It is a national event that is about to make the ancient city of Arles come alive. On Saturday, April 11th and Sunday, April 12th, 2026, Arles will be the center stage for the first stage of the “League of Stars”.
This U13 football tournament, supported by prominent figures like General Pierre de Villiers and François Morinière, offers a unique concept: combining performance on the field with heritage discovery. With the legendary Laurent Paganelli as the guest of honor, Arles is preparing to experience a weekend where football boots meet history.
An unprecedented concept: marrying football, culture, and eloquence
The League of Stars is not your typical tournament. Designed by former Chief of the French Army Staff, General Pierre de Villiers, and former director of L’Équipe group, François Morinière, this project aims to connect sports with beauty and culture.
For two days, 200 young players from eight clubs will compete, not just on the field. The Saturday will be dedicated to culture: young footballers will visit the amphitheater and the ancient theater before participating in a reading contest in front of a prestigious jury.
Laurent Paganelli, a prominent figure, will be the ambassador for the Southeast stage of the tournament in Arles. The Canal+ icon will be present throughout the weekend, actively participating in cultural visits on Saturday and serving as a jury member for the eloquence and reading contest. His presence promises to bring smiles and expertise to the 500 young participants in the national competition.
The program: from the Amphitheater to the Fournier Stadium
Eight teams, including local ones like AC Arles and Entente Fontvieille-Raphèle-Moulès, will vie for a spot in the grand finale in Paris in June.
Saturday, April 11th (heritage): – 1:00 PM: Club welcome at Fournier Stadium. – 2:00 PM: Visits and workshops at the Amphitheater. – 4:50 PM: Tournament presentation and reading contest at the Ancient Theater, in the presence of the mayor of Arles.
Sunday, April 12th (competition): A unique feature of the tournament is that the final victory will depend on the synergy between sporting results and cultural performances, as well as the combined results of male and female teams from each club.
The matches are free and open to the public. Come and support the youth of Arles and be part of this exceptional moment of sharing.
