For over 25 years, the club has welcomed beginners, experienced players, and competitors. Rémi Gouyon, the association's president for two years, explains that the club attracts three types of profiles: those who play in cafes and want to improve, those who play on tables at work and want to enhance their technique to beat colleagues, and those who come to discover the sport.
Members have unlimited access to the training room located inside the Jules Ferry gymnasium on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 7 PM to 10 PM. The room features about ten tables, five of which are approved according to their country of origin: French, German, American, Italian, and Austrian.
About ten club members practice the discipline competitively every weekend. The association even counts among its ranks Eric Benjamin, a double World Champion. He emphasizes that baby-foot is "50% mental, and 50% technique," a view shared by club president Rémi Gouyon, who compares the necessary analysis and observation to that of chess.
In competition, rules are strict, governed by the French and international federations. Talking during games is forbidden to avoid distracting the opponent, and the 'roulette' shot is prohibited. Like in football, all players on the table can score, and 80% of matches are self-arbitrated, with players responsible for what happens.
On the last Fridays of each month, the club organizes a popular internal doubles tournament, valued for its inclusivity: "Teams change every match, which helps to unite everyone and ensure that everyone plays with everyone else, regardless of their level," explains the President.
France has 92 baby-foot clubs, and Franconville's is the only one in the department. Currently in League 3, the objective for this year is to move up to League 2.
More information: babyfootfranconville@gmail.com / 06 33 18 29 88. Trial sessions are possible throughout the year.
