The 32nd finals of the Coupe Gambardella Crédit-Agricole will take place this Sunday, January 12 (2:30 p.m.).
More than 2,500 teams were involved in this historic national cup on national territory this season, 228 in the Pays de la Loire League.
Five of them are still in the running, three national level teams (Angers SCO, FC Nantes and Stade Lavallois MFC), and two regional level, Le Poiré VF (one of the 26 remaining U18 R1 teams) and AS Mulsanne-Teloché (one of the two remaining U18 R2 teams!).
Focus on these two regional teams still in the running, AS Mulsanne Teloché and Poiré VF.
AS MULSANNE TELOCHE / EA GUINGAMP – La Houssière stadium (2:30 p.m.)
Matthieu Gauglin, President
« This is the first time that the club has reached the 32nd finals of the Gambardella. The club had reached the round of 64 twice before.
As for entertainment, there will be an entrance fee, but there is a raffle included in the ticket (Guingamp jersey to be won). There will be an official entry of the players with the help of Guingamp, who are bringing us a set of youth jerseys. Also, at half-time, presentation of our young people, with a penalty shootout activity. At the refreshment bar, there will be paninis, pancakes and other treats.
We are expecting between 1500 and 2000 people, which is the maximum number. The Town Hall and I have set up a security system through a relative who has his own security company, as well as two gendarmerie brigades.
The Gambardella Cup represents the French Youth Cup, it’s a great story for them. New life experience for our club which has experienced identical events in the past. The latest was in the Coupe de France with the victory at home against Laval.
On the sporting side, this shows the work accomplished by the entire club, the leaders, the educators and the management for years.
This also allows us to have a good image of our club within Sarthe, but also beyond its borders, which allows us to attract new young people. New activities have emerged this year with table Football and Fit-Foot (fitness with a ball)
To conclude, this represents a great celebration for Sarthois Football but we would also like to thank the commune of Mulsanne which helps us develop our structures to move towards a structure worthy of an attractive large city, without forgetting Teloché our second commune with its very nice site. »
Joshua Daume, coach
Afterwards we knew that if we left the region, we had the possibility of hosting a great National team. It was done because we welcomed the great team from Lorient.
The Gambardella cut has a special taste, because you can only make it once in your life, or even twice if you upgrade. If you mess up, it’s over.
It is also an opportunity for our young people to compete against national level teams.
We approach this meeting in the same way as the two previous rounds, we are the smallest and we must create the feat. It’s just a bonus. Although I must admit that it is quite special to train between the end of year holidays! »
Corentin Plouseau, captain
The spirit of the group is strong, it lives well. We are all friends which creates a family. This is what makes us strong. As captain in a match like this, my role is more important, with a significant share of responsibility indeed to take my team to the top. I must lead by example!
After starting football in a rural club, even when changing clubs, I never thought I would experience such emotions. I wish it to all young people, a dream that comes true.
The public plays a major role during these meetings. They give us extra strength, everyone is behind us which motivates us even more. It’s just supernatural, I thank them! »
PEAR VENDEE FOOTBALL / US ORLEANS LOIRET – Idonnière stadium (2:30 p.m.)
Jean-Yves Cougnaud, President
« This is the third time that we have reached the 32nd finals of the Gambardella Cup.
Our best run was in the round of 16, where we faced LOSC during the 2018/2019 season.
This event is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated at the start of 2025! Sunday afternoon, the whole club will be behind our young Genôts to encourage them to achieve the feat.
For the occasion, we will mobilize young football school graduates, who will have the privilege of participating in the players’ entry onto the field.
In addition, the National 2 match announcer will also be present to host this meeting and make this moment even more special.
We are expecting around 1000 people, we are doing everything we can to bring together as many people as possible at the stadium: licensees, families and all the club’s supporters.
The Gambardella Cup is a magical and unique experience for these young players, a moment that they have the chance to experience once or twice in their lives. This makes this adventure even more extraordinary.
At Vendée Poiré Football, this competition is of particular importance.
Each season, we fully invest ourselves in progressing and proudly honoring the values of our club. »
Bryan ROUVERA, coach
« The objective set by the club was to reach the 1st federal round to then be able to allow our team to measure itself at the national level, which has been achieved.
The Gambardella allows players to be able to show their full potential at the regional level initially and then exhibit it at the national level. It’s a unique competition that only takes place once in a player’s life, which increases the emotions with each successful round. For most players, it is also the last major competition before finishing their training and moving to the senior world.
We approach this round of 32 meeting in a calm and serene state of mind while working seriously. We anticipated the resumption of training on December 27 with morning sessions. It was important to increase the physical and tactical work so that the boys could arrive on the day of this meeting at 100%.
We must continue with our game project and take advantage of this great celebration for a club, a city and our beautiful Vendée region. »
Being VINCENT, capitaine
The group is calm. We know that a big match awaits us against an opponent who will try to cause us problems, but we remain confident, we are positive. We all have qualities that we will have to implement on Sunday to be able to put Orléans in difficulty. Concerning my role as captain, obviously in a match like this, we can say that my role will be multiplied, but in reality all the players must approach the match as they have done since the start of the season . I think that in a match like this, the motivation is 200% for everyone.
The public is going to be very important for us. We know that in a match like this, it’s an element that can make the difference. We have the chance to host and play at home so we hope to have as many supporters as possible ready to support us. But we have no doubt about that. »
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