Elche CF received the city’s Gold Medal this Wednesday
Elche has a long and storied relationship with football that mirrors its own community spirit. On a memorable evening, the city honored Elche Club de Fútbol for its hundredth anniversary, recognizing its role as a city ambassador on Spanish soil and across the globe. The Gold Medal ceremony reflected the club’s deep roots in local life, spanning fans, players, officials, and supporters from diverse backgrounds who have contributed to the team’s enduring legacy.
City officials orchestrated a meticulous celebration that brought together people from many walks of life. The event celebrated not just a century of competition, but a sustained collaboration among civic institutions, grassroots groups, and schools that have helped shape Elche’s football culture and its broader social fabric.
In the ceremony, the mayor presented the Gold Medal to the club’s leadership, marking a moment of pride for everyone connected to Elche CF. The moment highlighted the club as a central symbol of the city, its history, and its future prospects on the national and international stage. The medal ceremony was a culmination of efforts by multiple sectors that ensured the club could celebrate this milestone in style and with proper reverence.
The event featured the club’s current leadership alongside former presidents who shaped the club’s journey. Signatures were added to an Honor Book, acknowledging a lineage of governance that has guided the club through both triumphs and challenges. That list of leadership, including past presidents, underscored the continuity and collective determination behind Elche CF’s sustained presence in Spanish football and beyond.
Former presidents and current officials joined fans and stakeholders in the hall, reflecting the club’s broad appeal. The gathering included representatives of supporters groups, the federation, and directors who have stood beside the team across decades. The sense of community was palpable as memories were shared and new ones formed—moments that tied the club to the city’s identity and to the people who sustain it through their loyalty and passion.
The presence of the team’s technical staff and the new coaching leadership underscored the moment’s significance. The head coach, along with the technical secretary, engaged with the audience to learn firsthand what Elche CF represents to players, staff, and fans. This introduction to the club’s culture offered inspiration for the months ahead as new plans and challenges took shape. Those assembled witnessed a genuine commitment to the sport and to the club’s mission within the community.
Several speakers for the evening reflected on the club’s ups and downs over a hundred years. Their remarks celebrated resilience, the power of a strong supporter base, and the impact of local talent. The contributions of the youth academy and the media were highlighted as essential pieces of the club’s ongoing story. The evening also recalled the cooperative spirit that powered Elche’s rise during the late stages of a long, storied era, an era that continues to influence today’s players and leadership.
Among the memories shared were stories from captains and veteran players who underscored the importance of symbols tied to the club. The symbolism of a bracelet worn by current players, along with the voices of former leaders, conveyed a sense of continuity and identity that resonates with fans and residents alike. The celebration also highlighted the active participation of fan associations, including the federation, ensuring that supporters enjoyed a voice in the club’s journey and in the city’s ceremonial recognition.
The mayor concluded the evening by reaffirming that the Gold Medal honors more than results on the pitch. It acknowledges a shared spirit of unity that links generations of players, staff, and fans. The club’s president, Joaquín Buitrago, expressed gratitude for the privilege and the lasting bond between Elche CF and its community, noting that this moment would be remembered for years to come as a symbol of pride and belonging for the city and all who stand with the team. Attribution: City of Elche records and local press recaps