Racing Club de Calais

Foundations

Racing Club de Calais

The club was founded in 1902 as Racing Club de Calais. RC Calais had excellent results in the first editions of the Coupe de France, taking part in the quarter-finals of the competition in 1921, the last 8 in 1922 and the last 16 in 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926 and 1930. In 1921 Calais even beat CASG Paris in the second round 3–2. The club joined the professional ranks in 1933. Lack of sufficient financial resources, Calais opted to give up its professional status in 1938, which remain the only 5 years of professional football in Calais. RC Calais remained in the amateur divisions, rejoining the CFA in 1962 but the following years were spent oscillating between the CFA and Division d'Honneur.

Union Sportive

Union Sportive was founded after the war in 1947, after a merger of two local clubs. Its main successes were reaching the last 32 of Coupe de France and notable appearances in Coupe Gambardella.

Merger

Racing Club was merged with Union Sportive in 1974, renamed as Calais Racing Union Football Club to reflect the names of the 2 clubs, and was given both the clubs' colours. Before the merger derby matches between the two attracted up to 5000 fans.

1999–2000 Coupe de France

Calais RUFC entered the international spotlight during their run to the final of the 1999–2000 Coupe de France, under Spanish coach Ladislas Lozano. Made up of teachers, dock workers and office clerks, Calais' ten-round cup…

Coupe de France Runners-up: 1999–00 CFA Group A Champions: 2006–07 Division Three (North) Champions: 1980–81 CFA 2 Group A Champions: 1987–88, 1997–98, 2002–03, 2009–10 CFA 2 Group B Champions: 2010–11 DH North Champions: 1975–76 DH North pas de Calais Champions: 1990–91