FR
EN
30 May 2018
Alain Revello (president of the Tournament) : « The Sud Ladies Cup, a big challenge »
The Maurice Revello Tournament opens its women section. From 5th to 10th June, Germany, USA, France and Haiti U20 will feature in a mini league. Alain Revello, president of the Tournament, is proud to launch this first edition of the Sud Ladies Cup. Interview.
Alain, this is the first edition of the Sud Ladies Cup, what does it represent to you ?
It is at the same time a big challenge and a beautiful adventure. Within the organization board, we think the women football keeps developing and improving. This evolution is due to the organization of the U20 World Cup in France next summer (in Brittany, from 5th to 24th August). The girls improve well and fast. It was important for us to discover the next women football stars. The ones who maybe we will have the opportunity to see in the future during the international competitions.
What was your process to organize it ?
Firstly, we met the National Technical Director Huber Fournier. He immediately agreed to follow us. We will never thank him enough. When we see how Noel Le Graet (president of the French Federation) and Brigitte Henriques (vice-president of the French Federation) are pleased with this organization... We know that behind us, we have strong supports. We also have some from the region with Richard Miron (regional councillor), who helped us a lot. The Salon-de-Provence city as well.. There is a real consensus and we notice that people turn more to the women tournament than the men one.
Was it a long-standing desire ?
We are thinking about that for two or three years, then we have to go for it. Given the status reached thanks to the men's tournament, we haven't the right to fail. Honestly, we are pleased to offer a lineup composed of USA, Germany, France an Haiti for a first edition.
"Everything my father built for decades is recognized at the international level"
On this point, how did you make to convince big nations like USA and Germany ?
We are always using our network. We boast a strong reputation as well, it helps us. When we say that the Maurice Revello Tournament launches a women's competition, we attracting the interest. Everything my father built for decades is recognized at the international level. From that, it's easier to attract the biggest nations of the women's football.
Haiti is the exotic touch of this edition. How do you explain this choice ?
I found out that they sealed a spot for the World Cup U20. It was the condition required. That intrigued us. We have learned that head coach Marc Collat was French. So, It was easier to get in touch with the federation. The poiicy of the Festival was always to discover nations and people from all around the world. This is as well a chance that we give to these nations.
Jordan Bozonnet
