Avoine OCC

Avoine Olympique Chinon Cinais, commonly known as Avoine OCC, is a semi-professional football club based in Avoine, a small commune in the Indre-et-Loire department in central France. The club was established in 1977, following the merger of two local clubs, Olympique Chinon and Cinais.

Avoine OCC is renowned for its commitment to nurturing young talent, with a strong focus on its youth academy. The club's philosophy is to develop players who can progress to the senior team and potentially to higher levels of professional football. This dedication to youth development has seen many players from the club move on to play in France's top professional leagues.

The club competes in the Championnat National 3, the fifth tier of French football, after gaining promotion from the Regional 1 League in the 2017-2018 season. Despite its relatively low position in the French football hierarchy, Avoine OCC has a reputation for being a tough competitor and has enjoyed several successful campaigns in recent years.

Avoine OCC's home ground is the Stade Michel Touchard, named after a former mayor of Avoine. The stadium, with a capacity of 3,000, is known for its intimate atmosphere and passionate home support. The club's colors are blue and white, and its emblem features a stylized depiction of a grapevine, a nod to the region's rich winemaking tradition.

One of the highlights in the club's history was its run in the Coupe de France during the 2011-2012 season. Avoine OCC reached the 8th round, a remarkable achievement for a club of its size. This run included a memorable victory over professional side US Orléans, demonstrating the club's ability to compete with teams from higher divisions.

Despite the challenges that come with being a semi-professional club in a small community, Avoine OCC has managed to sustain its operations and remain competitive. The club relies heavily on the support of local businesses and the wider community. It also hosts various events and initiatives to engage with fans and promote football in the region.

The club's current president is Jean-Pierre Souchet, who has been in the role since 2016. Under his leadership, Avoine OCC has continued to strengthen its youth development program and improve its facilities. The club's first team is managed by Frédéric Desbouillons, a former professional player with a wealth of experience in French football.

Avoine OCC may not have the resources or prestige of France's top clubs, but it is a club with a clear identity and a strong sense of community. Its commitment to youth development, its competitive spirit, and its close ties with the local community make it a valued institution in Avoine and an important part of French football's grassroots landscape.