Elche may field two track teams in the Honor Division League next season, representing the top 16 clubs in Spain. The youth section has earned a spot in the Ascension Stage for the women’s category, and Elche Decathlon is pursuing both the women’s milestones and continued success in the men’s events as a priority for the season. This season’s aim remains staying in the First National, yet the club is also building a pathway for the men’s program to reach higher competition bands in the future.
Elche Decathlon Athletics Club secured the top position with 205 points in the second round of the First National, held last weekend in Monzón, Huesca. The Elche group finished behind Celtic and Leida, while hosting Hinaco Monzón provided a competitive backdrop. After finishing second on the opening day, the team earned qualification for the Ascension Stage to be staged at the Camilo Cano Olympic Stadium in La Nucía on the coming Sunday, June 12. The stage promises a demanding lineup as the club competes against strong Spanish outfits that have long been pillars in the national scene.
Decathlon will contend with formidable opponents such as Cornellà and Hospitalet, teams that have maintained a strong presence in national athletics for years. The club has enjoyed consistent representation in the top tier since 2017, a period interrupted only by the pandemic, and aims to extend that track record into the future. The ongoing commitment to growth remains a central theme for Elche Decathlon as they seek to sustain elite performance across both genders in the upcoming rounds.
The head of the Elche club school, José Valeriano Zapata, explained the club’s current strategy. The goal for the season was clear: secure a place in the Major League and confirm stability there. By prioritizing the school and quarry, the club opted not to sign new paid contracts, instead bringing in a core group of national technicians and a cohort of fourteen monitors to support development. The philosophy centers on nurturing a robust youth pipeline that can mature into a strong senior program over the next four to five years. There is confidence that this foundation will eventually yield a place in the First National and possibly beyond, while ensuring the current generation gains valuable experience and consistent competition at the higher level. The club has already secured a solid footing in the First Division in the preceding season, and is now positioned to push for the upgrade to the Ascension Stage without compromising its educational approach for young athletes.
Zapata acknowledged the challenge of moving into the Honors Division, noting that it will be a steep climb. While the field will include eight of the top National First teams, the format introduces a unique advantage for Elche: only one athlete per event will count toward the score. This structure benefits Elche, allowing their strongest performers to lead the way while the second-ranked athletes contribute to the overall tally. The team plans to begin with the third-best mark in seven events, after having secured first place in both the second and first rounds. If the opposition is careless, Elche believes it can stay competitive and perhaps even contend for a coveted place at the top. The overall plan remains patient and pragmatic, with a focus on steady progression and maximizing opportunities as the season unfolds.
Yet the club recognizes the broader reality: achieving a spot in the Honors Division is materially difficult given the scale of some rival programs. Several teams possess substantial budgets that dwarf the resources available to Elche Decathlon. The leadership remains optimistic, however, emphasizing the long-term aim of continuing to train boys and girls with an eye toward sustained development. Looking ahead, the club’s path is clear: solidify a strong First National showing now and use the Ascension Stage as a proving ground for continued growth, while maintaining the core values that have guided the program since its inception. The focus is not merely on immediate results but on building a resilient foundation that can carry the club forward—without eroding its commitment to education and personal development for young athletes.