Elche Hosts the Cadet Men’s Handball Final Phase as National Contender Grows
Elche has assumed the role of the national capital for the cadet men’s handball division, with the final phase unfolding through the weekend at the Esperanza Lag pavilion. The event began with a competitive opener yesterday, where CB Elche faced FC Barcelona in a tightly contested match that finished 27-31 in favor of Barcelona. The schedule runs from 15:30 to 12:30 on Sunday, culminating in a decisive final set for the weekend of June 12, drawing teams and fans from across the country to this iconic venue.
During the presentation yesterday, Juan José Ávila, president of the Elche Handball Club, stood beside the team’s coach Pau Saiz and several players’ parents to celebrate the moment. He described the tournament as “probably one of the highlights” and emphasized that the city’s selection this year was made possible by the leadership of the Elche Handball Club and the dedicated work of organizers and supporters. The finals feature teams from six different autonomous communities, underscoring the breadth and intensity of youth handball across Spain. It is worth noting Elche’s prior triumph in a junior championship against Barcelona, a victory achieved at the El Toscar pavilion in earlier years, signaling a strong pedigree that the cadet squad aims to extend this season.
Ávila extended gratitude to the Spanish Handball Federation and the City Council for their efforts in bringing the Spanish Championship to Elche, highlighting the essential role of community support in facilitating national-level competition. He also commended the parents for their exemplary involvement and acknowledged the coaching staff for guiding a remarkable season that placed the team among Spain’s top eight. The success mirrors a broader trend of regional clubs elevating youth development standards and attracting attention from national programs focused on cultivating talent for the sport at the cadet level and beyond.
Sae Saiz, the head coach, expressed pride in representing both the city and the Valencian Community on such a platform. He spoke of the team’s progress and the character they have shown throughout the season. His closing remark, that the squad should be proud just to be among the top eight, resonates with the spirit of youth sports where experience, teamwork, and perseverance often matter as much as results on the scoreboard. The audience left the arena with a sense of anticipation for the weekend’s matches, as young players from across the country showcase their skills and prove that national potential truly begins on local courts.