey in tribute to Sala which will be worn by the players on Sunday
Sport
"January 22, 9:04 am: Emiliano is well on the plane, we are trying to hear from him" ... How Nantes lived the day of the drama
The Girondins refocus on the local
If the club has ended the partnership with "Proyecto Crecer", it is partly to develop new more "local" ones. The leaders have just created with the league the "circle of New Aquitaine" which brings together all the clubs who wish to become partners of the Marine et Blanc. For this, the Girondins offer four formulas: one free and three paid (from 500 to 3,000 euros per club). In exchange, the club provides administrative and sports training, visuals before matches, visits to the training center or stadium, places and other entertainment.
A system denounced by some supporters on social networks including the Ultramarines in conflict with management and by leaders of amateur football. Critics to whom the club wishes to respond: “It is the clubs that choose. There is no obligation. We already have 30 signatory clubs and 80% have taken a paid partnership. It’s their choice. We are simply there to accompany and support them. ”
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