In just four seasons, the Royan Atlantique volleyball club has risen from the anonymity of the lower divisions to the limelight of the professional championship. Led by a passionate player president, David Guelle, a close-knit team, and a growing popular fervor, the Royan Pirates project never ceases to amaze. We dive into the heart of a human and collective adventure.
The Pirates of Royan: from dream to professional ambition
An idea from the heart (and from Athens)
It all started almost by chance, or rather out of passion. “The real professional project started in 2020, when I stopped my career in Athens, at the time of Covid,” says David Guelle. Back to Royan, he took over the local club which was then playing in the 4th division. Very quickly, the project took shape. He convinced a few friends to join him... then the desire to win and move up took hold. An ambition was born, simple but audacious: make Royan a professional volleyball club, a first in the history of the territory.
Strong identity et express climbs for The Pirates of Royan
Every year, the club climbs a level. In 2023, Les Pirates – that's the name they gave themselves – finally gain access to Ligue B, the antechamber to the elite. New name, new logo, new graphic charter: the “pirate” identity hits the mark, both in the room and on social networks. Result: Royan wins the League's Biggest Audience Award from its first professional season. A rare enthusiasm for a “small” club that has managed to turn its matches into real local events.
Ironically, the promotion to League B shouldn't have happened so quickly. "Two clubs fell, and the League was looking to fill the gap. I had anticipated this. We had prepared a solid dossier with an original economic model," explains David. As a result, Royan joined the professional division a little earlier than expected. A rush? Perhaps. But above all, it was a recognition of the seriousness of the project.
After two euphoric years, the 2024-2025 season was much more difficult. Royan finished last in the championship. However, there was no relegation: the number of teams in the League remained insufficient for a traditional promotion/relegation system. A stroke of luck in misfortune. "The initial objective was the top 4. We didn't succeed, but that's part of the game. Now we're rebuilding."
A well-oiled machine: between training, shows and volunteers
Behind the scenes, everything is being rigorously organized. Pre-season preparation begins in August, with 7 to 10 weeks of intensive work. "Two or even three workouts a day, five to six days a week," explains the player president. Muscle strengthening, specific, collective: the routine of the pros.
But Royan is not just about sport. It is also a family show which attracts a wide audience, often neophytes. A success largely driven by the incredible mobilization of 50 club volunteers, compared to barely 5 or 6 a few years ago. Ticketing, refreshments, VIP boxes, venue setup... without them, nothing would be possible.
It's not just a game, it's a local event. We're offering an experience.
A club, a territory, a collective pride
What drives the project? The connection with the territory. Sport is what brings people together here.Sport isn't divisive; it speaks to everyone. And we give people a team to support, a sense of belonging." A feeling shared by the public, the volunteers, the club's young people, and the many curious people who have become loyal. And even when the results disappoint, the stands remain full.
Playing in front of people is what keeps us going. Otherwise, we might as well go back to being amateurs.
A unique economic model in France
Beyond the field, Royan builds a unique model. "We are in the process of setting up a company with related economic activities who will support the club. That's our strength. If we want to go to Ligue A, we'll have to expand our budget, but above all, be stable." Because in French volleyball, many projects fail due to lack of resources. "You can't reach the professional world with a €600,000 budget. You need a solid foundation."
Meeting with Julien Pasquier, libero of the Royan Pirates team
Julien Pasquier He started playing volleyball at the age of 9 thanks to his mother, a former regional player. After Angers, Nantes and the training center, he joined Royan following an exchange between his former coach and David Guelle.
Here, his best memory remains the 2024 semi-final. 1200 people in fusion and even if the opponents were stronger, the Pirates team fought like never before.
Themes
