Richmond United’s U12 Boys and U12 Girls teams recently returned from an incredible trip to France, where 22 players represented the club at the prestigious Tournoi International de Guerlédan from June 8-16, 2026. The event, the largest U13 tournament in France, marked Richmond’s 12th participation and provided players with a unique opportunity to compete against top international competition while experiencing French culture.
The tournament featured more than 200 teams from North America, Europe, and Africa, including professional club academies such as PSG, FC Barcelona, Porto, Sporting CP, Olympique Lyonnais, and Olympique de Marseille. Players kicked off the weekend by taking part in the tournament’s opening parade alongside teams from around the world before competing in the event’s unique 15-minute, 8v8 match format, creating an intense and fast-paced environment. Both Richmond United teams played at least 10 tournament matches, in addition to four scrimmages during the days leading up to competition.
The U12 Girls enjoyed a historic tournament run, advancing to the quarterfinals before narrowly falling in a penalty shootout to Anderlecht. Their sixth-place finish was the highest ever by a Richmond United team at the event! The U12 Boys also had a strong showing, finishing the tournament with a 4-3-3 record, placing third out of eight teams in their group, and narrowly falling 1-0 to eventual tournament champion Stade Rennais FC.
Throughout the week, both teams faced strong competition from clubs including Olympique Lyonnais, Stade Rennais FC, Stade Brestois FC, FC Metz, and Stade Briochin while also watching some of the world’s top youth academies compete.
Beyond the results, the experience offered valuable lessons both on and off the field. Players spent the week living, training, and competing together away from their families, replicating many of the experiences that elite players encounter in international competition. The trip also included sightseeing, a visit to Technical Director Erwan Le Crom’s family home in Saint-Jean-Brévelay, local scrimmages, and team bonding activities.
The week was filled with outstanding weather, a fantastic atmosphere, high-level competition, and memories that will last a lifetime. Richmond United is proud of how both teams represented the club and looks forward to continuing this special international tradition in the years to come.
