David Aranda and Mario Payá, newly elected president and vice-president of the Elche CF Fan Clubs Federation, met yesterday in the first in-person encounter with Elche’s mayor Carlos González and the regional Sports Council Member Vicente Alberola. The gathering set the stage for the new board’s responsibilities, which officially begin on May 14 as they assume their duties and outline priorities for the federation’s ongoing work with the city.
The discussion focused on the concerns and interests of the federation’s fan clubs, particularly in relation to the current and future status of fields and land under Martínez Valero’s influence. City representatives outlined objectives to enhance access to the stadium and streamline movement to and from the venue. Plans were proposed to foster collaborations that make city services and local amenities more accessible to visiting fans, ensuring that match days are welcoming while maintaining orderly operations around the stadium area.
A little over two hours after the initial talks, participants moved to formalize the next agreement between the Fan Clubs Federation and the City Council. The agreement outlines several key initiatives: to promote sports values among schoolchildren, to contribute to the centennial celebrations of the club with all events oriented toward fans, and to implement measures that improve entry and exit routes to Martínez Valero. It also calls for enhancements to public transport directed toward the stadium and for closer cooperation with citizen unity and the federation’s collective fan groups. A new program named Sports Tourism was announced as part of the collaboration. The federation’s leadership conveyed strong satisfaction with the productive dialogue and the evident willingness of the mayor and the sports council to work with the association of fan clubs. “Our relationship with the City Council is now clearly on a constructive path”, said Aranda.
The federation’s president expressed pride in the meeting and in the positive tone set by city officials. He noted that this marks a historic moment, as there has never before been a formal cooperation agreement between the federation and the City Council. The aim now is to establish an operational mechanism for mutual assistance and ongoing coordination between the two parties, mirroring the effective structures already in place with the club and soon to be extended to the provincial authorities. The dialogue signals a broader commitment to collaborative governance that benefits both supporters and the local community.
Aranda explained, “Ultimately, the federation serves as the voice of the fans as a whole, including those who are part of the supporters’ clubs and those who identify with the broader fan base. The planning priorities include mobility improvements around match days, better access to the stadium, smoother traffic flow, and expanded public transportation during events. There is a clear objective to increase bus frequencies and develop a sizable parking area adjacent to the stadium to support the municipal bicycle rental service BiciElx.”
Additionally, Aranda indicated that this centennial year carries a special significance. He asked for City Council assistance in obtaining permits for non-status activities and expressed eagerness for support in the planned, open-to-the-public initiatives. The collaboration aims to foster broad community involvement while preserving the inclusive spirit of the club’s aficionados and their shared stadium experience.