Elche CF endured a difficult season, stepping down from the First Division after a memorable period among Spain’s top flight teams. Having spent three competitive years in the elite, the Franjiverdes will return to the Second Division, a tough reality felt by the club’s devoted supporters. Yet the spirit of Elche remains strong, serving as a foundation for fans and a driving force for local football culture in the city and throughout Alicante province.
The blend of pride and resilience that defines the red-and-green lineage continues to grow. Even after relegation, the club’s supporters and the Federation of Fan Clubs keep the flame alive, preserving a strong sense of identity across Elche and the Valencian Community. This enduring energy reflects a long-standing tradition that binds families, schools, and fans to the team through both triumphs and setbacks.
On Monday, Elche CF partnered with the federation to host a community event under the banner Green Fringe Cabbages. Thousands of schoolchildren from local schools attended a first-team training session at the Martínez Valero stadium. The visit offered a rare opportunity for young fans to observe the players up close and feel the heartbeat of the club during a pivotal moment in its season. (Source: club communications)
During the open training, players greeted the stands, signed autographs, and posed for countless photos with the young attendees. The atmosphere combined excitement with reflection as supporters cheered their idols while recognizing the challenges ahead in a lower division.
Elche’s players and the coaching staff, led by the head coach, joined the activity in support of the Stop Bullying campaign. They posed proudly with a banner bearing the message Stop Bullying and joined the call for addressing school-based issues. The partnership between football and education underscored the club’s commitment to positive social impact beyond the pitch.
The morning evolved into a light-hearted and uplifting event, offering a temporary escape from the season’s disappointments and reigniting a sense of hope. It highlighted the ongoing ambition surrounding this centennial club, which continues to nurture high hopes even during tough times and to channel energy into the home city and province.
The outreach extended beyond the city center. Earlier in the year, Elche’s leadership organized visits to several municipalities across Alicante province, aiming to strengthen ties with local communities. Players, including team members and staff, made appearances with junior squads, supporting family-oriented activities and encouraging youth participation in sports. These visits form part of a broader plan to foster goodwill and sustain the club’s presence in communities across the region.
The Green Fringe movement has deep roots in the club’s culture for generations. Despite recent sporting challenges, the aim remains to keep this identity alive for younger fans and to ensure the club remains a pillar of local pride. The dedication of supporters, both longtime and newer, helps keep Elche’s color and history vibrant as fans rally to support the team in future campaigns and in every town around the home city.
The renewed emphasis on community engagement, youth outreach, and social responsibility demonstrates how Elche CF continues to be more than just a football club. It remains a cornerstone of local life, a symbol of perseverance, and a source of shared experiences for families, schools, and fans who carry the club’s legacies forward into new seasons and new divisions. (Attribution: club records and community initiatives)