Aspe embraces red and white as Bilbao Athletic Club fans gather for the International Congress
In Spain, the Bilbao Athletic Club remains a beacon for football enthusiasts, supported by a broad community across the country. In Aspe, the El Chopo club has grown to become a well-known local hub for supporters since its inception in 1995. Renowned goalkeeper José Ángel Iribar, nicknamed Transforming the crowd with his leadership, marked the club’s opening which was celebrated by the party that inspired its name and drew 165 members at the start. A project planned for 2020 but halted by the Covid-19 health crisis later kicked off anew under the National Clubs Congress, an annual August gathering that brings together youth football organizations and fans alike.
Today, after a period of economic difficulty, a new era begins with a refreshed board and renewed energy. José Sigüenza Pérez’s leadership, spanning 25 years, has guided Aspense Peña through a restructuring phase. The emphasis now is on bringing in younger voices to reinvigorate the club’s mission and community outreach.
The club’s headquarters, owned by the organization, sits at 4 La Cruz street. Athletic Club de Bilbao has started reopening its doors to welcome matches and host a variety of social activities, reinforcing the bond with regional fans and families seeking local experiences tied to Spanish football culture.
Members of the El Chopo club gather at its headquarters, reflecting a shared passion for the sport and the region’s fan culture. The club’s leadership is focused on growth and community presence, ensuring fans have a place to celebrate and engage with the sport beyond game days.
The new president is José Manuel García Payá, known as Chema. A former professional player with clubs like Elche, Mallorca, Compostela, Ourense, Mérida, and Levante, he previously worked as a sports consultant. His lifelong love for the red-and-white colors, inspired by his father, motivates him to lead the new project with a personal touch and strategic vision.
Chema Payá describes the goal clearly: unite the many Athletic Club fans in Aspe. The headquarters are being reopened to host a range of events, and membership offers are designed to provide real value. For an annual fee of 60 euros, or 5 euros per month, members gain benefits such as access to discounted match tickets for games across Spain, including the Southeastern region. There is also the option to secure seats for gatherings at the Nuevo San Mamés venue, with invitations extended to both clubs and their representatives. Documents have been submitted to update the club’s official records, and Chema hopes that a growing number of Athletic de Aspe supporters will join and support the new venture.
The newly formed board includes the following leaders:
– President: José Manuel García Payá “Chema”
– Vice President: Óscar Sigüenza Pérez
– Treasurer: Javier Llopis
– Secretary: Antonio Javier Pérez Urios
– Vocals: José Sigüenza Pérez
Rafael Botella Lopez
Vicente López Brufal
Antonio Vazquez Hivernon
Jesus Love
Note: The above names reflect leadership involved in advancing the club’s mission within the local community and its wider network of Athletic fans in the region. This ongoing effort highlights the enduring appeal of Bilbao Athletic Club among supporters in Aspe and across the southeastern region of Spain, with potential resonance for international readers who follow regional football culture and community-led clubs [Citation: Local club records, Aspe community coverage].