This Elche CF Clubs Federation continues its mission to spread the club’s franjiverde spirit across the Alicante province. Last Wednesday, first team players Gonzalo Verdu and Carlos Clerc, accompanied by the President, Joaquin Buitrago, visited the district. In that stop, more than 300 boys and girls lined up to get autographs and have photos taken, with another district ready to welcome the delegation this week. Rafal will host the Elche representatives as the next stop of the tour.
Elche Passion in Novelda
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The event, organized in cooperation with the Vega Baja Franjiverdes Club, with support from the town hall and the local Illicitano club, is scheduled for Wednesday, April 5 at 6 p.m. at the Rafal Music Auditorium.
Alongside the first team players, Josan Fernandez, a Crevillent native who now resides in Callosa de Segura, and youth staff member John Chetauya will be present. The initiative also serves to commemorate two pivotal figures in Elche’s centennial history in Vega Baja: José Antonio Morante Lico and Salvador Estan Campello.
Lico stands as one of the club’s most enduring legends. Born in Rafal on June 6, 1944, he wore the franiverde shirt from 1965 to 1968 and shared the field with many other stars of Elche’s golden era. Later he played for Spanish clubs, including Valencia and Albacete, and he even returned to Deportivo Ilicitano before finishing his career with Elche. Lico has remained a central figure in the Elche story, serving as player, coach, and technical secretary. Even at 78 years old, he continues to carry the franiverde flame wherever he goes.
Campello also played a significant role with the green stripe. Born in Callosa de Segura on June 6, 1958, he featured for Elche between 1976 and 1979, and also wore the jerseys of Real Murcia and Tenerife during his career.
As a point of reference for Vega Baja fans, the Elche Federation aims to make Rafal a close second to Novelda in this ongoing outreach, where players from the franiverde family sign autographs and share experiences with local supporters. The activity mirrors a broader effort to connect with communities across Vega Baja and beyond, reflecting the club’s commitment to grassroots engagement.
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Local youngsters spend a few hours with the pros, collecting autographs, posing for photos, and asking questions about life in professional football and the players’ paths to Elche.