Season
30 May 2026
A meeting between several players from the professional squad and the young Lyonnes from the Academy was organized, creating meaningful and educational exchanges.
An event focused on mentorship and high standards took place at the OL Academy, with one clear objective: strengthening the connection between the Academy and the professional team. Over the course of an afternoon, the coach and several first-team players met with the Academy’s U16 and U17 squads during a special session dedicated to sharing experiences and supporting the talents of tomorrow.
Jonatan Giráldez, Ashley Lawrence, Selma Bacha, Inès Benyahia, Vicki Becho, Damaris Egurrola, Ada Hegerberg and Wendie Renard were all present to share their experience of competing at the highest level. It was a powerful initiative that reflects the club’s desire to build concrete bridges between youth development and the professional team, while supporting young Lyonnes both in their sporting progress and personal growth.
Throughout the discussions, several key messages emerged. Ashley Lawrence reminded the players of the true essence of football: « We have the best job in the world. The most important thing is to enjoy it as much as possible, even when things sometimes get difficult. »
Ada Hegerberg, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of staying focused despite challenges: « There are highs and lows. There is so much information around us that it’s important to ask yourself where you want to go and to believe in yourself. »
Captain Wendie Renard highlighted the importance of the mental aspect in the performance: « It’s important to watch football on television, but the psychological side is essential as well. You need to know how to analyze your own matches, observe what others are doing to improve, without being afraid of making mistakes. »
Career situations, handling difficult moments, the demands of elite sport, and relationships with performance were among the many topics discussed during the meeting, giving the Academy’s young players valuable guidance. These meaningful conversations are set to inspire their journeys and help them navigate the steps they will one day face themselves.
Attentive and eager to learn, the Academy players fully embraced the value of these testimonies. It was a meaningful initiative rooted in a long-term vision and one that will undoubtedly help shape future development pathways and ambitions.
