ASPTT Caen Captain Léo Hamel Reflects on the Club’s Values
By Aline Chatel Published on Apr 12, 2026 at 9:34
When he was a child listening to his grandfather talk about ASPTT Caen, where he served as treasurer, Léo Hamel heard the same words that resonate with him today. They spoke of the same values, “brilliant values, values of teamwork, of work”, where football first reveals the essence of its players. The ASPTT Caen captain is perhaps best positioned to pass on what defines the club’s identity and that he cherishes. “These values are important in sports, but also in personal and professional life. They have brought me a lot.”
At 33, Léo Hamel realizes that these values “are increasingly rare in other clubs”. This general trend, transcending far beyond sports, places even more responsibility on “elders” like him. Léo Hamel is a mentor who blends his beliefs and personality.
“It is necessary to lead by example. We are not perfect, but if we ask young people to do things that we do not do ourselves, it is pointless.” – Léo Hamel, ASPTT Caen captain.
Leading by example is not just about words, but also about the relationships maintained with everyone, sometimes involving course corrections. Club manager Laurent Dufour is at the forefront daily. “He knows how to deliver messages, find the right words at the right time when he senses that our values may stray,” says Léo Hamel. However, he does not shy away from his responsibilities. “There are things we cannot accept. It is up to us, the elders, to be vigilant.”
Values also contribute to performance. “If you have a very good player but lack the right values, if you are individualistic, you cannot succeed at ASPTT. The club’s identity revolves around teamwork. This means, when we have the ball, trying to find each other with passes. And when we don’t, defending together.” – Léo Hamel, ASPTT Caen captain.
Performance cannot exist at any cost. However, it is necessary. ASPTT Caen aims to excel not only in values and the associative aspect but also in playing at the highest possible level. The club fluctuates between National 3 and Regional 1.
“These are big words, maybe, but that’s the truth.” – Léo Hamel, ASPTT Caen captain.
Léo Hamel, who briefly played for AG Caen amid a postal career, is well-placed to testify. He could earn more elsewhere, but he doesn’t care. “I take a lot of pleasure because I am comfortable at the club, the people trust me, I am attached to everyone. I would struggle to go elsewhere and I’m not sure I would enjoy it as much.”
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