 I was only 5 years old when I first played football in a club at Bellegarde in France (Ain).
As from secondary school, I was both gifted and fascinated with football, so I decided to include football as a special option in my courses. That was the good decision. Day after day, I improved my game and was called for the Rhône-Alpes selection at the age of 12 1/2. I then took part in the Predator Cup (which is an evaluated training course of the 64 best junior talents in France at Clairefontaine).
The biggest French football training centres showed interest in me straight away: Auxerre, Saint-Étienne, Cannes, Lyon, Marseille and Monaco. At the time, I didn't really understand what was happening. My father, who was a former Moroccan professional football player and who had been decisive in the success of my junior career, then told me: "Son, enjoy yourself, I will protect you and take care of all the rest".
I then decided to join Auxerre because of what that training centre offered and represented, and also due to Daniel Bréard who was recruiter for the Club and who became my second father during those 4 years of training.
ARRIVAL IN UNKNOWN TERRITORY ON AUGUST 1st 2000
I joined Auxerre's training centre on August 1st, 2000. I was leaving home for the very first time in my life to go to an unknown destination, full of uncertainties and challenges.
The first year went pretty well eventhough I missed my family. However, I was lucky in that they came to visit me a lot so that made me stronger with good performance on the pitch and new mates. Days were long without my family. I was working very hard as I had an ultimate but uncertain goal in mind.
Each season end was hard as friendships were broken up. Because of a lack of performance, some of my mates had to leave. I couldn't have imagined this happening to me at the time. I didn't have any other plan. All I had was all my energy and my hard work both aimed at being a professional player.
At that time, guess who would teach me and advise me? Olivier KAPO, Jean-Alain BOUMSONG. Professionals who gave precious help by passing on to me their experience and knowledge.
At the age of 16, I got upgraded and played in the Under-18 team. I performed a good season with team-mates and opponents, some of them being 3 years older than me. From time to time, I played with the Under-16 team in order to help them. I then won my first Trophy in the context of France Under-16 Championship and I also captained the France Under-16 team.
At 17, Guy ROUX made me start training with the professional group. That was when I realised something was possible. I then played several matches with France CFA, the Club's professional reserve group which led me to be a substitute during the European Cup at PSV Eindhoven. I had number 35 and my name written on my shirt and was thinking "don't let anything go, you will play on this team very shortly". I was highly motivated. I couldn't have imagined being at such a level while still being in the training centre.
My mates kept asking me things and I had to avoid showing how proud I was and remain the same man, so as to be a model and not deceive them.
At the age of 18, my adult life began! I had my first apartment and I was a professional football player with my own locker at the AJA's professional changing room.
As from the age of 16, I captained Auxerre's team as well as on the France Under-16, Under-17, Under-18, Under-19 and new contenders selections.
I would like to thank my parents and close friends, Auxerre's directing team, all the volunteers, the Chef, the cleaning staff (LOL). They have all helped me make my dream come true.
Younès Kaboul
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