Unforgettable Afternoon with OL Fondation

Unforgettable Afternoon with OL Fondation

On Wednesday afternoon, Olympique Lyonnais players surprised children to play football together, an initiative of the OL Fondation and Sport dans la Ville association.

As is the case every Wednesday, around thirty children gathered at the Décines ‘Golden Goal’ football pitch to participate in a session being ran by educators from the Sport dans la Ville association. However, this Wednesday was not like any other.

Olympique Lyonnais first team players Memphis Depay, Tanguy NDombele, Bertrand Traoré and Moussa Dembélé left their training centre to join the children for their session which was taking place a few steps from the stadium. The visit of the player in the middle of the kids session was a huge surprise and the children could not contain their joy to meet their idols. The players took part in the game alongside the children. An unforgettable moment, especially for young Kais, who scored a goal thanks to an assist from his favourite player, Memphis Depay, before giving him a hug to celebrate the victory.

To close this afternoon, each child had the chance to talk with the players, take pictures and sign autographs.

Bertrand Traoré, @Memphis, @T_Ndombele et @MDembele_10 sont venus jouer sur le terrain de @SDLV_Officiel de Décines, partenaire de l’@OLfondation 👍🏻💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/F9KszD72Kn

— Olympique Lyonnais (@OL) May 15, 2019

Some reactions of the participants :

‘Fantastic! With football, it’s easy, we share very good times. I’m very happy to see them, it’s important, I know how amazing it is for these players to meet us and it’s fun to see them copy my celebration!’ Memphis Depay said.

‘We spent a very good afternoon, it’s a lot of happiness for these children but also for us. I’m happy to live this moment with them.’ Bertrand Traore.

‘After the meeting between the Olympique Lyonnais women’s team and the children of the Prainet 2 school, it’s a real pleasure that the men’s team also visit the children to share a passion, pass the ball and laugh, around sport values !’ Laurence Fautra , Mayor of Décines.

‘It’s a lot of joy because it’s an exceptional event for children, as for us ! This is the first time in Décines and it was great !’ Clément Destombes, Integration Manager at Décines (Sport dans la Ville).

About Sport dans la Ville :

Founded in 1998, Sport dans la Ville is the main association for professional integration through sport in France. Through their various programs, the aim is to enable young people to gain self-confidence and thus to foster their social and professional integration into society. As a founding partner of Sport dans la Ville, the OL Fondation has supported the association since its creation and contribute to their development through numerous events organised throughout the year.