About USEP LA JONCHÈRE

USEP LA JONCHÈRE, founded on November 22, 2012, is a non-profit association operating under French law (Association loi 1901), based at École Primaire, 15 Rue de la Jonchère, 74600 Annecy, France. As a proud member of the national Union Sportive de l’Enseignement du Premier degré (USEP) network, our association is dedicated to promoting sports, physical activity, and healthy lifestyles among primary school children. Our work is rooted in the belief that physical education is a fundamental part of children’s development, offering benefits that extend far beyond fitness, encompassing social skills, confidence, teamwork, and lifelong well-being.

Our Origins and Purpose

USEP LA JONCHÈRE was established to respond to a growing need for structured, engaging, and educational sports programs in the local primary schools. Our founders recognized that while formal physical education was already part of school curricula, there was room to create additional opportunities that emphasized participation, inclusivity, and enjoyment. By focusing on these areas, the association provides children with a platform to explore their abilities, discover new interests, and develop habits that contribute to a healthy and active lifestyle.

Our purpose is to bridge the gap between physical education in schools and extracurricular activity opportunities, offering children a safe, structured, and supportive environment where they can grow both physically and socially. This focus aligns with the broader objectives of USEP, which has a century-long history of fostering school-based physical activity and promoting values such as fair play, cooperation, and respect.

Core Values

At the heart of USEP LA JONCHÈRE are core values that guide our programs and interactions with children, families, and the community. These values include:

Inclusion: We believe that every child, regardless of skill level, background, or ability, should have the opportunity to participate in our activities. Our programs are designed to be adaptable, ensuring all children can engage meaningfully.
Respect: Respect for oneself, peers, instructors, and the rules of the game is central to our philosophy. Children learn not only athletic skills but also social and ethical values that extend into everyday life.
Personal Development: Physical activity is a tool for broader personal growth. Through participation, children develop confidence, resilience, leadership skills, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Community Engagement: We aim to foster strong connections between children, parents, schools, and the local community, creating an environment where collaboration, support, and shared goals flourish.

Our Programs

USEP LA JONCHÈRE offers a wide range of programs that cater to various interests and developmental stages. Our activities are carefully structured to balance skill development, fitness, and enjoyment. Programs include:

Physical Education Sessions: Regular, structured activities designed to improve motor skills, coordination, and physical fitness. These sessions often complement school PE classes and provide additional practice and exploration.
Sports Events and Competitions: Friendly competitions and school-based tournaments encourage healthy competition, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Emphasis is placed on participation, learning, and enjoyment rather than simply winning.
Recreational and Seasonal Programs: Fun-oriented activities, including outdoor games, athletic challenges, and seasonal sports initiatives, allow children to explore a variety of disciplines and discover new talents.
Community Engagement Projects: Events such as school sports days, family activity days, and collaborative programs with local organizations help children experience the social aspects of sports and foster a sense of belonging.

Our Team

The success of USEP LA JONCHÈRE is rooted in the dedication of our team of educators, volunteers, and administrators. Our educators are experienced professionals trained to deliver safe, age-appropriate, and engaging activities. They focus not only on physical skills but also on nurturing social development, teamwork, and personal growth.

Volunteers, including parents, community members, and sports enthusiasts, play a vital role in the smooth functioning of our programs. They assist with organizing events, supporting children during activities, and providing guidance and encouragement. This collaborative approach strengthens the bonds within our community and ensures a high-quality experience for all participants.

Our Connection to Schools and the Community

A key component of our mission is working closely with local primary schools. By collaborating with educators and administrators, we ensure that our programs complement the school curriculum and meet the specific needs of the children. This collaboration allows us to provide consistent, supportive, and high-quality experiences in physical education.

Beyond schools, USEP LA JONCHÈRE actively engages with the broader community. We recognize that sports and physical activity are powerful tools for social cohesion, and we strive to create events and programs that include families, local organizations, and residents. By fostering these connections, we not only promote physical health but also nurture social responsibility, civic engagement, and community spirit.

Impact on Children

Over the years, USEP LA JONCHÈRE has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of children. Through our programs, children have developed essential life skills such as:

Teamwork and Cooperation: Learning to work together, share responsibilities, and support one another.
Resilience and Confidence: Facing challenges, learning from mistakes, and gaining self-assurance in their abilities.
Healthy Habits: Understanding the importance of regular physical activity, balanced exercise, and an active lifestyle.
Social Awareness: Respecting others, appreciating diversity, and contributing to inclusive and supportive communities.

Parents and educators have consistently reported improvements in children’s confidence, social skills, and enthusiasm for physical activity as a result of participating in our programs.

Our Vision for the Future

USEP LA JONCHÈRE is committed to continuous growth and innovation. Our vision is to expand our programs, reach more children, and explore new opportunities for sports and physical education. We aim to integrate emerging sports, develop specialized workshops, and strengthen partnerships with schools and local organizations.

By investing in the physical, social, and emotional development of children, we hope to contribute to a healthier, more active, and socially engaged generation. Our long-term goal is to ensure that every child has access to opportunities that promote growth, learning, and a lifelong appreciation for physical activity.

Commitment to Inclusion and Accessibility

Inclusion and accessibility are at the heart of everything we do. We strive to create an environment where all children, regardless of ability, background, or circumstance, can participate fully. Activities are designed to be adaptable, and our team is trained to provide the necessary support for children with diverse needs.

We also focus on fostering empathy, respect, and cooperation, helping children develop strong interpersonal skills that serve them well beyond their time with our association.

Conclusion

USEP LA JONCHÈRE is more than a sports association—it is a community dedicated to the holistic development of children. Guided by our core values of inclusion, respect, personal growth, and community engagement, we provide opportunities for children to discover the joy of movement, develop essential life skills, and become active, socially responsible members of their communities.

Through our programs, events, and partnerships, we continue to make a meaningful impact on children, families, and the wider community. Our dedication to promoting health, teamwork, and positive social values ensures that USEP LA JONCHÈRE remains a vital resource and a trusted partner in the development of young people for years to come.