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JS Soualem

Jeunesse Sportive Soualem (Arabic: الشباب الرياضي السالمي), commonly known as JS Soualem or Chabab Riadi Salmi, is a professional football club based in , , that competes in , the second tier of the . Founded on 15 July 1984, the club plays its home matches at the Stade Municipal de Berrechid, which has a capacity of 5,000 spectators. The club achieved to Botola Pro 1, Morocco's top flight, at the end of the 2020–21 season by finishing second in Botola Pro 2. JS Soualem maintained its top-division status for four consecutive seasons from 2021–22 to 2024–25, with league finishes of 9th in 2021–22, 9th in 2022–23, 13th in 2023–24, and 14th in 2024–25. In the 2024–25 campaign, the team recorded 6 wins, 7 draws, and 17 losses, accumulating 25 points and qualifying for the . They were ultimately relegated after losing to Olympique Dcheira 1–2 in the first leg and 0–3 in the second leg of the playoffs. Despite lacking major national titles, JS Soualem has been noted for competitive performances in the top flight, including a 2–1 upset victory over Raja Casablanca in the 2024–25 season and a 3–0 win against Moghreb Tétouan in the final matchday. The club's squad in the 2025–26 season features 28 players with an average age of 28.7, including key contributors like forward Mahmoud Benhalib (born 1996) and centre-back Youssef Aguerdoum (born 1990). As of November 2025, JS Soualem is positioned in the mid-table of , aiming for a return to the elite division.

Club identity

Name and foundation

Jeunesse Sportive Soualem, officially known in Arabic as الشباب الرياضي السالمي, is a Moroccan club based in the town of Soualem. The club is commonly nicknamed Chabab Riadi Salmi, reflecting its community-oriented identity. Founded on July 15, 1984, in Soualem—a located near in —Jeunesse Sportive Soualem emerged as a local initiative to foster sports development in the region. As indicated by its name, which translates from to "Youth Sports Soualem," the club was formed primarily as a youth-oriented sports with an emphasis on to identify, train, and promote emerging talent from the local community. This foundational focus on development has shaped its role in Moroccan , prioritizing the cultivation of young players over immediate competitive success in its early years.

Colours and badge

JS Soualem's primary kit colours are blue and white, prominently featured in their home kits. The club's consists of a circular emblem incorporating the initials "JSS" alongside the for "الشباب الرياضي السالمي" (Chabab Riadi Salmi), with a minimalist design that has seen little alteration since the club's founding in 1984. Kit evolution has been modest, reflecting the club's profile, with suppliers like Bang Sports providing the 2024-25 home kit in and with graphic patterns, and Mexxess supplying the 2023-24 away kit in accented by and gray. Sponsor integrations, such as those appearing on the front of jerseys in the , have been the main updates without major redesigns.

History

Early years (1984–2020)

Jeunesse Sportive Soualem, commonly known as JS Soualem, was established in 1984 in , , under the initiative of Azeddine Berrada, the former caïd of the region, initially bearing the name Association sportive Oulad Hriz El Gharbiya. The club commenced its competitive activities in the amateur championship of the Chaouia League, a regional competition that served as the entry point for many local teams in the Moroccan pyramid. This period marked the beginnings of a gradual build-up in the lower echelons of the sport, with the team focusing on local talent development amid modest resources. By the early , JS Soualem had progressed to the Division Nationale, the third tier of Moroccan , where it competed consistently through the decade under stable leadership. In 2010, Bouchaib Benchikh assumed the role of club president, emphasizing long-term growth despite ongoing financial constraints, while Redouane El Haimer joined as coach, bringing tactical discipline to the squad. The team achieved mid-table stability in this division, laying the groundwork for future advancements without notable promotions or relegations during this phase. The club's early years were characterized by significant challenges, including limited funding and inadequate infrastructure, which restricted rapid progression and kept JS Soualem in the shadows of national prominence. These hurdles were compounded by the competitive nature of lower-tier leagues, yet the commitment of its leadership fostered resilience. A key milestone came at the conclusion of the 2017–18 season, when JS Soualem clinched the Division Nationale title, securing promotion to —the second division—for the first time in its history after 33 years of existence, signaling the end of its formative struggles.

Promotion to Botola Pro (2020–21)

The 2020–21 Botola Pro 2 season represented a breakthrough for Jeunesse Sportive Soualem, culminating in the club's first-ever promotion to Morocco's top-flight Botola Pro after finishing second in the second division. The team amassed 53 points over 30 matches, with a record of 15 wins, 8 draws, and 7 losses, scoring 36 goals while conceding just 20 to post the league's best defensive record. This performance secured automatic promotion alongside champions , as the top two teams advanced directly. Under manager Redouane El Haimeur, who had led the club since 2010, JS Soualem displayed tactical discipline and resilience, particularly in crucial encounters against contenders. Key victories included a narrow 1–0 home win against third-placed Wydad Fès on April 24, 2021, a 3–1 away success at Union Touarga Sport in round 26, and a 2–1 victory at Olympique Dcheira in round 18, contributing to a superior of +16 that edged out rivals. The campaign peaked dramatically on the final day, July 9, 2021, when a 2–0 defeat at Chabab Benguerir still confirmed , as concurrent results ensured Soualem's top-two finish. A highlight was the 5–0 home rout of Racing Casablanca in round 28 on June 25, 2021, underscoring their dominance in high-stakes fixtures. Several factors underpinned this achievement, including El Haimeur's emphasis on a robust defensive structure and quick transitions, which minimized vulnerabilities while maximizing efficiency. Strategic signings from lower divisions enhanced quality and depth, allowing for greater rotation and injury cover throughout the grueling schedule. was particularly pronounced in matches against regional rivals, where fervent crowd support at Soualem's facilities created an intimidating atmosphere and fueled unbeaten runs in several derbies. These elements combined to transform JS Soualem from mid-table contenders into promotion-worthy outfit. This etched JS Soualem into Moroccan history as the first club from the Soualem area to reach the elite division, sparking a surge in local fan engagement and community pride. The milestone not only rewarded years of steady progress but also elevated the club's profile, attracting greater investment and talent for future campaigns.

Botola Pro era (2021–25)

JS Soualem entered the Botola Pro for the 2021–22 season following promotion, marking their debut in Morocco's top flight. The team started strongly with impressive victories, including a 3–0 win over AS FAR on September 15, 2021, and another 3–0 triumph against MAS Fès just three days later on September 18, 2021. These early upsets against established clubs showcased the newcomers' potential and defensive organization. Over the full campaign, JS Soualem recorded 9 wins, 9 draws, and 12 losses, accumulating 36 points to finish 9th in the 16-team league, comfortably avoiding relegation. The 2022–23 season saw JS Soualem maintain mid-table stability, again securing 36 points from 30 matches to end in 9th place, with a goal difference of -9 reflecting a focus on defensive solidity rather than prolific scoring. They participated in the Moroccan Throne Cup but exited in early rounds without advancing deeply. The following 2023–24 campaign proved more challenging, as the team struggled with consistency, finishing 13th with 30 points from 8 wins, 6 draws, and 16 losses, once more emphasizing survival through resilient defending amid limited attacking output. Cup involvement remained modest, with no significant progress in the Throne Cup. In the 2024–25 season, JS Soualem appointed Redouane El Haimer as manager in July 2024, aiming to build on prior experience. However, the team faltered with poor form, culminating in a 14th-place finish and relegation via play-offs after a season marked by key injuries and inconsistent results. Despite occasional upsets against stronger sides throughout their top-flight stint, JS Soualem claimed no major honors, prioritizing survival strategies that ultimately proved insufficient against mounting pressures.

Home ground and facilities

Location and stadium

JS Soualem is based in Soualem, a suburb in Berrechid Province within Morocco's region, situated approximately 30 km south of and characterized by its close-knit community that provides robust support for the club. Lacking adequate facilities in Soualem itself, the club hosted its home matches at the Stade Municipal de Berrechid, located in the nearby city of Berrechid, during its time in Botola Pro. In its formative years from 1984 to 2020, JS Soualem relied on smaller local grounds within Soualem for matches, transitioning to the in 2021 to meet the infrastructural standards required for competing in Morocco's top professional league. During the 2020–21 promotion season, the team briefly utilized the for select fixtures.

Capacity and usage

The Stade Municipal de Berrechid served as the home stadium for JS Soualem during the Botola Pro era, with a capacity of 5,000 spectators comprising basic seating and standing areas. This setup proved adequate for the club's matches but was often strained during their tenure in the top-flight Botola Pro from 2021 to 2025, limiting potential crowds and requiring careful match scheduling. As a municipal facility, the is shared with other local teams in the Berrechid region, facilitating community sports events beyond JS Soualem's fixtures. Since to the elite division in 2021, the club invested in temporary upgrades, including the of floodlights to enable evening matches and improve visibility under professional standards. Attendance at home games during the Botola Pro era typically averaged between 1,000 and 1,500 spectators, reflecting the 's modest size and the club's emerging fanbase, with peaks exceeding capacity limits during celebrations in 2021. Following relegation in 2025, the club returned to the Had Soualem Municipal (capacity 5,000) in Soualem for its 2025–26 Botola Pro 2 matches, adjusting sections to accommodate crowds while maintaining safety protocols.

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