The Elche CF story this season has not matched the highs of recent years, yet the club’s green stripe continues to spark pride across the Alicante region. Support for Elche grows by the day, particularly among younger fans who are flocking to the team with growing enthusiasm.
A vivid sign of that growing passion was evident at the signing event in Novelda, held inside the La Magdalena sports pavilion. The first team stars Gonzalo Verdú and Carlos Clerc met with more than 300 boys and girls as part of the Elche Clubs Federation’s 100th Anniversary activities, organized in partnership with the Elche club and the Noveldense City Council Sports Department.
Elche captains Gonzalo Verdú and Clerc sign autographs in Novelda this Wednesday
JA Galvanized
Fans captured numerous autographs on photos of Verdú and Clerc, while many attendees brought balls, scarves, and shirts to be signed. Both the captain and the left back added signatures to the items pressed into their hands, creating lasting mementos for supporters.
Gonzalo Verdú and Carlos Clerc paused to greet the crowd as the Elche Football Club image shone through the signing session, with the event run by the Elche Club Federation. The gathering reflected the club’s outreach, linking the team with its devoted fans across the region.
Joaquín Buitrago, the club president, was on hand in Novelda to share in the excitement and to reinforce the club’s bond with supporters. The Head of Communications, Anthony Chavez, also attended, along with the Penyes Federation president, David Aranda, and vice president Mario Paya, who joined in the celebrations. The mayor of the Medio Vinalopo region, Fran Martínez, offered thanks to Elche FC and the Franjiverde fan clubs for choosing Novelda as a signature event venue, noting that this type of gathering is a welcome return after a long gap in such activities.
What a moment! ⚪️ ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/ZeRcBUQxT
— Elche Football Club (@elchecf) permanece 2023
The Novelda crowd had already warmed to Elche last summer when a mobile ticket station was set up, making season passes readily available and drawing fans from the town into the club’s wider community experience.
Looking ahead, the plan for next week includes trips to Rafal and Vega Baja, where additional signings and season-ticket sales will take place. Other nearby towns, including Monforte del Cid, had expressed interest in hosting similar events, underscoring the club’s commitment to engaging with supporters across the region.