FC Pays de Sillé Targets Female Recruitment Growth

Pays de Sillé FC Women’s Team Gears Up for Success, Welcomes New talent

Pays de Sillé, France – July 19, 2025 – The women’s football program at Pays de Sillé Football Club (FCPS) is not just thriving, it’s set to build on its remarkable momentum.After two successful years, the club is reinforcing its commitment to female football, actively seeking new players to join their ranks.

The FCPS boasts a vibrant female presence, not only in its playing squads but also within its leadership. For the past two seasons, a dedicated 100% women’s senior team has been a formidable force on the pitch, competing in traditional 11-a-side matches. This season, under the guidance of coach Gabriel Chevreux, a talented group of 15 players has consistently demonstrated dedication and skill during their Thursday evening training sessions at the Martin-Parayre municipal stadium.

The team’s performance speaks volumes, as they concluded the second phase of the championship at the top of their group, securing an outstanding record of 8 wins, 0 draws, and only 2 losses. Striker Laura Hérisson has been a standout performer, contributing an impressive 21 goals to the team’s success.

“The 2023-2024 season was focused on building the team,” stated coach Gabriel Chevreux. “For 2024-2025, our aim is to further solidify our collective, building on the undeniable progress we’ve made in terms of physical conditioning and tactical understanding.”

Looking Ahead: Coaching Transition and Recruitment Drive

As the club looks towards the future,a notable change will occur in the technical staff. Gabriel Chevreux will transition out this summer, making way for Louise Fresnais to take the helm.

FCPS is also launching a recruitment drive, extending a warm invitation to players aged 16 and above, regardless of their current skill level, to join and strengthen the existing squad.

For those interested in learning more about the FCPS women’s section or wishing to register, please contact 06 50 65 88 35 or 06 64 82 08 42.

The current office composition for Pays de Sillé Foot includes Co-Presidents Anna Gandon-Thuard, Benoît Haté, and Guillaume Blanchard; Vice-President Damien Blanchard; Secretary Anna Thuard; Deputy Secretary Sylvain Bardet; treasurer Élodie Bouteloup; and Members Maël loaëc, Gérard Nouard, gilles Jarry, Nicolas desgrouas, Romain Thirot, and Adrien Chevreux.

How does FC Pays de Sillé’s investment in youth progress programs-specifically dedicated training facilities and qualified female coaches-aim to address the underrepresentation of women in football?

Understanding the current Landscape of women in Football

FC Pays de Sillé, a prominent club in French women’s football, is actively implementing strategies to bolster female recruitment and expand its presence within the sport. This initiative isn’t isolated; it reflects a broader movement within football to increase women’s participation, address gender imbalances, and cultivate a more inclusive environment. Currently, despite growing interest, women remain underrepresented in various roles within football – from players and coaches to administrative positions and leadership roles. This disparity impacts the overall development and sustainability of the game. Key statistics highlight the need for focused efforts:

Player Representation: While participation numbers are rising, a significant gap remains between male and female players at professional levels.

Coaching Disparity: The percentage of female coaches in both professional and amateur football is notably low.

Administrative Roles: Women are underrepresented in key decision-making positions within football federations and clubs.

FC Pays de Sillé’s Strategic Initiatives for Female Player Acquisition

FC pays de Sillé’s approach to women’s football recruitment is multifaceted,focusing on attracting talent at various levels.The club recognizes that building a prosperous team requires a long-term vision and a commitment to developing players from grassroots to professional levels.

Strengthening Youth Development Programs

A core component of their strategy involves investing in youth football programs specifically designed for girls. This includes:

1. Dedicated Training Facilities: Providing access to high-quality training facilities tailored to the needs of female athletes.
2. Qualified Female Coaches: Employing and developing female coaches who can serve as role models and mentors.
3. Community Outreach: Actively engaging with local schools and communities to promote football among young girls.
4. Scholarship Opportunities: Offering scholarships to talented young players to help them pursue their football dreams.

Expanding Scouting networks

The club is actively expanding its football scouting network to identify promising female players both domestically and internationally. This involves:

Regional Scouting: Focusing on identifying talent within the Pays de la Loire region.

National Scouting: Attending national tournaments and showcases to scout players from across France.

International Scouting: Exploring opportunities to recruit players from other European countries and beyond.

data Analytics: Utilizing data analytics to identify potential recruits based on performance metrics and player profiles.

Creating a Supportive and Inclusive Club Culture

FC Pays de Sillé understands that attracting and retaining female players requires more than just offering competitive salaries and training facilities. it’s crucial to create a club culture that is supportive,inclusive,and respectful.This includes:

Equal opportunities: Ensuring equal access to resources and opportunities for both male and female players.

Mentorship Programs: Pairing experienced players with younger recruits to provide guidance and support.

Addressing Gender Bias: Implementing training programs to address unconscious bias and promote gender equality within the club.

Promoting Female Leadership: Encouraging women to take on leadership roles within the club’s governance and coaching staff.

The Benefits of Increased Female Representation in Football

The benefits of increasing female participation in football extend far beyond the pitch. A more diverse and inclusive football environment can lead to:

Enhanced Team Performance: Diverse teams often outperform homogenous teams due to a wider range of perspectives and skillsets.

Increased Fan Engagement: Attracting more female players and fans can broaden the club’s appeal and increase revenue.

Positive Social Impact: Promoting gender equality in football can inspire young girls to pursue their dreams and challenge societal norms.

* Improved Club Reputation: A commitment to diversity and inclusion can enhance the club’s reputation and attract sponsors.

Practical Tips for Aspiring Female Footballers

For young women aspiring to play football at a competitive level, here are some practical tips:

1. Develop Fundamental Skills: Focus on mastering the basic skills of football, such as passing, shooting, and dribbling.
2. Seek Quality Coaching: Find a qualified coach who can provide personalized instruction and guidance.
3. Join a Competitive Team: Playing on a competitive team will expose you to higher levels of competition and help you develop your skills.
4. Maintain Physical Fitness: Football requires a high level of physical fitness, so it’s vital to maintain a regular exercise routine.
5. Network with Other Players: Connect with other female footballers to share experiences and learn from each other.
6. Stay Persistent: The path to success in football can be challenging, so it’s important to stay persistent and never give up on your dreams.

Case Study: The rise of Women’s Football in France

France has witnessed significant growth in women’s football over the past decade. The French Football Federation (FFF) has invested heavily in developing the women’s game, resulting in increased participation numbers, improved infrastructure, and greater media coverage. The success of the French women’s national team in international tournaments, such as the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the UEFA Women’s Championship, has further fueled the growth of the sport. FC Pays de Sillé’s efforts align with this national trend, contributing to the overall development of women’s football in France. The club’s commitment to talent identification and player development is crucial for sustaining this momentum.