- 16:00
Athletico has set up shop in Dik al-Mehdi, in collaboration with E-Club and under the auspices of Collège Mariste Champville. The partnership was made official during a press conference held in the building adjacent to the E-Club grounds on the Champville campus, attended by a large group of people: Édouard Jabre (regional coordinator of Marist Brothers schools in the Middle East), Director Pascale Jalkh, Robert Paoli (chairman of the Athletico board of directors), René Matta (club president), Elie Salameh (E-Club president), Michel Salameh (secretary-general), current and former school officials, technicians, journalists and German coach Theo Bücker.
After the national anthem, Khaled Mojaes, the head of sports at Champville, set the scene: an Athletico–E-Club alliance sealed under the umbrella of the Marist College, with a focus on training and structuring grassroots soccer. Pascale Jalkh then highlighted the social benefits of sport and the opening of the new international-standard pitch to players from all regions. The key message was to work together for the benefit of young people, combining sport and culture.
Pitch, Opening and Mission
Elie Salameh praised the trust placed in E-Club and put the project in context – completed despite the economic climate. “This is not a commercial venture, but a sporting mission to support the next generation,” he insisted, thanking Champville and Athletico, and emphasizing that the school had endorsed the collaboration. Robert Paoli added his thanks to the partners and recalled Athletico’s strong roots, with a partnership with Olympique Lyonnais that has lasted 14 years – a benchmark alliance – as it approaches a symbolic milestone: the club’s 20th anniversary in 2026.
Sports Roadmap
On the sports side, Michel Salameh confirmed a “long-term” cooperation, a field open for practice and facilities that meet standards, and recalled the multisports DNA of E-Club, particularly on the Zouk Mikael side. René Matta outlined the technical compass: to train players capable of making the leap abroad, with competent staff and a clear methodology. Édouard Jabre gave the closing remarks, in the form of an operational blessing: wishes for success for a synergy that will benefit students, educators and clubs.
The agreement was signed at the center of the pitch by René Matta and Michel Salameh, to applause. Then it was time for a tour of the green rectangle: the guests discovered the specifications and advantages of the infrastructure, detailed by Elie and Michel Salameh, as well as Khaled Mojaes – impeccable surface, well-oiled logistics, calibrated equipment. The evening ended with a cocktail reception and a celebratory cake, a nod to a page turning… and a new chapter beginning.
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