Nicolas Cotten reports on the amazing journey of Alexandra Renault-Frih, who went from the French 5th Division to the 1st in 3 years and also received a young talent award.
To play at the highest level is the dream of many young footballers, including Alexandra Renault-Frih, who started out with the Social Centre Combines Argenteuil (95) side between 2009 and 2013. 
Her original experience came through the social centre that has set up various mass education projects for over 25 years but now she embarks on another challenge.
She said; “I ignored the people who did not believe in me and I did everything to achieve. This was not easy, but with work and with my family, I persevered. With time, I managed to play against the best teams. So when you have the will and never miss a beat, nobody can take away the desire to get there.”
Through natural qualities of speed and a willingness to learn, she left Argenteuil in France’s 5th Division to compete in Division 2 National with Montigny le Bretonneux.
Former Yzeure Allier Auvergne coach, Patrice Degironde recalled; “Alexandra had come to a friendly match against Guingamp with us in Châteauroux. We noticed a player with temperament, a good left foot but some lapses in position. When we talked with her, her words showed determination and desire to progress to play at the highest level. My idea was to have her signed to the club so that she could adapt without pressure and advance to Division 1.”
After one season, Alexandra flew into Division 1 with Yzeure, bringing meetings with the elite sections of Lyon, PSG and Montpellier. It was a dream come true for one that had previously been used to just regional fixtures.
“I’m still struggling to realize that I am in the best league in France, ” said Alexandra. “For me, this is huge. I went from PH to D2, I did a year in D2 and now I am in D1. I learned a lot the past three years, I still have much to learn. I became aware of my qualities and my difficulties. I listen to my coaches and I change some things. I did not have football or other school like most players, so I’m late in developing but I know I’ll get that working,”
Entering play against PSG with Yzeure marked the beginning of Alexandra’s top-flight adventure. An adventure that continues today in the colours of the ASPTT Albi, promoted this season.
SHE KICKS – the online community for women’s football
