After John McEnroe in the USA, Justin Henin in Belgium and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in France, the name “Aliassime” is now linked to a national training program for future tennis champions.
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The “Team BNP Paribas Young Talents Aliassime” was officially launched last weekend at the tournament in Indian Wells, where Félix Auger-Aliassime is in action. Like everywhere else in the world, the French bank BNP Paribas’ program will provide financial support to young tennis players so that they can reach their full potential.
The Canadian program features 12 boys and girls, ages 11-14, who are among the brightest students currently enrolled at Aliassime Academy at Club Avantage in Quebec.
This partnership makes Sam Aliassime, Félix’s father, proud. The manager mentioned it last year when his son had just won his first title in Rotterdam. “It’s a long overdue moment,” he said Monday from Indian Wells.
“This project will allow young people to continue working with their coaches thanks to the Bank’s support,” explained Mr. Aliassime.
A first tour in Africa
But that’s just one of many parts of the partnership, the tennis man added. “It also gives young people the opportunity to travel around the world to compete in tournaments, which is not easy for children from less fortunate backgrounds. »
And there will also be “an educational component,” said Sam Aliassime, who thanks the bank for their commitment. “We don’t just want to teach them the forehand, the backhand or how to travel. We’ll give them doping lessons, good manners, a few language lessons, he listed. It’s really a very big thing. »
“Because, as I often say, the chance of developing a tennis champion is one in 3,000,” continued Mr. Aliassime. Therefore, we want to address several aspects, including education. We also want to give them the chance to reach their full potential. We want young people whose values include work and commitment. »
In order to participate in the project, participants must join the Aliassime Academy. But the owner’s door is open to any Canadian who wants to join at some point.
Three of the first young people who will take part in this initiative have already been selected. They will also travel to Abidjan, Ivory Coast, in April where they will attend a week-long tennis camp before playing two ITF junior tournaments.
Inspired by Indian Wells
Some young contestants also made their way to Indian Wells with Sam Aliassime, where they got to play tennis with former World No. 1 McEnroe in the final few days.
This trip is also important in the eyes of Felix’ father. Five years ago he made the trip to California in the company of Gabriel Diallo, who was then his protégé and turned pro late last year after playing on the American University circuit.
“That brings back memories! started Mr. Aliassime. I wanted Gabriel to be able to watch the professionals at work. And hopefully these young people, who in turn have the opportunity to see the pros, will encourage them to be in the same place as Gabriel in five years or even more. »