It is now 36 teams that will try to win the trophy. And what teams! The U12 teams of FC Metz, Le Havre AC, Le Mans FC and Grenoble Foot 38 will try to succeed the reigning champions, FC Nantes, present to defend their title. Training centers will face teams from all over the department and beyond. 18 clubs from Loire-Atlantique, evenly distributed between North and South Loire, will have the opportunity to compete against the best national players. “It’s a tournament with a high level,” said Cyril Licois, president of the Saint-Julien Divatte club and the Grand Ouest Tournament.
Over 2 days, the tournament will allow the 36 teams to play 11 matches. At the TGO, from the 1st to the last, all teams are in competition until the end. After an initial group stage of 6 on Saturday, the clubs are divided into 3 levels based on their ranking the next day.
On Sunday, 4 groups of 3 per level will send their winner to the semi-finals before crowning the champions of each level in the finals. The 2nd and 3rd places will play classification matches following the same principle. 90 minutes of play per day, the maximum allowed at this age. A system that allows some amateurs to rise to the top of the rankings. Against training clubs, St Nazaire AF in 2017 and La Mellinet in 2011 even managed to win.
As last year, the Grand Ouest Tournament will take place in Saint-Julien-de-Concelles. The 4 grass fields and 2 synthetic fields of the Saint-Julien Divatte club complex will allow young people to prepare themselves to achieve results and above all have fun! Built on conviviality, the competition also allows young amateurs and players from training centers to meet off the field as explained by the event organizer: “Amateur teams host players from professional clubs. This creates links between them. The goal is to maximize exchanges so that young amateurs can see the daily life of training centers.”
The goal for the future is to “make the tournament sustainable and attract the best professional clubs from the West so that the Grand Ouest Tournament is recognized in the region.”
The TGO supports The Carpenter association, which fights against the genetic disease Friedreich’s ataxia, affecting balance and movement. With 1,500 people affected in France, the disease is currently incurable, but research is progressing towards a solution. Members of the association will be present at a stand during the weekend, where donations can be made.
Contact: contactthecarpenter@gmail.com
Recent winners: 2025: FC Nantes 2023: US Orléans 2022: FC Nantes 2021 and 2020: – (due to covid) 2019: SM Caen
[Context: The article provides information about a youth football tournament in Western France with 36 teams participating. The event aims to showcase young talent and promote friendly competition among the clubs.] [Fact Check: This translation accurately conveys the details of the event and the tournament format without altering the original information.]
