Gedimat becomes a sponsor of the FFR's "Rugby at Heart" Endowment Fund
Summary for decision-makers
Gedimat strengthens its commitment to amateur rugby with "Rugby at Heart"
On February 12, 2026, Gedimat formalized a sponsorship partnership with the "Rugby au Cœur" Endowment Fund, an organization linked to the French Rugby Federation. This initiative aims to support amateur rugby in France and promote its values of solidarity, mentorship, and community engagement throughout the country.
Since 2016, Gedimat has supported young people through "Graines de Champions" (Seeds of Champions) by distributing sports equipment to local clubs each year. Now integrated into the FFR's rugby school accreditation program, this initiative will support the distinguished clubs, allowing Gedimat to provide concrete support to 88 clubs awarded 2 and 3 stars for the upcoming season.
As an official supplier to the French Rugby Federation and the French Men's XV, Gedimat, the leading group of independent building materials and DIY retailers, becomes a sponsor of the FFR's "Rugby au Cœur" Endowment Fund, thus confirming its support for amateur rugby.
Gedimat strengthens its commitment to amateur rugby alongside the "Rugby au Cœur" Endowment Fund
This commitment was formalized on February 12, 2026, at the gala evening of the "Rugby au Cœur" Endowment Fund. Through this sponsorship, Gedimat intends to actively contribute to the development of amateur rugby throughout the country and promote the values of solidarity, transmission, and community associated with it.
Since 2016, Gedimat has been committed to supporting young rugby talent through its "Graines de Champions" (Seeds of Champions) program, providing sports equipment each year to selected local amateur clubs through its retail outlets. This initiative has supported numerous young players across France, with 766 kits distributed nationwide.
Today, Gedimat takes a new step by formalizing a sponsorship agreement with "Rugby au Cœur", the endowment fund of the French Rugby Federation, in order to more broadly support actions in favor of rugby schools, true pillars of amateur rugby.
Within this new framework, Gedimat's "Graines de Champions" (Seeds of Champions) program will evolve to align with the FFR's (French Rugby Federation) star-based rugby school accreditation program. Each year, the Federation recognizes schools based on several criteria, such as the quality of the facilities and coaching, the training and commitment of coaches, and the promotion of rugby's educational values. Clubs receiving this accreditation, which actively contribute to education through sport, benefit from grants awarded by the "Rugby au Cœur" (Rugby at Heart) Endowment Fund, with which Gedimat is now associated as a sponsor.
For Frédéric Ondet, Chairman of the Board of Gedicoop: “Today, Graines de Champions takes another step forward by joining Rugby au Cœur, the endowment fund of the French Rugby Federation – a sport we love and that Gedimat has supported for years, from the Top 14 to the FFR, including amateur clubs. We are proud to support amateur rugby alongside the FFR and eager to support, for this first season, the 88 clubs awarded 2 and 3 stars.”
Frequently Asked Questions for Decision Makers
What is the objective of Gedimat's sponsorship with the Rugby au Cœur Endowment Fund?
Gedimat wishes to support amateur rugby throughout France and promote values such as solidarity, transmission and proximity.
What does the "Seeds of Champions" program consist of?
Graines de Champions is an operation run by Gedimat since 2016, offering sports equipment each year to selected local amateur clubs, and this system will now be structured around the FFR's rugby school labeling program.
Which clubs benefit from grants under the new sponsorship framework?
The grants are awarded to rugby schools that have been awarded accreditation according to the FFR star rating system, in particular to the 88 clubs that obtained 2 or 3 stars during the first season of the partnership.
Thematic glossary for decision-makers
Sponsorship
Sponsorship is financial or material support provided by a company or organization to an action of general interest, without direct compensation.
Dotation funds
An endowment fund is a legal structure that allows for the financing of projects of general interest, particularly through donations and endowments.
Rugby school accreditation
The rugby school accreditation system is a mechanism put in place by the FFR to distinguish clubs according to the quality of their reception, supervision and respect for sporting values.
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