Sport and academic excellence

Joining the Academy at the age of 13 in a foreign country who’s language I did not speak was always going to be a challenge. However, the club’s coaches and staff made it significantly easier as they helped set everything up for me with my school, as well as getting me the tutors I needed outside of school. They created an atmosphere within the academy of hard work while maintaining a fun and cohesive group within the centre.

Training is always tough as hard work is a core principle instilled in us throughout our time in the Academy. While it was hard, the results that I achieve year on year were always rewarding. The coaches push us to be the best we can in both our academics and in our table tennis, but also provide the necessary supports when needed and are always there to listen to us and to guide us.

After middle school I decided to apply for the Academy in order to improve my table tennis skills and to keep up with my studies.

At the beginning, I had doubts about my application because my academic and sporting levels were not exceptional but my motivation was my strong point.

The three years I spent in the club allowed me to gain in maturity, seriousness and assiduity... All this thanks to a team of coaches who are attentive and professional.

Finally, as a group, we are united and share the same passion. I have met new people and created links.

I decided to come to the centre to improve my table tennis. When I arrived, the trainees helped me to integrate so it was easy to find a place in an already tight-knit group. After 2 years at the Academy, I have progressed a lot in table tennis and my results at school have been just as good.

Indeed, we have compulsory supervised study hours to help us work well after school. This way you can progress in table tennis and not have any problems at school. My parents were reassured to learn that the Academy's priority is academic success before sporting results. Finally, the coaches are very supportive and give good advice on how to progress the most.

I decided to come to the Academy to have a more complete supervision and to be able to train in the best possible conditions. I arrived in Hennebont in September 2022. The 6h30 of training per day before the start of the school year allowed me to be in better physical condition and after a little more than a week here, I notice that I have progressed in all areas.

My initial goal was to be more rigorous, but I am convinced that I can succeed thanks to the living conditions we have. The coaches are all very attentive and give us a lot of advice and put us in groups to train with people of our level. My objectives are to reach the best possible level and to go up to the national level in the federal criterium.