The decisive phase of the U20R promotion playoffs begins with a clear objective for the teams still in the running: to secure promotion to Regional 3 seniors for the 2026-2027 season.
This is an additional promotion path, parallel to the traditional one obtained through the Departmental 1 senior championship, which strengthens the sporting interest of this competition, the last “youth” level before the senior level.
In search of a reserve team in the regional league
While there were some doubts when it was launched in September 2024, Regional 3 has finally found a real place among the clubs. While it can open the doors to the regional level for some, it also represents, for others, an additional step in their structuring or ambition.
Among the favorites for these playoffs are Berre and Septèmes-Consolat, respectively leading groups A and C. Berre, whose main team has just secured promotion to the national level, naturally hopes to achieve the ultimate goal of having a reserve team in the regional league.
For their part, Septèmes Consolat sees this journey as a real opportunity to accelerate the structuring and development of their sports project. “Our ambition is clear, to go all the way,” admits president Salah Nasri. “Having a reserve team in R3 would perfectly match our evolutionary ambition. Our youngsters fought like champions. We must not stop now.”
Having fallen in the final last year, his players will have a chance for redemption.
On the other hand, Uspeg will not be able to move up
Outsider, Gémenos, eager to restart a reserve team, could avoid starting from the bottom again.
Luynes also wants to narrow the gap between its reserve team (in D2) and its main team (in R1).
US 1er Canton, which is making a strong comeback in Marseille football, could “buy time.” While its seniors have just validated their promotion to D1, the downtown club has a golden opportunity to regain the regional level.
Finally, Uspeg is the exception in these playoffs. “Not having had senior teams for two years, we would not be able to compete, despite a victory, for a place in R3,” explains sports director Mathieu Pinelli. “That’s the rule. We knew it and the situation hasn’t changed: there is a title to be won.”
Only the winner of these playoffs (or the finalist, if Uspeg were to win) will move up to R3.
