Joseph Derache, a promising young guardian of AS Saint-Étienne (ASSE), faces a prolonged period of arrest following a knee injury contracted during the summer preparation. His course is unusual: he started football at 11 years after playing handball, before proving himself to be a talented goaltender at the CA Peymeinade. Remarked by AS Cannes, he advanced through the categories of young people, obtaining even a selection as a regional team and the title of best guardian of the southern region. His recruitment by ASSE in the summer of 2024, after joining the reserve group during the pre-season, demonstrates his potential and the confidence of the staff. This injury is a hard blow for this young player, but his determination and resilience suggest a future progression.
The ASSE training centre is recognized for its recruitment strategy in three key geographical areas: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, PACA and Île-de-France. Local Scout networks, led by figures such as Rafiak Allaf, Gaëtan Laclef and Kaisse Hannachi, are deployed to identify and recruit young talent. The ASSE attaches particular importance to the development of comprehensive records, including field observations, behavioural relationships and an assessment of the player’s potential for progression. This rigorous process has reduced recruitment errors and ensured a high success rate in signing professional contracts.
ASSE’s commitment to the development of young talent is a constant, with about 15 young people from the training centre having signed professional contracts since 2000. The club also organizes detection sessions with partner clubs to identify promising profiles upstream. The recruitment of young players like Lenni Martigues and Naoufan Mnemo, as well as the involvement of Scouts like Mahaamadou Gory, illustrate the ASSE’s commitment to anticipate future talent. This strategy, led by a team of passionate and dedicated scouts, demonstrates the club’s willingness to stay at the forefront of the detection of young players and to train future professionals.