AJ Auxerre has introduced an ultra‑structured schedule where young prospects stay home and avoid fast‑food, aiming to combine baccalaureate success with a football breakthrough. The system, rolled out at the start of the school year, mandates study blocks, targeted training sessions, and controlled meals.
How was the schedule designed?
The academy worked with local high‑school teachers to fit maths, physics‑chemistry and language lessons around training slots. Each day starts at 8:30 am with a class, followed by a 90‑minute technical session, then a fast‑food‑free lunch. Evenings are reserved for revision, all overseen by sporting director Jean‑Michel Larqué.
What impact does it have on the bac and football?
Early signs are positive: out of 24 student‑players, 20 earned a “Good” mention in the June 2026 bac. On the pitch, the same group helped secure a 2‑0 win over Lille on 17 May 2026, lifting AJ Auxerre to 15th in Ligue 1 with 34 points (8 wins, 10 draws, 16 losses). The club has scored 34 goals and conceded 44, a –10 goal difference, and sits 42 points behind leaders Paris Saint‑Germain.
What challenges remain?
Injuries are the biggest hurdle. Marvin Senaya, left‑back, is currently sidelined, forcing the coaching staff to rotate youngsters into the starting eleven. Academic pressure also weighs on the most promising players during intense revision periods. The team therefore offers psychological coaching to keep morale high.
What’s the vision for the future?
The medium‑term goal is to turn this model into a national benchmark, proving that academic excellence can coexist with sporting performance. If the youngsters keep improving, AJ Auxerre could soon see its academy graduates fill the first‑team roster, strengthening the fight against relegation while showcasing an enviable academic record.
In short, AJ Auxerre’s new schedule—no outings, no fast‑food—aims to forge a generation of educated footballers ready to shine both on the field and in the classroom.
Auxerre Hub