On June 20, the Stade Atlantique in Bordeaux will host the School Cup, the largest inter-school tournament in France. An event conceived by Guillaume Cazcarra that combines football, diversity, and social engagement, captivating thousands of young people.
In just one month, the Stade Atlantique in Bordeaux will resonate with high school students. On June 20, the School Cup will make its return to Gironde, the culmination of a tour of France that will have brought together tens of thousands of young people around football. The mastermind behind this ambitious project is Guillaume Cazcarra, the founder of the event, who believes that sports can be a powerful social tool. “The School Cup was born a year ago, I co-founded it with high school girls and boys,” recalls Guillaume Cazcarra. The idea is simple yet bold: “To create the largest inter-school tournament in France in a big football stadium, with twenty high schools, like in the United States.” A gamble that quickly found its audience. “We thought that we too could fill a stadium with young people. And it worked very quickly.”
A concept carrying social and environmental values.
In Bordeaux, twenty public and private institutions will compete. Embracing diversity is a central goal. “The objective is truly to bring together young people from all backgrounds,” emphasizes Guillaume Cazcarra. The unique format also sets it apart: each match is played in two separate halves. “The first is played by the girls, the second by the boys. They depend on each other, and vice versa.” The event also embraces a spectacular dimension. “We drew inspiration from American sports culture. Penalties are taken from the midfield, there is a true sports-entertainment aspect,” explains the founder. But behind the celebration, there is a deep commitment. “When we unite public and private high schools, young people with different cultures, opinions, and religions, football becomes a common language. The impact goes far beyond sports.”
The School Cup quickly transcended Bordeaux borders. “Bordeaux was a precursor, but we proved that the concept worked everywhere,” praises Guillaume Cazcarra. Toulouse, Lyon, and soon Nice and Nantes have also hosted the event. “In Toulouse, we brought together 9,000 high school students at the Stadium, and at Gerland, we are aiming for similar numbers.” Bordeaux will close this national tour, in “a football city, with an iconic stadium.” While some envision a national final, the founder remains cautious. “For now, the priority is to manage the five cities well. We are talking about uniting over 50,000 high school students in 2026.” Ultimately, other cities could join the adventure.
The School Cup also strives to be responsible. “From the start, the high school students I co-founded the event with wanted an engaged project,” emphasizes Guillaume Cazcarra. Social mix, gender equality, but also environmental issues are part of the DNA. “Young people don’t want an event that doesn’t embody values.” And the reward? It is not material. “The prestige of winning the School Cup, above all,” he smiles. “Last year’s winners all say the same thing: it’s the best sporting memory of their life. Playing in front of their entire high school, in front of 10,000 people, that stays with them forever.” The appointment is set: on June 20, at the Stade Atlantique, school football will take center stage.
