United through sport: an interview with our Women’s Football Club President on ESCP’s thriving sports culture
Sports at ESCP are an integral part of student life. We sat down with Zoé Thaller, President of the Women's Football Club and member of the Yachting Club, to explore ESCP ’s vibrant sports culture and how it helps students gather some precious lessons along the way. As the 20-year-old sportswoman will soon join the ranks of ESCP’s Master in Management, Zoe shares with us some key insights about the many ways sports have helped her gain knowledge and skills, as well as memorable moments from her time at ESCP.
A passion for sports finds the perfect outlet at ESCP
Zoé attributes her passion for sports to her parents. "My parents - great sportsmen and women - always instilled in us that sport was essential for a balanced lifestyle. I practised horse riding, ballet, sprinting and... football when I was younger! When I joined ESCP, I naturally chose football, as I wanted to play a team sport and the school had great infrastructure for it. We then formed a group of 5-6 highly motivated girls to bring the project to fruition," she shares.
To help her organise the various club initiatives and events, Zoé can count on more than 30 student members: "I don’t do everything by myself (fortunately!). We also have the support of our coach, Marin, and the ESCP administration," Zoé explains. "With the club management, our main responsibilities are coordinating and developing existing events, creating new projects, and improving the club's financial situation through developing partnerships and finding new sponsors."
In addition to football, Zoé is an active member of the Yachting Club. "My father has always been passionate about sailing. We grew up with it, it's a family affair," she shares. As a skipper, she leads regattas and organises cruises, bringing up to 150 ESCP students together.
Zoé finds that football and sailing complement each other well. "In football, it's all about reactivity and speed, especially in attack. Sailing, however, cultivates patience and anticipation to make the most of the wind," she explains. "For me, these two sports are about sharing unforgettable moments with your team on the pitch or your crew on the water."
Reaching for the podium and creating the ESCP European Cup
Reflecting on the past year, Zoé is proud to tell us about the team's most significant achievement: reaching the top 6 football teams from business schools in France. This accomplishment earned her team a match weekend at Clairefontaine, the training ground of the French national football teams.
"The decisive match we had in March quickly became the most intense hour of the year, but in my eyes one of its very best. Every girl gave her best and more, no one gave up, even though this was very physically challenging," she recalls. "The team spirit really came out this day, giving us this extra edge; I’m convinced we won thanks to it."
Among the club’s initiatives, Zoe helped to create the ESCP European Cup this year, which involved multiple ESCP campuses in a football tournament. "ESCP is the only business school with so many campuses in Europe, which to me is a huge strength. That’s why we decided to create the ESCP European Cup in March 2024, a football tournament with other ESCP students," Zoé notes.
The tournament, held in Turin this year, saw over 40 girls participating and playing matches with students from other campuses. "We also switched up the teams so everyone could play with each other," she adds. It was a memorable event that not only fostered camaraderie but also provided great training for the upcoming season. "This kind of event is definitely worth doing again, to encourage links between students and allow a moment of sharing between our campuses!" says Zoé.
A school to help you sail your boat, literally and professionally
Participating in sports at ESCP has significantly impacted Zoé’s personal and professional development. "I'm delighted to have been able to practise football and sailing this year at ESCP. For me, it's both necessary and complementary to my academic career, as it develops other qualities and links with other students,” she says, “I've been able to meet a lot of people from different programs at ESCP and from other schools at external events, which is a great asset for me at 20!"
Through sports, Zoé has also learned resilience, the importance of teamwork, and discipline. "Balancing training with academic responsibilities requires careful planning and commitment," she emphasises. "Three training sessions per week, on top of management, organisation, development and administrative tasks are a heavy load – I was forced to hone my time management and organisation skills!"
Her role as President of the women’s football team also adds a valuable set of skills to her portfolio: "It is also the first time I had to manage a budget, as well as search for commercial partners. There is still a lot to learn in that regard; but the experience definitely excites and challenges me," she says.
Sports at ESCP: a uniting force
"Sport is a great way to unite students, alumni and the ESCP administration," Zoé says. "Some alumni students still come to support our football team at important matches and major club events. I hope this will continue, as it's a great link between students and former ESCP students who may guide us in the future," she highlights.
That thread of community continues throughout other sports and organisations as well, enriching Zoe’s experience at ESCP.
"Similarly, in sailing, we look for sponsors among our former students and are in contact with former members of the Yachting Club. Events like the Regatta - which brings together all ESCP sailing enthusiasts every year - are an extraordinary opportunity to bring the ESCP community to life and meet new people! We're lucky enough to have the support of the ESCP administration for our projects to give them more substance," Zoé concludes.
Are you looking to take part in ESCP’s associations and clubs? Whether you’re passionate about sports, art, or honing your management skills, ESCP’s student associations offer various opportunities to participate in the ESCP community. You can reach out to Student Services or ambassador students to learn more!
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