Chis immediate consequence of the 50% drop in the Departmental Council’s subsidy to Royan Atlantique Volleyball (RAVB): its president, David Guelle, had to resolve to thank one of his employees. “The one who was in charge of communications. I’m already having to make choices. » David Guelle could not save more on the payroll of the Pirates workforce. “Our players are already the lowest paid in League B.”
Semi-finalist in the promotion play-offs in its first season in the second national division, the team coached by Grégory Alleix proved on Saturday October 12 that it would be competitive again this season. The Pirates won 1-3 in Béziers, on the France Avenir field. That of the Royan professionals will be played outside the gymnasiums. From this Thursday, October 17, the mayor of Royan Patrick Marengo and his deputy in charge of sports, Jean-Michel Denis, will receive David Guelle. To plead for increased support from the City of Royan, the president of the RAVB will have arguments, including “a substantial development plan” which could further promote the Royan region at the national level.
The City grants 125,000 euros
The financial commitment of the City of Royan is already materialized by a grant never before known for a local sports club. An additional sum of 45,000 euros voted on September 10 brings the total aid to 125,000 euros. “We also carried out various works at Espace Cordouan, for 48,000 euros in 2023, 52,000 euros in 2024,” adds Jean-Michel Denis. A new LED scoreboard appeared at the start of the season. The municipality also invested in a giant screen. An additional stand with 156 seats increases the seating capacity to 1,000 seats.
“We have reached a ceiling, it’s going to be complicated”
Will the municipality be able to go beyond financially? “We will discuss it with David Guelle on Thursday. As for all communities, the situation is currently difficult also for the City of Royan. Especially with the effort that the State will ask of local and territorial authorities. In our support for the volleyball club, I think we have reached a ceiling, it is going to be complicated”, does not evade the deputy mayor in charge of sports.
“The club makes Royan shine”
The caution in Jean-Michel Denis’s speech does not mean that Royan is abandoning his Pirates. “We are aware that the club promotes Royan and the entire Royan region at the national level. We also see the enthusiasm every match night. We want to continue to listen to the club. »
David Guelle hears this moral support. The player-president of Royan Atlantique Volleyball is expecting financial support to the extent. “We have the biggest attendance in France, League A and League B combined. We are the only ones to offer a side event, with the Beach Tour and its 26 dates. With 120 VIP companies, we also have one of the largest business clubs. We can hardly do more. Having a professional club in a territory has an incompressible cost. Today, this territory of the Pays Royannais must decide whether it wants a professional club or not. » Start of response Thursday.
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