In front of their home crowd, I had the chance to photograph also U17 D1 team today as they faced O. Centre Ardeche. Final score: 5–1. A strong and confident win. This was only the second time I’ve watched this team play, and I was lucky to be able to stay til half time. Before their match, I watched the U15 R2 team—an exciting group full of fluid play. But stepping into the U17 D1 game, the shift is immediate. This level is different. The game is faster. Stronger. More intense. The players bring a physical presence that changes the rhythm completely. Every duel feels heavier, every run more explosive. It’s a version of soccer that demands more—but also reveals more. And not all of it is beautiful.

I’ll be honest—sometimes I struggle watching games at this level. Not because of the talent, but because of the edge that comes with it. Some matches drift away from fair play. The line between competitiveness and aggression can blur, and you feel it from the sidelines. Five minutes before halftime, that line was crossed. A player took a hit to the face and on the knee.

In moments like that, everything slows down. As a photographer, my instinct is to capture the action—the raw, unfiltered reality of the game. That’s what I love: freezing emotion, intensity, truth. But this time… I couldn’t press the shutter. My camera stayed still. It’s not the first time I’ve felt that hesitation. There are moments where documenting the scene feels wrong—where capturing the “after” means reliving something I’d rather not hold onto. We are all human beings, and I’ve learned to respect that instinct. To recognize that behind every image is a choice. And sometimes, choosing not to take the photo is just as important as taking it. That’s part of my journey in sports photography or documenting an event—understanding not just what I see, but what I’m willing to carry with me afterward. The good, the bad and the ugly.

Through the years, I know my purpose as a creative photographer and designer. I take these photos because I’m part of something bigger. I’m part of the community around RCF07—the families, the coaches, the players, the supporters. I’m there on the sidelines not just as a photographer, but as someone who shares those moments with them.

I get to meet new teams, new faces, new energy every time. And beyond the action, beyond the goals, one of the things I enjoy the most are the group photos—the smiles, the unity, the memories that last longer than the final score.

That’s why I do this.

Despite the moment of worry, there was relief, and the match continued. RCF07 U17 D1 showed their quality on the second half. Five goals, strong presence, and a clear statement at home. Another game. Another story.