Breaking: U18 Women’s Regional Championship Delivers Tight Battles and Big Wins Across Autumn 2025
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The U18 Women’s regional championship has unfolded across August to December 2025, delivering a mix of close contests and decisive performances. Clubs from across the Loire region faced off in a demanding schedule that showcases rising talent and the depth of youth women’s basketball in the area. Here’s a concise look at the autumn results that shaped the early standings.
Fall results at a glance
The following autumn fixtures featured U18 Women’s teams competing in the regional championship, with several tight finishes and standout offensive outputs shaping the early narrative of the season.
| Date | Home Team | Score | Away Team | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Sept | Sautron Basket Club – 1 | 73 – 54 | U18 Women | Championship |
| 28 Sept | Saint Sébastien Basket Club | 44 – 62 | Erdre Basketball Club – 1 | Championship |
| 4 Oct | Carquefou Basket – 2 | 37 – 50 | U18 Women | Championship |
| 12 Oct | Gazelles Blinoises – 1 | 68 – 69 | U18 Women | Championship |
| 19 Oct | Treillieres Basket Club – 1 | 65 – 67 | U18 women | Championship |
| 9 Nov | South Loire Basketball – 1 | 63 – 45 | U18 Women | Championship |
| 15 Nov | U18 Women | 64 – 61 | IE – CTC Val de Sevre Etoile de Clisson Basket – 1 | Championship |
| 23 Nov | Basket Club Reze – 1 | 102 – 36 | U18 Women | Championship |
| 30 Nov | U18 Women | 72 – 66 | Erdre Basket club – 1 | Championship |
| 7 Dec | Nort Sur Erdre AC Les Touches Basket – 1 | 45 – 72 | U18 Women | Championship |
Takeaways for the season ahead
Early results show a blend of competitive defense and potent offense among the U18 Women’s teams. Several matchups produced narrow margins, underscoring the growing depth and talent across the region. The season’s progression will reveal wich programs are building sustained momentum and which players are emerging as future regional standouts.
Evergreen insights
Youth basketball trajectories are shaped in these regional showdowns. As more clubs invest in advancement pathways,the U18 Women’s championship serves as a crucial proving ground for players who may advance to higher levels in coming years. Strong performances-now can translate into opportunities later, making these autumn results a meaningful barometer for the season ahead.
Two rapid questions for readers: Which autumn result impressed you most and why? Which player or team do you expect to rise in the coming months?
Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for continued coverage as the U18 Women’s championship evolves through December and beyond.
Recovery – yoga, physiotherapy, optional light swim.
content.U18 Women | Nantes Doulon Basketball – 2025 Season Overview
Team Structure & League Placement
- Club affiliation: Nantes Doulon Basketball (FFBB registration No. 2528) operates under the Nantes Métropole Sports Association.
- Age category: Under‑18 (U18) women’s squad competes in the National Women’s U18 Championship (Nationale Féminine U18) – group B (Western France).
- roster size: 12 players (full‑time student‑athletes) plus 2 reserve players for injury cover.
- Squad composition:
- guards (4) – emphasis on ball‑handling and perimeter shooting.
- Forwards (5) – versatile wing players with rebounding focus.
- Centers (3) – interior defenders and low‑post scorers.
Coaching Staff & Technical Support
| Role | Name | Qualifications | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head Coach | Claudine Lemoine | UEFA “A” Licence, FFBB Level 3 Coach, former national team guard | Game strategy, player scouting, progress plans |
| Assistant Coach | Thomas Rivière | FFBB Level 2, sports science graduate | Skill drills, video analysis |
| Conditioning Coach | sophie Bouchard | Certified strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) | periodized training, injury prevention |
| Team Psychologist (part‑time) | Dr. Camille Durand | Sports psychology phd | Mental resilience workshops, performance anxiety management |
Training Regimen & Weekly schedule (2025‑2026)
- Monday: 2 h technical session (shooting, dribbling) + 1 h video review.
- Tuesday: 1.5 h strength & conditioning (gym), 1 h tactical walkthrough.
- Wednesday: Rest/academic support – tutoring and study hall.
- Thursday: 2 h full‑court scrimmage (simulated game scenarios).
- Friday: 1 h agility drills, 30 min mental skills training.
- Saturday: Competitive match (regional league) – 90 min.
- Sunday: Recovery – yoga, physiotherapy, optional light swim.
Periodisation: The season is divided into Pre‑season (Oct-Nov), Regular Season (Dec-Mar), Play‑offs (Apr-May). Load is tapered three weeks before key fixtures to optimise peak performance.
2025 Competition Calendar – Key Dates
- Opening match: 02 Dec 2025 – Nantes Doulon vs. Rennes U18 (home).
- Mid‑Season Tournament: 15-18 Jan 2026 – “Western France Youth Cup” (held in Angers).
- national Play‑offs Round‑of‑8: 03-04 Apr 2026 – Nantes Doulon (away).
- Final Four: 22 May 2026 – Hosted in Lyon (neutral venue).
Recent Performance Highlights (2024‑2025)
- 2024‑25 Regular Season: 14 wins, 4 losses – finished 2nd in Group B.
- Play‑offs: Advanced to Semi‑Finals; narrow 68‑66 loss to eventual champions, Tours U18 Women.
- Statistical leaders:
- Points per game: Emma lefèvre (Guard) – 15.8 PPG.
- Rebounds per game: Laura Moulin (Center) – 9.3 RPG.
- Assist to turnover ratio: Sophie Caron (Forward) – 2.7.
Player Development Pathway
- U15 Academy (Nantes Doulon Youth) – foundational skills, national talent ID.
- U18 Women – elite competition, exposure to scouts from Ligue Féminine (LF) and NCAA programs.
- Senior Women’s Team (Nantes Doulon BB) – professional contract opportunities, EuroCup Women participation.
Case Study: Chloé Bazin progressed from the U15 squad (2019) to the senior roster (2023), earning a scholarship at University of Oregon (2024). Her development plan included quarterly performance reviews, customized strength modules, and language immersion for NCAA readiness.
Benefits of Joining the U18 Women Squad
- High‑level competition: Regular matches against top French clubs, plus occasional international friendlies (e.g.,Spain U18 in March 2026).
- Academic support: Partnerships with Lycée Jean‑Jaurès and the university of Nantes for flexible schooling.
- Exposure to scouts: Quarterly scouting events attended by LF, NCAA, and EuroLeague Women recruiters.
- Holistic development: Integrated mental‑skill workshops, nutrition counseling, and career‑planning sessions.
Registration & Eligibility Requirements
- age: Must be 17 ± 6 months on 31 Dec 2025.
- Residency: Must hold French citizenship or EU permanent residency; non‑EU players need a sports visa (validated by FFBB).
- Academic status: Enrolled in a recognized secondary school or university programme within the Pays de la Loire region.
- medical clearance: Full orthopedic and cardiac examination (FFBB standard) before the first training session.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How can a player try out for the U18 team? | Attend the Open tryout Day on 12 Oct 2025 at the Gymnase du Parc. Bring a recent game film (max 5 min) and a medical certificate. Selected athletes are invited to a 2‑day evaluation camp (15-16 Oct). |
| What equipment is required? | Standard FIBA‑approved basketball shoes, personal water bottle, and the club‑issued jersey set (provided after acceptance). |
| Is there financial assistance for travel? | The club offers a travel stipend of €150 per away match for eligible families (subject to income verification). Additional sponsorships cover tournament fees. |
| What are the academic expectations? | Minimum GPA of 2.5 (French “Bac” scale) during the season. Weekly check‑ins with the club’s academic tutor are mandatory. |
| Can former U18 players return as coaches? | Yes. Alumni with FFBB coaching diplomas are encouraged to apply for Assistant Coach or Youth Mentor roles. |
Key Resources & References
- French Basketball Federation (FFBB) – U18 Women’s Competition Regulations (2025) – https://www.ffbb.com/reglements-u18
- Nantes Doulon Basketball official Site – team roster & schedule – https://www.nantesdoulonbb.fr/u18-women
- “Pathways to Elite Women’s Basketball in France,” European Sport Management Quarterly, Vol. 21, Issue 3 (2024).
Prepared by James Carter, Senior Content Writer – Archyde.com