French National Team Community Training Day Brings World Cup Excitement to Bentley
Boston 26, the official FIFA host committee responsible for organizing World Cup watch parties and associated activities in Boston and the surrounding area, helped bring Community Training Day to the Bentley University campus — a chance for select local youth to engage with the French National Team.
Local youth players from the Soccer Unity Project, Soccer Without Borders, Beyond Soccer Lawrence, Boston Scores and Waltham Youth Soccer arrived at Bentley, where they signed in, received T-shirts and pinnies and prepared for a memorable day on the field.
Representatives from Bentley’s men’s and women’s soccer teams helped welcome the players and lead them through the start of the day’s activities, setting an energetic tone for an event that brought together youth soccer and campus athletics.
Massachusetts Governor Healey Joins the Action
The afternoon continued with brief remarks from special guest Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Bentley University President E. LaBrent Chrite and Director of Athletics Vaughn Williams.
Together, they reflected on the significance of hosting the French National Team at Bentley — and the broader impact of bringing one of the world’s biggest sporting events to Massachusetts.
French National Team Takes to the Pitch
Watching from the stands, local youth players, Bentley soccer players and members of the media watched the French National Team take the field for training. The session offered a rare glimpse into the team’s preparations, giving a close-up view of world-class soccer in Waltham.
World Cup Stars Meet Young Fans
After practice, French National Team players spent time signing jerseys, photos and posters, and taking selfies with young fans. For the youth players in attendance, the moment offered a personal connection to some of the World Cup’s biggest stars.
Community Training Day capped off a memorable first week for the French National Team at Bentley, following the team’s arrival and first official training sessions on campus. The team now continues its World Cup preparations in Waltham ahead of its opening match against Senegal.