The Route du Docteur-Roumagoux, in Oppède, is an essential place for all those accustomed to district football. And on Ascension Day, it is particularly crowded: it is the final of the Roumagoux Cup which takes place, with its unique rural setting and family atmosphere. Without forgetting that it is the competition which attracts the greatest number of spectators in an enclosure bearing the colors of the two clubs: Graveson and RC Provence.
The Vaucluse club, resulting from the merger of Sainte-Cécile and Suze-la-Rousse, was created in 2004. Twenty years later, winning this much-coveted trophy for the first time would be the greatest birthday present. But Damien Aviles, the president, and François Perez, the vice-president, keep their feet on the ground. “Our main objective was above all to find the district elite and the D2. We must not forget that the club experienced a delicate period recently concluded by two relegations from D1 to D2, then to D3!“
Everything had to be rebuilt, demonstrating that training must play a vital role. “Our young people (all categories are represented, i.e. 250 members) and two senior teams, almost renewed, all have a village spirit which is fraternal, collective, enthusiastic and competitive. Thanks to this new momentum, the club is living well, which is essential.“
Once again, “Despite everything, there is no question of igniting, tempers François Pérez. The club is back on track but it is the project around young people that must appeal. We must accentuate it and allow certain U17s to be important players in the flagship team of tomorrow. We must also be lucid and tell ourselves that if we do well next season at the next level, there is no longer any question of going higher. It is now wisdom and a lot of humility that must guide us towards mentoring young people. Sharing must remain an important parameter“.
M.S.
Thursday May 9, final of the Roumagoux Cup between Graveson and RC Provence, at 4 p.m. in Oppède.
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