Fayza Lamari, mère de Kylian Mbappé, a interdit les portables au centre de formation de Caen et Mathieu Bodmer valide l'initiative : « C'est une décision formidable, les jeunes discutent et vivent ensemble » | www.fifaworldcup.one

Fayza Lamari Bans Mobile Phones at SM Caen Academy: Mathieu Bodmer Applauds Bold Initiative

In a bold move designed to reshape the social dynamics of youth development, Fayza Lamari—mother of Kylian Mbappé and president of the family holding company that owns SM Caen—has implemented a strict ban on mobile phones at the club's youth academy (centre de formation). This decision has earned the strong endorsement of the club's newly appointed Director of Football, Mathieu Bodmer, who praised the move as a major step forward for player development.

"It is a wonderful decision. The young players actually talk to each other, discuss things, and live together instead of being glued to their screens."

— Mathieu Bodmer, in an interview with L'Équipe

Reclaiming Human Interaction in Youth Football

Modern football academies face an unprecedented challenge: the digital isolation of young prospects. By banning mobile phones within the academy walls, Fayza Lamari aims to foster an environment where teamwork, real communication, and human connection are prioritized.

Mathieu Bodmer, who recently took over as the Director of Football at SM Caen, strongly defended this philosophy during an interview with French newspaper L'Équipe. The former Le Havre director and veteran French midfielder understands the realities of modern training centers and believes that reducing screen time is essential for producing cohesive, mentally strong teams.

Key Elements of the SM Caen Initiative:

• The Rule: Complete ban on mobile phones inside the SM Caen youth academy facilities.
• The Objective: Encourage young players to communicate face-to-face, build strong friendships, and avoid digital isolation.
• Leadership backing: Supported by Mathieu Bodmer (Director of Football) and driven by the Mbappé family ownership holding.

A Strategic Vision Supported by the Mbappé Family

The acquisition of SM Caen by the Mbappé family's holding company has brought fresh ambition and structured changes to the Normandy-based club. Fayza Lamari's hands-on approach as the president of the holding company demonstrates a desire to go beyond traditional management, focusing heavily on social responsibility and the holistic development of youth academy players.

By bringing in Mathieu Bodmer—highly respected for his scouting and youth development work at Le Havre—the club is signaling its intent to build a sustainable, community-first model. Eliminating the distractions of social media and mobile games is seen as a foundational element of this new era.

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A Blueprint for Other Academies?

As football academies worldwide look for ways to optimize athletic performance and mental well-being, SM Caen's strict mobile phone policy could serve as a valuable case study. Under the guidance of Lamari and Bodmer, the club is proving that sometimes, disconnecting from the virtual world is the best way to connect on the pitch.

Original report published on L'Équipe.