ACADEMIE INTERNATIONALE DE FOOTBALL MICHEL HIDALGO

Dear football players and dear parents,

Welcome to the “Michel Hidalgo International Football Academy”

Our year-long programme is a complete package of professional football training, language study and immersion in France. It is designed to ensure that participating players have “the French language & culture football experience of a lifetime!”

We have set up the “Michel Hidalgo International Football Academy” after the pattern of the “centres de pré-formation” that have now been experimented for 25 years by the French Football Federation and have led to the fantastic results obtained by France in recent world competitions.

I have always believed that living, studying and training in a foreign country is an invaluable experience that a player will never forget and the benefits of such an experience will be embedded positively into that individual for the rest of his or her life. Our staff, keenly aware of the challenges that our Academy presents to our players, are fully committed to their overall education through our football development and language immersion programme. Playing football and studying in France as a teenager or young adult represent an enormous challenge for both the participants and the educators. From the participant it demands courage, effort and character to succeed. For our staff who is responsible for the player’s education and overall well-being, it demands professional guidance, supervision, mentorship and expertise in order to provide the professional service required.

Belonging to our International Football Academy is a unique chance to share the daily life of future professional football players, start ever-lasting relationships with other nationality players from all over the world, improve your football technics under the instruction of our selected football coaches, follow a normal school curriculum or intensive French classes, and finally live the French life style.

With this in mind, it is very important that participating students and their parents’ expectations for the programme match exactly that which we are capable and confident of offering. That is why we have prepared this Student/Parent Manual. Please read it very carefully as it will help you to better understand the France year-long football academy programme and to have a more realistic idea of the scope of the programme, its challenges and benefits.

We hope that you (or your child) will join our International Football Academy in France. And we want the experience to be an unforgettable moment in your life.

Yours sincerely, Michel HIDALGO

The International Football Academy has based its training on the technical and tactical views of Michel Hidalgo who has been the French coach of , , , in the first great period of French football. He won the European championships in 1984. Michel Hidalgo is the current president of Sport International Organisation, a non-profit association designed to host foreign players in France and train them to give them a chance to become professional players and realize their goals in life.

The “Michel HIDALGO International Football Academy” is the property of “Sport International Organisation”.

INTRODUCTION TO OUR YEAR-LONG PROGRAMME

What is the “Michel Hidalgo International Football Academy”?

Our philosophy is that exposure to foreign language and culture, and professional football training abroad will accelerate personal and athletic growth in young people. The academy provides a very unique experience: a complete package of football training and language lessons that have a lasting and positive influence on the participating young player. The academy is committed to delivering the highest level of language and football instruction, in secure, safe, and nurturing environments.

The goal of our programme is to provide our students with higher education in sports (football/athletics), higher education in French (becoming a successful life-long learner), and higher education in life (building character for excellence).

The year-long programme aims at allowing all participants: a) - Football: to acquire a technical, tactical, physical and mental ability to compete at national and international level b) - Education: to follow intensive French classes to acquire a good practice of French and guarantee professional perspectives for the future, or follow a normal school curriculum c) - Experience: to experiment the life in a French environment, in a football club, and therefore acquire a capacity of adaptation in any situation.

The programme is designed for serious young football players, both boys and girls from 14 years old and over, who desire to develop their football abilities over an extended period of time (nine months) under the guidance of our professional technical coaching staff in Cannes. It coincides with the regular academic school year, beginning in early September (or end of August) and finishing in May of the following year.

Our year-long football programme is an excellent way for young players to distinguish themselves as football players. There are very few players around the world who have spent an entire year abroad in Europe or in France in a technical football training and French language immersion environment.

It is a full-time programme starting on 2 September 2018 and finishing on 26 May 2019. In some cases we propose an earlier arrival, as early as 15 August, in order to start the preparation with one of the local teams in order to be competitive during the friendly matches before the championship starts. All school lectures, coaching sessions, and social activities are conducted in French, though the communicative language may still be both English and French. The football training sessions are conducted in the evening (3 trainings per week minimum). Registering players must be competitive players that are committed to improving their technical football skills, general knowledge of the game and overall experience as players.

The challenge for our students is to strive to be the best that they can be : • By conquering a higher level of ability as football players and athletes (Intra-personal confidence) • By immersing in and developing a new language ego - French (expanding intra-social confidence and communication skills) • By believing in their capability to be where they want to be through commitment and hard work (character formation)

As expert educators we believe and value education as the key to successful personal development. It is important to realize that all participants in this programme must agree to: 1. Study hard, 2. Train hard, 3. Give your best at all times

Our year-long programme has been specifically designed for students who are highly committed to excellence.

PART 1 – THE FOOTBALL PROGRAMME

I OUR PRINCIPLES AND VALUES Football in the 21st century is more competitive than ever. Individuals from all over the world are stronger, and better trained than they were in the past. To continue to meet these competitive demands requires an integrated approach with attention to four areas of performance: technical, tactical, physical, and mental. These four areas serve as the foundation for personal achievement. Neglecting any of these denies the player the opportunity for maximum development.

The goal of our Academy programme is to work with the players on every aspect of their learning and training to ensure they develop the physical, technical, tactical and mental foundation required for better performance. This is accomplished through coaching and training in advanced strength and conditioning techniques, uniquely integrated with mental, nutritional and sports medical principles. Programming is provided in either an individual or small group format. The coach/teacher to athlete ratio is kept purposely low to assure optimal instruction. Instruction includes the following areas of competence:

1. Strength and Conditioning Plus 2. Technical Precision Phase 3. Tactical Development 4. Sport Psychology Coaching

The instigator of the “International Football Academy” is Michel Hidalgo. The objectives that he has defined with the coaches and instructors are to optimise the essential aptitudes of the player for high level practice in all aspects: athletic (from teenage capacities to junior abilities), high level (from fundamentals to specialization), tactical control of play (from individual skills to team game), competing (from mental resources to the culture of competition), etc

II THE FOOTBALL ORGANISATION TRAINING SESSIONS Our main achievement is to manage to have our participants as integrated members of the local community by means of sharing the same sport goals and language. This will facilitate the participant’s socialization process. This is why all our “academicians” are registered in a French club. The U15, U17, U19 and U20 and “senior” players are registered at A.S. Cannes, USCBO Cannes, Le Cannet-Rocheville, or US Mandelieu, 4 well-known clubs in France.

As a member of the club, each player trains 2 to 3 times per week, 2 hours-trainings usually between 5pm and 9pm from Mondays to Fridays. There is no special instruction given to our academicians, they are all treated on the same bases and receive the same instructions as all the other players of the club who are also dedicated to becoming professional players.

ADDITIONAL TRAINING As members of the Academy, all participants receive special treatment, advice and follow-up. Once a week, our trainer organises a physical training aiming at developing strength and resistance. Once a week, our academicians also participate in a personalized training session including personal and collective techniques, evaluations and tests. Our trainers and coaches are all involved in the moral and mental follow- up of our academicians. Each session is limited to 6 participants at the most.

GYM AND FITNESS All our players receive a membership card at the FITLANE gym. It gives them free access during all the programme, 7 days a week. Our coach will give each participant personalized advice and is entitled to check that the programme is followed through. Heavy weight is not advised for any athletes under 17 or 18. The participants will have to respect our coach instructions.

OFFICIAL MATCHES Matches are usually played on Saturdays for U15 and U17 and on Sundays for U19 and over. This gives the player the opportunity to participate in the French championship (league) at district, regional or national level. It is up to the team coach to decide whether the player is selected to play. For away matches, our players are transported with their team (buses, minibuses, cars…)

Exception : For 17 years old and under, with passport outside the European Community, the Article 19 from FIFA reserves the right for the French Football Federation to deliver or not a “Match License”. There is no restriction for players over the age of 18. For the students who will not obtain a football license, the programme will be exactly the same except that official matches will not be part of the programme.

FRIENDLY MATCHES AND TOURNAMENTS All players involved in our programme are invited to participate in friendly matches and tournaments either organised by the club or by the academy coaches. Some periods (pre-season, holiday breaks …) have a busy schedule with friendly matches. The Academy coordinator may also propose some special afternoons with beach soccer oppositions on Cannes beaches or evening entertaining programmes with Futsal tournaments in one of Cannes sports halls.

LEAGUE 1 MATCHES The French Riviera is known for sheltering 3 League1 major clubs : OGC Nice (30 km), AS Monaco (60 km) and OM (150 km). Our Academy manager will invite our players to attend first league matches at Nice, Monaco or Marseille stadiums.

III - FOOTBALL INSTRUCTIONS AND ENVIRONMENT OUR FOOTBALL STAFF Of course our coaches are fully qualified as youth coaches and have followed the normal training set up by the FFF. They are entitled of a BE (Brevet d’Etat) 1st and 2nd level. All of them were former professional players in France. They may not be bilingual and football teaching will be in French. The participants will also receive the intervention of specialized trainers, coaches, professional active or former players, for some specific workshops: goalkeeper, defense, attack, etc…

REGENERATION TIME AND INJURIES Resting and regeneration time are key to success for our football programme. Athletes need to be healthy and rested to perform their best in and outside the pitch. Our staff will promote this type of life style for each of our participants. If a participant feels ill or is overtired, he should report it to our local team coach immediately. Do not try to train or play when you are sick or injured. It is much better to rest 1 or 2 days than being out for 2 to 3 weeks because of an unreported injury or sickness.

MEDICAL FOLLOW-UP The players are followed-up by the football club. In case of a serious injury during the year, the player will not be excluded from the academy. He will continue on to the end of the year with his school lectures. A different decision can be considered according to the parents’ request. Whether for medical reasons or any other type, the parents’ decision to interrupt the regular programme and repatriate their child to his country of origin will have to be made in writing to the academy. This decision will have to be taken in common agreement with the participant himself. All fees of residence for the remaining period and for transportation will be covered by the family. Furthermore, the parents will be requested to sign a parental discharge to start any medical treatment or surgery after an accident and in case of surgery emergency. Parents should have current valid passports in case emergencies might occur and they need to travel immediately.

IV PERSPECTIVES People in charge of professional clubs will regularly visit the players and attend some training sessions. The players may also be supervised during friendlies or official matches that they will play with local clubs. For the most talented players, we may offer the opportunity to trial with a professional club (but professional trials cannot be guaranteed). Regular conversations between Michel HIDALGO and the technical staff take place so as to always guide our student-players in the best possible manner.

PROFESSIONAL TRIALS Players are scouted principally on observation during specific oriented course activities: open training sessions, matches or tournaments. For players who have a high ability of play, pre-engagements trials may be set with a professional club. The programme, through its partner “Sport International Organisation”, will follow-up and make arrangements on behalf of the player to find the best possible protocol with the club in view of starting a professional career.

“Sport International Organization” have the exclusive rights of image of the players (photos, video, advertising campaign, etc) as long as the player is in France and playing in France.

PART 2– ACCOMMODATION & STUDIES THE INTERNATIONAL CAMPUS OF CANNES

PLACE : CANNES, French Riviera, 30 km from Nice international airport

LOCATION The International Campus of Cannes located along the beach, only 500m from Cannes city centre. This Campus is one of the most reputable learning centres in France.

ACCOMMODATION & MEALS  110 rooms available, choice between single, double or triple rooms.  Shower and toilets on each floor, every room is equipped with a washbasin and all necessary furniture (desk, chairs, cupboard…)  Bed linen (sheets, blankets) are provided by the College; the sheets are changed every 7 days  Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner).  Special rules only for students under 18 years of age  Students must bring their own bath towels and personal toiletries.  The rooms are cleaned on a daily basis by the cleaning team of the College.  The meals are served in the « salle à manger » (restaurant) of the College.

FACILITIES ON SITE 22 classrooms equipped with audio/visual material, 220 seat dining hall, meeting rooms, fitness and recreation room, interior courtyard with shaded terrace, cyber room (email and internet access), theatre (cinema and conference hall – 140 seats), TV-room (satellite TV) / DVD / video, library, volleyball/basketball court, cafeteria, on site-nurse, leisure time office, washing machines, dryers, ironing room, protected parking, public telephone, administrative services provided: reception desk, general secretary, accountancy office, academic affairs, maintenance, housekeeping, foodservice, etc

COURSES AN EFFICIENT AND LIVELY LEARNING EXPERIENCE All year long, the Campus International de Cannes provides a whole set of French language courses ranging from the Elementary levels to Proficiency. The teaching team of the Campus International is made up of 20 professors holding university teaching degrees. They are trained in the latest teaching techniques and share many years experience teaching French as a foreign language. The teachers have a very lively and efficient teaching approach using original methods and documents. The programme is thoroughly established to guarantee continuity from one level to the next. Daily French classes from 9 am to 12 am The first session starts on Monday 3 September and ends on 25 October 2018. The second session starts on Monday 8 January and ends on 2nd of March 2019.

EVALUATIONS During the school year, at the end of each session, the student will be evaluated. The parents will be informed on the progress of their kid. The students will receive grades and homologated diploma at the end of the programme.

More information  Upon arrival on campus, students receive a "Welcoming Folder" containing the following information :  the first meetings  the meal times  a city map of Cannes  the security rules and practical advices  the leisure time programme of the session

 Students will be subsequently asked to agree in signature to the internal rules of Le Campus as well as to pay a 50 € deposit for their room key which will be refunded upon departure when the key is handed back.  After the regular reception hours, indicated at the « certificate of admission », the arriving students will be welcomed by the night receptionist at any time.

What to bring  2 passport pictures (if not sent before)  50 € deposit fee for the room key  towels and personal toiletries

Class books It is not necessary to buy any books. The books used in class, according to the language level, can be borrowed for a deposit of 20 € which will be reimbursed when the book is handed back. For your own use it is recommended to bring your dictionary and a book with the conjugations of the French verbs (a good one is called “Le Bescherelle”). Changes Students must complete each session according to the conditions under which it began, whether for courses (intensive courses, options) or for housing (on campus in single or double rooms). For any change for the following sessions the Campus administration requires a notification at least 30 days before the beginning of the session. Insurance Students are advised to take out an individual insurance policy for the duration of their stay. The Campus insurance policy covers only against accidents occurring during activities organized by the Campus, but not for injuries incurred in activities it has not sponsored. The insurance should also cover the student in case of injury occurring during a football training or match. Security The Campus is the secured place on earth, with a 24-hours surveillant at entrance, checking ins and outs of the students. Cash, plane tickets, traveller's cheques, etc. can be deposited in the Campus safe. The Campus cannot be held responsible for theft from rooms. In Cannes, students are advised to be cautious, as in any big international city. Young women are also advised not to walk alone in the streets at night. College rules Students must respect the internal rules. If they are not respected the offending student can be dismissed from the Campus without any refund. Students under 18 years of age must return to the Campus by 11:30pm from Sunday to Thursday night and at 1:00 am at the latest on Friday and Saturday night. Their parents must also sign an authorization allowing them to participate in the Campus extra-curricular activities and, in case of accident, authorizing medical treatment, hospitalization or any surgical emergency.

Medical Care The on-site nurse administers routine medical treatment for accidents or minor illness. When a prescription is needed, at the student's request, the nurse calls a doctor who works regularly with the Campus. The doctor's visit is at the student's expenses.

Internet Access A cyber café is available on campus called « le Cyberdrom ».

Residence Students not belonging to the EU have to apply for a residence permit if they enrol for more than three months. permit In this case they have to apply to their local French embassy or consulate for a student visa prior to departure. A visa is granted on presentation of the Campus “certificate of admission”. Upon arrival the Campus administration will help them to prepare their file for the authorities to get a “carte de séjour”.

For more information on the “carte de séjour”, you can check the site of the préfecture des Alpes-Maritimes. - by regular mail : 1 Rue du Dr Pascal - 06400 CANNES - France (please mention the student’s name) - by telephone: +33 493 473 929 (outside class-time) - by fax : +33 493 905 579

Departure day The students must vacate their rooms by 9:00am, but can leave their luggage at the reception desk.

What to pack A golden rule: "travel light" Your journey will be more pleasant if you do not bring too much luggage. Prior to departure, select your clothes very carefully. See our travel checklist !

Throughout the year, bring basic clothes such as jeans, T-shirts and, according to the season :  Winter: pullovers, sweatshirts, light pullovers, but also a rain coat. The outside temperature may be warm, but you must protect yourself against humidity as in any other seaside town.  Spring: sweatshirts, light pullovers. In May do not forget your evening clothes for the film festival.  Summer: the temperature can reach 35° C (95° F), so bring shorts and lots of bath towels.  Autumn: weather is like summer until mid-October, and then it gets much colder. Plan your clothes for both types of weather

PART 3 - INTERNAL ORGANISATION

LODGING AND EATING Our year-long programme uses the International Campus of Cannes to house the participants. This provides a safe and secure environment with all of the comforts and conveniences that are required by international students. They follow the same rules and have the same advantages as the young who also live in the International Campus.

ROOM ASSIGNMENTS Primarily double rooms are offered. Students will be assigned to rooms based on gender, age, interests, etc... We do accept rooming requests, but cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate them. Girls and boys will be accommodated separately. At no time are they allowed to enter a room of the opposite sex. Violation of this rule will result in an immediate expulsion from the boarding school programme.

FOOD Three (3) meals are served daily. Students will eat a typical French cuisine or international food. Meals are served on a self-service basis offering a lot of choices. 1. Breakfast self-service: Selection of cereals, milks, toast, cheese, yoghourts, fruits, juices, bread and butter, tea or coffee. 2. Lunch: Starters presented on a buffet, made of salads and charcuteries. A hot dish made of meat/fish with hot vegetables (pasta, rice, potatoes, gratins …), and a dessert (fruit, yogurt, cake, crème, mousse…). 3. Dinner: 3 Courses: (similar to lunch), adding also hot soup

TRANSPORT On arrival, the student will be greeted at Nice International Airport and be transferred to Cannes by our local coordinator. All transfers to Cannes airport or train station that are made necessary for the participants to go home for the holidays are conducted by our staff.

DURATION OF THE PROGRAMME The programme starts on 2 September 2018 and ends on 26 May 2019. The participants are free for the Christmas holidays (from 22 December 2018 to 6 January 2019).

A TYPICAL DAY

Monday – Friday 8 am – 8.30 am Breakfast 9 - 12 am French classes and study time 12 pm Lunch 1 pm to 3 pm Rest 3 pm – 5pm Homework or gym 5 pm - 7 pm or 6 pm – 8 pm Football practice Between 7 pm and 10 pm Dinner 8 pm – 10 pm Free social time inside the Campus

Saturday and Sunday On these 2 days, the Campus serves a brunch between 8 and 12 am. Dinners are at the same schedules. Most weekends, our students play a game with their football club. If not, our academy staff may replace the game by an additional training session. The Campus usually proposes leisure activities or excursions on Saturdays and Sundays.

STUDENTS RESPONSIBILITIES Students are responsible for the maintenance of their own room and ensuring that their valuables are secure at all time. Use of tobacco, alcohol, drugs (except authorized medication) are forbidden.

PART 4 – LIVING IN FRANCE

French is one of the most important languages for global communication. Close to two hundred million people around the world speak French, and it is one of the official languages in almost fifty countries. French is also one of the most used tongues at major international organizations; its political and diplomatic influence continues to grow. In terms of trade, French provides access to an increasingly expanding market, as well as to some of the most promising emerging economies. Additionally, French is the gateway to a great culture. It is rich and diverse, universal in all its expressions. France, currently a member of the European Union, was the cradle of the French language. It is a merging place of great civilizations—Greek, Roman, Arab, etc., whose contributions have shaped the language before spreading to the rest of the world and thus becoming international. The international Campus where the participants are staying is in central Cannes. Large city of 70 000 inhabitants, Cannes is one of the most pleasant city in France to live in, for its warm climate, for the beauty of its scenery, for its luxurious and elegant life with its 4 casinos and its so famous Film Festival.

GENERAL INFORMATION - France Capital: Paris Regions: France is divided into 16 regions Religion: 60% Catholic Government: A president and a parliament elected by the French people Electricity: 220V, 50 Hz. Weights and measurements: Metric system. Telephone dialing: From France: country code 33 + city code + phone number.

CLIMATE France is very famous for the amount of sunny days it has throughout the year. Its climatological year is divided into four well-differentiated seasons; although, depending on the region, seasonal changes may be abrupt or virtually unnoticeable. Summer: Sun is present all over France. For the most part, the light clothing is the most usual: T-shirts, thin dresses, skirts, and so on. However, at night in mountain or northern regions it is advisable to have a thicker garment at hand. Temperatures range between 25 and 35º C (77 and 95º F).

Autumn: The weather is more irregular in the fall. Yet, we may encounter cooler, cloudy days. Generally, during this season people wear jackets, raincoats on wet days, and sometimes sweaters, though it is also a good idea to have a T-shirt for warmer sunny days. Temperatures range between 15 and 20º C (59 and 66º F). Climatic extremes are more noticeable in the mountains and hinterland, while the seaside tends to be more windy.

Winter: This is when the cold weather sets in. Although France is far away from extremely cold regions, its winters are cold and it even snows in some parts of the country: the mountains—a delightful destination for winter sports lovers. Thick warm sweaters and coats are required. Temperatures range between 2 y 15º C (35 y 59º F). Spring: This is the season with the most changeable weather. It sometimes rains and it may be cold when it is overcast. Yet, when the sun shines temperatures are quite pleasant. You will need both winter and summer clothes. Temperatures range between 10 y 21º C

CURRENCY/EXCHANGE France is part of the Euro Zone. All member countries share the same currency, which makes movement among member states easier. Traveler’s checks can generally be cashed at any bank, though one might have to go to a specific office or branch. A credit card is much more convenient as a means of payment.

Most businesses accept credit cards such as Visa, American Express, MasterCard and Diners Club. Major cities have private cash exchange facilities, some of which also take traveler’s checks. As an example, coffee at a café costs between 1 and 3 euros. A fast-food menu (burger, etc..) is 7 euros, whereas a fixed menu in a « normal » restaurant (3 courses + a drink) between 15 and 30 euros.

HOURS By and large, business hours for most shops in the country start at 9 am and last till 8 pm, Monday through to Saturday. Department stores have continuous hours and boutiques and department stores usually open for business during the Christmas holidays. Restaurants are open from 12 pm to 2.30 pm for lunch and from 8 pm to 10 pm for dinner. One may find that some small cafeterias, bars, and cafés serve certain dishes at any time of the day. Bank offices are open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Some banks also open Saturdays from 9 to 12. Most public services such as city councils and health centres are open from 9 to 5, Monday to Friday.

PART 5 – GENERAL CODE OF CONDUCT

Our Code of Conduct is based on principles that promote teaching and learning as well as the highest standards of personal behaviour. These principles include respect, honesty, integrity, responsibility and accountability in a safe school and sport community.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: We are committed to demonstrating care and commitment to academic excellence and a safe teaching and learning environment; holding everyone under his authority accountable for their actions. We expect the same behaviour from our students. Our staff communicate regularly and meaningfully with parents; require consistent standards of behaviour from all students; demonstrate respect for all students, employees and parents; and/or prepare students for the full responsibilities of citizenship. Respect and responsibility are demonstrated when a student: comes to school prepared, on time and ready to learn; shows respect for himself/herself, others and persons in authority; refrains from bringing anything to school that may compromise the safety of others; and/or follows the established rules.

DISCRIMINATION : Section 1 of the Human Rights Code provides that every person has a right to equal treatment with respect to services, goods and facilities, without discrimination because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, same-sex partnership status or family status.

RULES AT CAMPUS : Parties are not allowed in student dorms. It is forbidden to smoke, use flammable objects, and/or cook in the rooms. After 10 p.m. silence in student dorms. Students who are living on campus are not allowed to lodge people from outside the school without the authorization of the secretary. Each student is responsible for furniture and, in the event of damage; students at fault will be required to pay for the damage. College property must never and for any reason be taken off campus (sheets, blankets, etc....). The Campus declines all responsibility for loss or theft of valuables, students are recommended to leave valuable objects, money, etc in the safety box.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL PROTOCOL : Our students will not use, possess, procure or provide drugs or alcohol or facilitate in any way the use, possession, procurement or provision of drugs or alcohol. It is strictly forbidden to store alcoholic beverages in the rooms. Use of alcohol and/or illegal drugs will result in immediate dismissal from the programme without refund.

EXPULSION OF A STUDENT The Academy and the Campus reserve the right to expel a student where the continued attendance of that student would not be in the best interests of that student or the school. After a 1st warning letter, and disciplinary action, the Academy and the school reserve the right to suspend or expel the student if his or her behaviour seriously jeopardizes the ability of the school to guarantee the respect and safety of the programme.

PICTURES : THE FOOTBALL ACADEMY