Raphaël Varane is not only active on the pitch.
It is also outside.
Currently on tour in Melbourne (Australia) with Manchester United, the French international defender has relaunched the eponymous internships on Martinique soil in recent days.
After more than two years of absence overseas due to the health crisis, 135 children were reunited in the town of Marin from July 13 to 15 for U 10-U 11 and from July 18 to 20 for U 12 and U 13.
“The return to Martinique is a highlight, recognizes Anthony Varane, brother of the world champion and president of the association.
It's a source of pride because we come from there, we draw our roots there too, it's important to show that we are involved and we have received some great testimonials.
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For this new edition, Raphaël Varane could not be present, but he was a full member of the program.
“It's a project really driven by him, confirms Anthony.
He is involved in the daily life, the follow-up, the decisions that are taken in the sports and educational program.
He follows the activities, we send him photos.
What he remembers in the first place is the smiles of the children.
We want to give them this pleasure and this notion of well-being”.
education through sport
Created in February 2019, the Varane courses, free to register and open to all, were not set up specifically for insiders.
“It's a way of giving back to amateur football everything it has given me,” explains the world champion.
The children, from 8 to 14 years old, come from all walks of life.
Some are club members.
Others don't.
A place is also allocated to women in a project that wants to promote diversity, all under the leadership of recognized professionals such as former FC Metz goalkeeper Michel Ettorre and former Lensois defender Hervé Arsène.
The late Daniel Leclercq, former player and coach of RC Lens, also transmitted his method as a supervising member, until his death, at the age of 70, in November 2019.
“There are two main axes that are dear to us: the first is the athlete, and for that we can rely on very competent educators, specifies Anthony Varane.
The second is everything that concerns the social and educational part.
Every day we discuss themes such as hydration, the importance of sleep, the dangerousness of screens, recycling or sustainable development.
A whole lot of things that can give them good reflexes”.
Education through sport, in short, always with a smile, and this desire to spend an unforgettable moment together.