R.A.E.C. Mons (1910)
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| Full name | Renaissance Albert Élisabeth Club of Mons | |||
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| Nickname(s) | The Dragons The Albert | |||
| Founded | 11 April 1910 | |||
| Ground | Stade Charles Tondreau, Avenue Du Tir, 80 7000 Mons | |||
| Capacity | 6000 | |||
| Chairman | Bernard Courcelles | |||
| Manager | Emilio Ferrera | |||
| League | Belgian National Division 3 | |||
| Website | raecmons44.be | |||
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Renaissance Elisabeth Club of Mons is a football Belgian club based in Mons that currently plays in the Division 3 Belgian Football Championship.
The club's nickname is Albert, and the players' nickname is the dragons, in reference to the Ducasse de Mons (also called the "Doudou").
RAEC Mons is the club that has played the most seasons in the third tier of Belgian football: 66 seasons.
During the 2014-2015 season, Albert played another season in Division 2 with a completely revamped squad. Unfortunately, the club suffered financial problems, and president Domenico Leone decided to step down and file for bankruptcy on February 16, 2015. The century-old RAEC Mons club was therefore declared bankrupt and could not find a buyer.
It played its last match on April 25, 2015, against Antwerp, an emotional encounter for the entire staff and Mons supporters.
But as they always say in Mons: "a dragon never dies." Thanks to the motivation, enthusiasm, and love of its supporters and former players, RAEC Mons rose from the ashes on June 23, 2020, almost five years to the day after the Mons dragon began its hibernation
Origins of the Club
[edit]At the beginning of the 20th century, two clubs coexisted in Mons: the Club Amateur Sportif, affiliated in 1905 with the UBSSA (Belgian Union of Athletic Sports Societies, which became the URBSFA on February 28, 1912), which played in red and white, and Stade Montois, which wore blue and white.
The Club Amateur Sportif later became the Cercle des Sports de Mons and established itself on Avenue du Tir. In May 1910, Stade Montois merged with the Cercle des Sports de Mons and Nimy-Sportif to form a new club: Olympic de Mons.
At the same time, in November 1909, four local figures—René Tondreau, Maurice Van Pel, Henri Lebailly, and Fernand Courtois—decided to found a new football club, under the motto:
> "Entry widely open to any decent player, whoever he may be." »
Inspired by other Belgian clubs such as the Royal Léopold Club of Brussels, the founders decided to seek permission from King Albert I, who ascended the throne on December 23, 1909, to name the club the Albert Elisabeth Club of Mons, in tribute to the sovereign and his wife, Queen Elisabeth. By letter dated March 18, 1910, transmitted by Baron Beyens, Minister of the Royal Household, royal authorization was officially granted.
The club was officially founded on April 1, 1910. In May of the same year, a lease was signed for the occupation of a one-hectare plot of land located on Avenue du Tir, the site of the current stadium. The club was affiliated with the Belgian Union on June 17, 1910, as a member club.
On September 25, 1910, the new field was inaugurated during a first official match, played in front of around 300 spectators.
Seeking a Return to D2
[edit]After a difficult period during the 1995-1996 season, during which the club nearly fell to Promotion (fourth national tier), RAEC Mons began to stabilize. In 1996-1997, under the leadership of Daniel Renders, the club finished in a modest 7th place in Division 3, playing in the middle of the table. [1] · [2].
The 1997-1998 season marked a major turning point. The club began a veritable sporting ascent and gradually became a regular in the final rounds for promotion to Division 2, which it had left in 1986. Despite two successive defeats during the 1997-1998 campaigns (a 2-1 defeat against RCS Visé) and 1998-1999 (a double defeat against KMSK Deinze, 3-0 and 0-1), RAEC Mons continued its progression.
The club finally achieved its goal after a memorable test match, played on the RWDM pitch against K. Beringen Heusden-Zolder SK. The match ended 3-3, before the Mons team won 4-3 on penalties, securing their return to Division 2.
During the 1999-2000 season, RAEC Mons also distinguished itself in the Belgian Cup. The club reached the quarter-finals, where it faced Standard de Liège in Sclessin. Around 5,000 Mons supporters traveled to the Ardent City to support their team, demonstrating the growing popularity of the club.
Conquering the Elite
[edit]In its first season in Division 2, in the 2000-2001 season, RAEC Mons put in a solid performance, finishing a commendable 5th in the final standings. This position allowed it to compete in the Final Round for promotion to Division 1, where it narrowly missed out.
During the following season (2001-2002), the club clearly displayed its promotion ambitions. After a close battle at the top of the standings, KV Mechelen was crowned D2 champion in a decisive match played at the Tondreau Stadium. But Mons' hopes were not dashed: the Red and Whites won the Final Round thanks to a decisive home victory over Ingelmunster.
That evening, more than 10,000 fans attended the event, both inside and outside the stadium. The Grand-Place de Mons is invaded in a jubilant atmosphere, giving rise to a veritable second "Doudou" in the city of Hainaut.
After nearly 15 years of absence from Division 2, RAEC Mons took only two seasons to secure its place in the elite. After 92 years of existence, the club has reached Division 1 for the first time in its history, finally realizing the dream of several generations of supporters.
First Steps in the Elite
[edit]In its first season in Division 1, in 2002-2003, RAEC Mons had a remarkable run, finishing 9th overall. This performance was largely due to the effectiveness of its striker Cédric Roussel, who scored 22 goals, making him one of the league's top scorers.
The following season, 2003-2004, was much more complicated for the club. The team fought long and hard to stay up and ultimately finished in 16th place, just six points behind Royal Antwerp FC, who were last in the standings. The club managed to save itself at the last minute, determined not to experience such a scenario again.
However, during the 2004-2005 season, the situation deteriorated again. Since the winter break, the sporting difficulties have suggested a renewed fight for survival. The president and management have attempted to rectify the situation by changing coaches and actively intervening in the transfer market. Despite these efforts, RAEC Mons has been unable to reverse the trend. After a tense and decisive second round, the verdict is in: the club is relegated to Division 2, putting an end to its first stint in the Belgian football elite.
A Brief Disillusionment
[edit]After relegation in 2005, RAEC Mons set its sights on a rapid return to Division 1. A new coaching policy was implemented, with the appointment of José Riga as head coach. He quickly established a solid team dynamic, getting the best out of his squad and building a cohesive group.
From the first matchdays of the championship, Mons established itself as one of the major contenders for the title. Although widely considered the best team in Division 2, it wasn't until the final matchday, played at KFC Dessel Sport, that the club officially confirmed its championship title and promotion to Division 1.
The promotion gave rise to huge public celebrations. After the final whistle, the pitch was invaded by supporters, and the festivities continued on the return leg to Mons, with a large crowd on the Grand-Place, where players, staff and supporters celebrated this successful season together.
Return to D1 for 3 seasons
[edit]During the 2006-2007 season, RAEC Mons had a solid run, finishing 9th overall, confirming its status as a competitive team in the Belgian top flight.
The following season, 2007-2008, proved more difficult. The club once again struggled to stay up and only managed to escape at the very end of the championship, thanks to a 16th-place finish, just ahead of KSVV Sint-Truiden and FC Brussels. In the Belgian Cup, Mons' run ended in the round of 16, after being eliminated by KAA Gent.
The 2008-2009 season was marked by a major reform of the Belgian league, which provided for a reduction in the number of clubs in Division 1, dropping from 18 to 16 for the following season. This decision considerably increased the pressure on the lower-ranked teams, with three relegations scheduled at the end of the season.
This reform proved fatal for RAEC Mons, which finished last in the league. The club was relegated along with AFC Tubize and FCV Dender EH, the latter having failed in the final round of Division 2. This relegation marked the end of a difficult cycle for Albert, facing an increasingly tight and competitive top-flight.
Relegation to Division 2
[edit]The 2009-2010 season saw RAEC Mons narrowly miss out on direct promotion to Division 1. The club failed to win the Division 2 championship, but did secure a place in the final round, which it failed to achieve. Their promotion to Division 2 was therefore extended for an additional season.
During the 2010-2011 season, Mons finished third in the championship and once again reached the final round, alongside Waasland-Beveren, Lommel United, and KAS Eupen. At the end of the matches, Mons and Waasland-Beveren were perfectly tied, with the same number of wins.
A test match was then organized to separate the two clubs, a situation unseen for promotion to Division 1 since the 1965-1966 season. This decisive match was played on neutral ground, at the Leburton Stadium in Tubize. In a tense atmosphere and a closely contested match, RAEC Mons won 2-1, thus securing its return to the elite of Belgian football.
2011-2012: A Roller Coaster Season
[edit]Back in Division 1 for the 2011-2012 season, RAEC Mons got off to a remarkable start. The club rivaled the league's top teams, earning draws against RSC Anderlecht and Standard de Liège, while remaining undefeated at home for a long time. This strong momentum was driven in particular by the performances of Jérémy Perbet, the league's top scorer, who contributed significantly to the "Dragons'" offensive effectiveness.
However, the second half of the season was more difficult. The declining results led to the dismissal of coach Dennis van Wijk, who was replaced mid-season by Enzo Scifo[3].
Despite this turbulence, Mons finished in a respectable 10th place overall, which allowed them to participate in the second playoffs. Relegated to Group B, the club faced KSC Lokeren, SV Zulte Waregem, and K Beerschot AC. The Mons team began this phase with three wins and a draw in the first four matches, displaying clear ambitions for stability in Division 1.
At the same time, Mons also had a strong run in the Belgian Cup. After successively eliminating
2012-2013: Best league ranking
[edit]During the 2012-2013 season, RAEC Mons confirmed its solidity in Division 1 by putting in a convincing regular season. The club finished in a respectable 7th place, narrowly missing out on a place in the first playoffs. Highlights of the season included prestigious victories against Standard de Liège (3-1 at home and 0-1 away), as well as wins against KV Kortrijk and SV Zulte Waregem.
Relegated to Group A of the second playoffs, the Mons team failed to win their group despite a record of three wins, one draw, and two losses, which was insufficient to finish top of the group.
In the Belgian Cup, after a good run the previous season, Mons suffered an early exit this time. The club was eliminated in the round of 16 by KV Kortrijk, after beating Royale Union wallonne Ciney in the previous round.
2013-2014: Another Relegation to D2
[edit]The 2013-2014 season proved particularly difficult for RAEC 2Mons, who held last place in the standings for almost the entire season. Unable to reverse the trend, the Hainaut club finished the regular season in last place.
Entering the playoffs, RAEC Mons faced Oud-Heverlee Louvain in a series of crucial relegation matches. Unable to gain the upper hand over their opponents, the Mons team was ultimately relegated to Division 2, just three seasons after their last promotion to the top flight.
2014-2015: Return to Division 2 and Disappearance
[edit]For its return to Division 2, RAEC Mons underwent a major restructuring. The majority of the squad was composed of young players from the region and the club's training center. After a difficult start to the season, the Dragons managed to stabilize and were in 7th place at the halfway point of the championship.
However, financial difficulties intensified, and on February 16, 2015, president Domenico Leone officially filed for bankruptcy. SA RAEC Mons was declared bankrupt, and a receiver was appointed by the court. A deadline of March 31, 2015, was set to find a buyer, failing which the club would be forced to cease operations permanently.
Two takeover attempts failed in succession, and by the end of the deadline, no investor was able to save the club. RAEC Mons therefore announced the end of its professional activities.
On April 25, 2015, the Dragons played their final match against Royal Antwerp FC, losing 1-0. The club thus finished the season in 7th place in the overall standings
2020: Hibernation & Rebirth
[edit]During the 2014-2015 season, RAEC Mons (then called Albert) played in Division 2 with a largely reorganized squad. However, the club faced significant financial difficulties. On February 16, 2015, president Domenico Leone announced its bankruptcy. The century-old club was then declared bankrupt, and no buyer came forward. RAEC Mons played its last competitive match on April 25, 2015, against Royal Antwerp FC, a match marked by great emotion for the players, staff, and supporters of Mons.
But as they always say in Mons: "a dragon never dies." Thanks to the motivation, enthusiasm, and love of its supporters and former players, RAEC Mons rose from the ashes on June 23, 2020, almost five years to the day after the Mons dragon began its hibernation.
Only the name changed: Renaissance Mons 44. But the crest, the values, and above all, the club's history persisted. President Hubert Ewbank and Frédéric Herpoel were at the origin of this Renaissance and, a few months later, Bernard Courcelles, our General Manager, became one of the driving forces behind the project. Today, Hubert Ewbank and Bernard Courcelles lead an Executive Committee composed of Nathalie Deswez, Johan Ximenes, Aurélien Zara, Gillian Hermand (present since the beginning of the Renaissance), Melina Figun, Matthieu Danloy, François Soleil, Traecy Scheirs, and Maxence Bouillon.
At the beginning of 2021, the club announced the creation of women's sections and established a mixed training center called Young Dragons.
On June 22, 2021, the club abandoned the name "Renaissance Mons 44" to revert to the original name RAEC Mons (Renaissance Albert Élisabeth Club de Mons), in homage to its historic number, 44.
Despite a difficult start in D3 ACFF, under the leadership of Luigi Nasca and Laurent Demol and in a post-Covid context, the club quickly regained positive momentum.
Successive Promotions and Ambitions
[edit]The arrival of Dante Brogno as head coach marked a turning point in the club's progress.
In 2022-2023, and again in 2023-2024, RAEC Mons achieved two consecutive promotions, to D3 ACFF and then to D2 ACFF, thanks to impressive sporting campaigns.
On October 25, 2024, Manu Ferrera was appointed director of the sports department. On November 29, Dante Brogno and Toni Brogno, head coach and assistant coach respectively, left their positions for family reasons.
On December 2, 2024, Luigi Nasca, the club's first coach since its rebirth, returned to the helm of the first team.
On December 14, 2024, RAEC Mons mathematically qualified for the promotion playoffs for the Challenger Pro League, five matches before the end of the regular phase.
On March 23, 2025, the B team, led by Jonathan Walasiak, was crowned provincial second division champion, with an average age of 22.
On April 12, 2025, the club saw its dream of a third consecutive title dashed after a 1-0 defeat to Royale Union Tubize-Braine. The Dragons ultimately finished the season in third place, missing out on promotion to the Challenger Pro League.
On May 6, 2025, the club announced the arrival of Emilio Ferrera as head coach. On May 30, Hubert Lemaire, former fitness coach at RSC Anderlecht for 22 years, was appointed assistant coach.
On May 10, 2025, Alessandro Cordaro, a key player for RAEC Mons, played the last match of his career against Royal Excelsior Virton at the Tondreau Stadium. On June 7, 2025, he was appointed coach of the B team and also joined the first-team staff.
New Era
[edit]On August 1, 2025, the club welcomed new shareholders: Peter Gould, a former board member of Chelsea, founded the Mount Pleasant Football Academy in Jamaica and developed the club and academy into the best in the country, and Charlie Methven, who has over 20 years of football experience, including stints at Sunderland and Charlton.
This major development is accompanied by several changes in management. Bernard Courcelles becomes President of the club, while Hubert Ewbank takes the title of Honorary President. Simon Van Kerckhoven joins the club as Managing Director, with the mission of strengthening operational and commercial management.
Club Structure
[edit]Stadium
[edit]The RAEC Mons has played at the Stade Charles Tondreau since its inauguration on 25 September 1910. This stadium is the emblematic venue of the city of Mons and the club.
With a current capacity of 6,000, it hosts the club's home matches in a historic setting familiar to fans.
The stadium is owned by the City of Mons. It is located at 80 Avenue du Tir in Mons.
Stadium Renovations
[edit]On May 16, 2024, the City of Mons, owner of the stadium, and the RAEC Mons officially presented an ambitious renovation project for stands 3 and 4 of the Stadium Charles Tondreau. The project was awarded to the Walloon company Lixon, the winner of the public tender.
This project includes an increase in the stadium's capacity by approximately 2,000 additional seats, as well as a vast real estate development program integrated into the renovated stands. The complex will include:
200 student dormitories, apartments, lofts, and penthouses, a student community center, a sports medicine center, a publicly accessible gym, a convenience store, and a bookstore. This renovation is part of a desire to make the Tondreau Stadium a multifunctional urban hub, combining sports, student life, and neighborhood services. The construction site is expected to last two to three years, with the various infrastructure being gradually delivered. [4].
In 2024, the City of Mons also announced a major renovation project for the training center site. This includes the demolition of the existing locker rooms and the construction of ten new locker rooms, a physiotherapy area, and a bar to accommodate players, families, and club members. These improvements aim to improve the quality of the welcome and infrastructure provided to young footballers.
Training Center
[edit]On January 22, 2021, RAEC Mons inaugurated its men's training center under the name Young Dragons Academy. A few weeks later, on March 30, 2021, the club also opened a training center dedicated to women's football, called the Ladies Academy, located at the Charles Tondreau Stadium.
Since 2022, the club's training center has been awarded the three-star label by the ACFF (Association of French-Speaking Football Clubs), the highest distinction awarded to football academies in Wallonia.
Club President
[edit]| Period | |
|---|---|
| Maurice Lafosse | 1996–? |
| Domenico Leone | 2001–2015 |
| Hubert Ewbank | 2020-2025 |
| Bernard Courcelles | 2025- |
Coaches
[edit]Former players of the club
[edit]Results and Statistics
[edit]Club Achievements
[edit]| Official Competitions | International Competitions |
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| Regional Competitions | Seasonal Tournaments |
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Popular Culture
[edit]Supporter Groups
[edit]- Mons 1910
- Dragon Side
- Les Légendaires
Former Supporter Groups
[edit]- Ultras Mons
- Ultras Briganti
- The Monkeys
- Dragon City
- Socios Mons
References
[edit]- ^ "RAEC Mons - 100 years of history". RAECMons.be. June 24, 2010. Retrieved August 28, 2017.
- ^ "Daniel Renders returns to the scene of crime". LeSoir.be. November 30, 1995. Retrieved August 28, 2017.
- ^ [dead link], e-k.tv website, February 29, 2012.
- ^ "Tondreau Stadium in Mons: on the former stands 3 and 4, there will be housing, a sports clinic, and a community center". RTBF. May 16, 2024. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
External links
[edit]- R.A.E.C. Mons at UEFA.com
- R.A.E.C. Mons Archived 13 February 2010 at the Wayback Machine at EUFO.de
- R.A.E.C. Mons at WorldFootball
- R.A.E.C. Mons at National-Football-Teams.com
- R.A.E.C. Mons (1910)
- Defunct football clubs in Belgium
- Association football clubs established in 1909
- Association football clubs disestablished in 2015
- 1909 establishments in Belgium
- 2015 disestablishments in Belgium
- Sport in Mons, Belgium
- Organisations based in Belgium with royal patronage
- Belgian Pro League clubs