The decision of the mayor of Colayrac to allocate one of the two football pitches in his town to rugby has incensed the mayor of Pont-du-Casse. Explanations.
Pont-du-Casse Mayor Christian Delbrel expresses that he is “stunned by the abruptness of the announcement; we are faced with a fait accompli.” On September 19, his counterpart in Colayrac, Pascal De Sermet, held a press conference to explain his decision to give the main pitch at the Jean-Pierre Séménadisse stadium – which is designated for football – to the Colayrac rugby club, allowing its women’s team to train.
Three years ago, the FCPF club, Football Club Pont-du-Casse-Foulayronnes, merged with the Colayrac club, which was on the verge of dissolution. This merger led to the formation of FCPA 47, which Christian Delbrel describes as a rescue operation. He has not calmed down since Pascal De Sermet’s announcement.
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Adrien Gomis, Bruno Aleman, and Jean-Pierre Belloso, the co-presidents of FCPA 47, have already responded in our September 24 edition by criticizing the decision made by the Colayrac mayor. Delbrel adds further criticism.
“The worst part is the timing,” explains Christian Delbrel. “What troubles me about this situation is that we received an email from the Colayrac town hall on September 11, addressed to the co-presidents of the club. The mayors of the affected municipalities were copied on this email. It makes no mention of accommodating a rugby club. Instead, it refers to a meeting that occurred on July 8, and it reveals that the municipality of Colayrac will not sign the new agreement with the FCPA due to issues with pitch maintenance. Rugby is not even mentioned. I find this method deplorable, but the worst aspect is the timing. I feel as if the rules are being changed after the game has already started.”
He emphasizes that FCPA registrations have already been completed. “Two hundred kids, along with volunteers and educators, are being held hostage.” He echoes the sentiments of co-presidents Adrien Gomis, Bruno Aleman, and Jean-Pierre Belloso, noting that FCPA 47 is the leading club in the department with 547 members, and that 30% of its matches are hosted in Colayrac.
“The kids will end up on the streets,” he laments.
“De Sermet does as he pleases in his own town,” continues Christian Delbrel, “but there is a level of disrespect and humiliation directed toward the club’s leaders and us. If they claim at the beginning of July that they are stopping costs for financial reasons, I can understand that, but not on September 11! I am unclear on where this rugby situation originated, but it is ridiculous. Lastly, I find Dubos’ silence deafening.”
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In Pont-du-Casse, the football pitch is active. The political choice made by the municipality is to employ two agents who work almost full-time on the sports fields. “They handle everything, even marking the pitch. We have also invested in equipment to enhance the conditions for hosting clubs. I am learning that Colayrac does not have an agent for the stadiums. I am shocked. It is still a municipality of over 3,500 residents.”
It is evident that FCPA now needs a permanent installation. “In the merger,” states the mayor of Cassipontin, “I believe there was an intention to acquire two additional fields. The managers do not receive compensation, especially since they financed the renovation of the main field’s grass, which cost us a total of €36,000.” The other field in Colayrac, designated for training, is under construction. It must be restored for the amount of €14,000 and will not be playable until June 2025. “The kids are going to end up on the streets,” Christian Delbrel complains, now hopeful for a resolution to the crisis. He is willing to engage in discussions with Pascal De Sermet.
The Essential: Mayor of Colayrac’s Controversial Decision on Football Pitch
The Announcement That Shocked Local Sports
On September 19, the mayor of Colayrac, Pascal De Sermet, made headlines with an unexpected announcement: the municipality would be reallocating one of its two football pitches at the Jean-Pierre Séménadisse stadium to the local rugby club. This decision was primarily aimed at providing training facilities for the Colayrac rugby women’s team. The move has ignited outrage, particularly from Pont-du-Casse Mayor, Christian Delbrel, who expressed his “stunned” reaction to what he described as a “fait accompli.”
The Impact on Local Football Community
The FCPF club, known as Football Club Pont-du-Casse-Foulayronnes, merged with the Colayrac club three years ago to save it from potential dissolution, thus forming FCPA 47. This merger brought hope and stability to the local football scene. Delbrel voiced his concerns over the implications of this decision, particularly with over 200 registered youth players and their families left in a vulnerable position.
Key Concerns Raised by Community Leaders
- Timing of the Decision: Delbrel highlighted that an email from the Colayrac town hall dated September 11 made no mention of rugby, only discussing unresolved pitch maintenance issues. The sudden shift in focus to rugby felt deceitful and poorly managed.
- Community Frustration: With over 547 members, FCPA 47 is one of the largest clubs in the area, and many fear that this decision could leave young athletes “on the streets.”
- Resource Allocation: Delbrel criticized Colayrac’s apparent lack of management for sports facilities compared to the operational standards in Pont-du-Casse, where resources are devoted to maintaining pitch quality.
Quotes from Local Officials
During the uproar, Adrien Gomis, Bruno Aleman, and Jean-Pierre Belloso, co-presidents of FCPA 47, joined in the criticism, emphasizing that the decision undermined the collaborative spirit intended by the merger. Delbrel’s remarks echoed their frustration:
“De Sermet does what he wants at home, but there is a form of disrespect and humiliation towards the club’s directors and towards us.”
Current State of Sports Facilities in the Area
The FCPA’s remaining pitch is reported to be under construction, with anticipated restoration costs nearing €14,000. It won’t be operational until June 2025, exacerbating the urgency of the situation for the local youth involved in sports.
The Distinction Between Football and Rugby in Colayrac
| Aspect | Football | Rugby |
|---|---|---|
| Current Pitch Availability | 1 pitch dedicated | New allocation requested |
| Players Registered | 547 members (FCPA 47) | Women’s team emerging |
| Training Facilities | Limited due to pitch transfer | Gaining access to former football pitch |
The Collaboration Debate: Football vs. Rugby
The merger between football and rugby clubs was intended to foster community spirit and support local engagement in sports. However, this recent decision risks setting back this collaborative effort by igniting conflict between two popular pastimes. The emotional toll on young athletes and families is palpable as they grapple with changes beyond their control.
Community Reactions and Next Steps
Mayor Delbrel has voiced interest in opening a dialogue with Pascal De Sermet to find a solution that addresses the needs of all athletes in the region. The importance of maintaining relationships between different sporting disciplines cannot be understated. It’s paramount that local leaders work together to preserve opportunities for youth involvement in athletics, ensuring no child is left out due to administrative oversight or disputes.
Benefits of Collaboration in Sports
- Shared Resources: Combining efforts can maximize the quality and availability of training facilities for both football and rugby.
- Enhanced Community Spirit: When clubs work together, they foster a sense of camaraderie and unity among players and fans.
- Development Opportunities: By collaborating, clubs can provide more comprehensive training programs and competitions for the local youth.
Conclusion
The decision by Colayrac’s mayor has sparked significant debate regarding the allocation of community resources for sports. While rugby seeks to grow its presence and support for women’s teams, local football clubs are left feeling sidelined. Addressing the growing rift necessitates open communication and a commitment to finding balanced solutions for the future of sports in the region.
