Rugby and football fans across the Pyrénées-Orientales and Montréal are buzzing with excitement as the region’s amateur clubs celebrate both tradition and triumph. September is shaping up to be a month of recognition, renewal, and reflection, as storied teams honor their history, showcase their youth, and invite the public to choose the next champions of tomorrow.
On Thursday, September 4, 2025, the Olympique Montréalais (OM XI) football club gathered at Stade des Plaines for a general assembly that marked both a milestone and a moment of forward-looking ambition. The club, now celebrating its remarkable 40th anniversary, took stock of its journey so far and set its sights on an even brighter future.
“Our young players are the future of this club,” said president Clément Martinez, whose leadership has been pivotal in sustaining OM XI’s legacy. The club’s youth ranks are flourishing, with representation in every age category—a testament to the club’s dedication to nurturing talent from the ground up. The women’s team, too, has made its mark, holding its own in a challenging championship and finishing strong despite the odds.
The general assembly was more than just a formality; it was a celebration of continuity and growth. The existing board, helmed by Clément Martinez, was reaffirmed, but there was also a nod to evolution. Two new appointments were announced: Océane Delile steps in as communications officer, and Damien Aldeguer takes on the role of partnership officer. The leadership team now includes vice-presidents Nicolas Ghibaudo and Nicolas Sandré, secretary Eloise Bernede, treasurer Cyrielle Rollin, and sporting director Alan Bernede. The club’s roots run deep, with Christian Martinez, the long-serving president and now honorary president, passing the torch to his son Clément, who continues to drive the club’s mission with the same passion and commitment.
Looking ahead, OM XI is already preparing for its traditional ‘Tournoi de l’Amitié’ in early May—a beloved event that draws youth teams from far and wide for a festival of football and friendship. The club’s objectives for the coming season remain ambitious: to build on last year’s resounding success, further develop the youth academy, and strengthen the senior squad’s competitiveness.
But it’s not all about meetings and planning. The spirit of competition was alive and well as OM XI faced Caux-et-Sauzens in a pre-season friendly, securing a resounding 7-2 victory. The “rouge et noir” are clearly ready to carry their colors high and, as always, to play with joy and pride. As one club official put it, “Portez haut les couleurs du club et surtout amusez-vous en pratiquant ce sport.”
While OM XI’s footballers look to the future, the rugby scene in the Pyrénées-Orientales is also experiencing a moment of celebration and anticipation. The third edition of the Trophées du rugby amateur du Pays Catalan has kicked off, and fans have until September 25, 2025, to cast their votes for the region’s top rugby school. The results, eagerly awaited, will be announced on October 9, 2025, promising a fresh wave of recognition for grassroots excellence.
The competition spotlights the achievements of several standout rugby schools, each with its own story of perseverance and passion. The École de rugby du Canigou, perched on the heights of Conflent, delivered a season for the ages. The U16 Regional 2 squad racked up an astonishing 502 points in the pool phase—averaging nearly 36 points per match—and suffered just a single defeat before bowing out in the quarter-finals. Although they fell short of the departmental “planxot” against Agly XV, losing 26-21, the U19s picked up the mantle, clinching a 15-10 victory over Millas in the departmental final. Their only blemish? A hard-fought loss in the eighth-finals against Bassin Carcassonnais, 15-22. The Canigou club’s success isn’t limited to the boys; a thriving U15 girls’ section and robust participation across all youth categories underscore the school’s commitment to inclusivity and development.
Union Sportive Thuirinoise, another perennial powerhouse, continues to polish its reputation for producing top-tier talent. The U16 R1 team swept both the departmental title (12-7 over ES Catalane) and the regional “planxot” (24-19 over Lavaur). The U18 national squad, after a historic season at a lower tier, advanced to the quarter-finals of the French championship, racking up 17 wins against just three losses and notching key victories over the likes of Hyères-Carqueiranne. On the girls’ side, the young Colombes of UST pulled off a memorable 25-12 win over USAP in the departmental final, avenging two earlier defeats in the league. With a season tally of nine wins, one draw, and only three losses, the Thuirinoises made a statement, even if their campaign ended in the round of sixteen.
Then there’s the École de rugby du Vallespir, representing the new union of Céret Sportif and surrounding towns. The U19 Regional 1 squad dazzled with 11 wins, one draw, and only two losses, averaging 31 points per game. Their playoff run ended in the eighth-finals against Blagnac (17-23), but the journey was a testament to the strength and unity of the Vallespir region’s rugby tradition. From U6 to U15, boys and girls alike are thriving, with the club’s inclusive approach and community spirit creating fertile ground for future stars.
All these achievements come against the backdrop of significant transitions. Clubs have lost players during the off-season, and questions linger about how teams like JO Prades will replenish their ranks—perhaps by tapping into their impressive youth pipelines. The answer will unfold as the new season gets underway, with fans eager to see which young talents will step up to the big stage.
As the votes pour in for the Trophées du rugby amateur and OM XI readies itself for another campaign, one thing is clear: the heart of sport in this region beats strong and true. Whether on the football pitch or the rugby field, these clubs are more than just teams—they’re communities, families, and symbols of resilience. The coming weeks promise more drama, more dreams, and, above all, more reasons to believe in the power of grassroots sport.
With anticipation building for the awards announcement on October 9 and the football season about to kick off in earnest, the stage is set for another chapter of passion and pride in the Pyrénées-Orientales and Montréal. For now, all eyes are on the rising stars and the leaders who guide them—proof that the future of sport here is as bright as ever.
