At Roquecourbe, the seniors’ season hangs by a thread. Engaged in Division 1, the flagship team is fighting to stay in a competitive championship where every point counts. “We had good results but also defeats in closely contested matches, especially against Carmaux and Saint-Sulpice. These are the games that make the situation more complicated,” says Yannick Fabre, club manager.
With a limited workforce and a particular context, the objective is clear: to ensure the maintenance of both senior teams. “We have been banned from recruiting for three years due to an arbitration problem, so we have to work with our resources,” he recalls. An important constraint for a village club, which has to manage without external reinforcements.
But in Roquecourbe, hope and stability come from elsewhere. For several seasons, the club has been heavily investing in its football school, a real driving force of the project. “It has never had so many members. A lot of work is being done, and that’s what keeps the club alive,” emphasizes the manager.
The goal now is to reap the benefits of this investment. “Within two to three years, we should recover around ten young players from the football school to strengthen the senior teams,” explains Yannick Fabre. An essential transition to sustain the teams and maintain the club’s identity.
Because in Roquecourbe, the link between generations is a real strength. “We have many seniors involved in the football school. The young players come to watch the matches, and it creates a real bond.” A virtuous dynamic where everyone finds their place, from the youngest to the most experienced.
Despite limited infrastructure, which remains a hindrance to development, the club continues to attract. “What appeals is the environment and the atmosphere. Even without major resources, word of mouth works. Parents see that their children are having fun,” he continues. Some young players even come from neighboring villages, attracted by this family spirit.
In a village of about 2,000 inhabitants, Roquecourbe proves that a club can exist and grow through its values. “The idea is to rely on these generations to strengthen our senior teams while maintaining this spirit,” concludes Yannick Fabre.
From ensuring maintenance to preparing for the future, Roquecourbe advances with a strong conviction: its future is being built now, on its fields, with its youth.
