“In 20, 30 years, the little ones will still be talking about it”, in Agde, the Rekupo Champion’s Cup is a dream for budding players

La deuxième étape de la Champion’s Cup Rekupo a lieu à Agde. Loïc Dupuy – Loïc Dupuy

Pour sa 14e édition, la Champion’s Cup Rekupo est de passage à Agde, jusqu’à ce mardi, pour promouvoir le football amateur et avoir la chance de décrocher le ticket pour la grande finale à l’Alllianz Riviera de Nice.

A graying sky but no showers. The weather was with the organizers of the Champion’s Cup Rekupo for their happiness, Monday for the first day of the Agde stage.

In the "Black Pearl of the Mediterranean", the 14th edition of the Rekupo Champion’s Cup is stopping there until this Tuesday. With 80 teams united and more than 800 players playing on the three fields of the Michel Millet stadium during the two days of competition, the Champion’s Cup is one of the most important tournaments in France, with more than 6  nbsp;734 players over the eight stages organized in the hexagon.

"Spotlight on amateur football"

A project led by Jean-Christophe Marquet, former professional player with OM and creator of the tournament. "The idea came 14 years ago. I wanted to give back what football had given me with my playing career. It’s a big spotlight on amateur football, with this year the participation of professional clubs."

The girls from Rodez won the stage and will see Nice. Champion's cup Rekupo – Champion's cup Rekupo

For this Agathois stage, a team from each category (Montarnaud for the U9s and Rodez for the U15Fs) has the chance to win their ticket for the final tournament which will take place this year at the Allianz Riviera, on the 28th and 29th. nbsp;May. A grand final marked by the arrival of six professional clubs invited to U11 (Nice, PSG, Lens, Metz, Rennes, Bordeaux). "In 20, 30 years, the little ones will still talk about it" rejoices the former OM player.

The Héraultais de Montarnaud are the champions of the U9 category. Champion's cup Rekupo – Champion's cup Rekupo

Supervised by several other former professionals such as Joris Marveaux, Fabien Laurenti or Sébastien Piocelle, the young footballers were able to take part in a tournament for a day bringing together the best teams from the region. Starting with the 36 teams in the U9 category as well as the eight U15 women’s teams. A category also highlighted by the tournament to develop women's sport.

Montarnaud and Rodez will go to Nice

After the U9s and the U15Fs on Monday, it’s the turn of the U11s, this Tuesday, to take to the lawn of the Agde stadium, usually reserved for rugby players from Rugby Olympique Agathois.

Waste sorting education was carried out for all teams in the tournament. Champion's cup Rekupo – Champion's cup Rekupo

At the edge, children were made aware of waste sorting. Sponsored by ECO DDS, this year the tournament is promoting Rekupo, a waste collection system, with activities and an educational space, to the delight of children. "We also talk to parents through the children. The children are willing to have waste sorting explained to them." says Margaux Lagleize, one of the stand facilitators.

The young shoots were able to participate in activities such as quizzes. Champion's cup Rekupo – Champion's cup Rekupo

Over the two days, the organization expects between 2,000 to 3,000 people depending on the weather. Enough to also promote the organizing city. "The event ticks all the boxes with discipline, the solidarity of team sport and the message of respect of the environment which is aimed at children." summarizes Sébastien Frey, first deputy to the city of Agde.

The U9s of AS Montarnaud PVM (34) have won their ticket to the Allianz Riviera in Nice. While in the women's U15, it is the girls from Rodez Aveyron (12) who will go to the Côte d'Azur on May 28 and 29.