The finals of the French fist ball championship are held this Monday, August 15 at the Parc de la Hotoie in Amiens. Before this great celebration, the qualifying phases began to attract spectators and lovers of this traditional Picardy sport.
Always a family and popular meeting
In the audience at La Hotoie this Sunday, there are, unsurprisingly, many families. Valéry came with his children Mila and Yanis, 11, on a very special mission: “I’m playing tomorrow with Terrasmenil, so I came to scout. In the 2nd category, there are a lot of outsiders, it’s very open this year.“His children are delighted to be by his side:”we follow him in all the matches, in all the contests, in all the ball championships!” They’re not playing yet, but it’s only a matter of timeadvances Mila: “because it’s family. I would like to not lose this tradition.”
– Celine Austin
On the edge of the field, we also come across neophytes who completely discover the game. Yet Lamia and Malika have always lived in Amiens and its surroundings: “It’s super impressive, without you having to be a great athlete. There is also a great team spirit which is nice to see. I had seen matches in Villers-Bretonneux, without daring to go take a closer look. In the end, I would like to test it!”. The federation with the ball in hand does not count no women’s team per se, but there are a few players among the 600 membersreplies Michel Letesse, the president.
– Celine Austin
On the program this August 15
The meetings on August 15 begin at 8 a.m. and end around 9:15 p.m. 32 teams will follow each other all day. The qualified teams for this big day are:
Minimal : Beauquesne, Terramesnil B, Terramesnil L, Beauval.
Cadets : Forceville, Terramesnil, Talmas, Beauval.
Junior : Forceville, Terramesnil L, Terramesnil R, Beauval.
2nd Category : Englebelmer, Terramesnil W, Terramesnil B and the winner of the triplet between Warloy-Baillon D, Franvillers, Ribemont-sur-Ancre.
1st Category B : Beauval H, Mailly-Maillet L, Ribemont-sur-Ancre and the winner of the triplet between Bertrancourt, St Aubin-Montenoy, Albert.
1st Category A : Albert, Terramesnil, Bouzincourt, Senlis-le-Sec.
Category Excellence B : Villers Bretonneux D, Terramesnil, Villers-Bretonneux L, Englebelmer.
Category Excellence A : Forceville, Beauval, Beauquesne, Senlis-le-Sec.
In addition, entertainment, rides and other traditional Picardy games are planned alongside the meetings.