A FRIENDLY AND COMMUNITY-LED EVENT
On May 18 of 2024 for a three-day event, Plougonvelin will host the 40th edition of the Festival d’Armor.
Dear Friends and Fans,
Welcome to ‘Le Festival d’Armor’—the French high-quality, international tournament of football designed for U17 & U15 men’s squads. The next big kick-off will take place on May 18 of 2024 for a three-day event at the Stade du Trémeur in Plougonvelin (Brittany). This annual sporting event is one of France’s (and indeed Europe’s) premier youth tournaments. It is known globally for its high level of competition and top-notch organization.
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Since 1981, ‘Le Festival d’Armor’ has been a great celebration and springboard for promoting the greatest talents in international youth football. As such, it is recognized by FIFA and the French Football Association (FFF). It is hosted by the not-for-profit organization ‘L’Union Sportive Plougonvelinoise’ (USP), and it is run by over 300 inspiring and dedicated volunteers from all walks of life who believe in values of fair competition, respect, and friendship on and off the field. Year upon year—over the Pentecost weekend—we bring together international elite football clubs, national teams, and academies (1000 young footballers). To name a few, clubs like Celta Vigo, Levante UD, RCD Espanyol de Barcelona, SC Braga, Southampton, Everton, Nottingham Forest FC, Celtic Glasgow, AS Roma have participated in the tournament, along with teams from South America, the U.S., and Africa. Over the years, the best French teams have also competed for the coveted trophy (RC Lens, SCO Angers, Le Havre AC, Stade Malherbe de Caen, Stade de Reims, Stade Brestois, FC Lorient, Stade Rennais, Guingamp). The Plougonvelin cup is also widely recognized as a tournament that launches the careers of young players aspiring to sign professional contracts. Some of the greatest players in the history of the game took their first steps towards a professional football career at Festival d’Armor (Luis Figo, Fernando Torres, Axel Witsel, Ousmane Dembélé, Gourcuff, Guivarch, Pedros, Loko, etc.).
Hats off to our referees, linesmen, and officials. We have been honoured with the expertise of many international sought-after referees (Bruno Derrien, Bertrand Layec, Ameziane Khendek, Lionel Dagorne, Stéphane Bré, François Letexier, Elodie Coppola).
We are also grateful to the municipal services, the local football clubs, the hosting families, as well as the institutional and private partners for helping create a proud volunteering legacy in the Pays d’Iroise community.
And, a big shout out to the dedicated tournament committee members and all other volunteers.
I would finally like to extend a warm welcome to all the visiting participants and the numerous fans who will make this football tournament one huge, family-friendly party.
Yours in football,
Loïc Le Ru
President of the Festival d’Armor