Elche’s grassroots program shines in early season action
Elche CF’s reserve squad is delivering strong performances as the season kicks off. After a difficult start, the team has shown resilience, climbing the table in the Tercera RFEF Group VI. With a convincing win over Villarreal C last weekend, the Franjiverde side has earned a solid 1-3 result and sits on 25 points after ten matches. Their record now reads eight wins, one draw, and one defeat, signaling a promising push for promotion. If the current campaign ends with the team four points ahead of the second-placed club, direct promotion to the Second RFEF would be secured. The standings see Ontinyent 1930 CF with 21 points, San Vicente with 20, Atzeneta with 19, and Ibense Ray with 16, highlighting the tight contest for the promotion spots across the groups.
Elche’s grassroots football is thriving
Grassroots development remains a highlight for the Franjiverde organization, with a focus on nurturing local talent and providing pathways to higher levels of competition.
Next weekend, the subsidiary faces a crucial away assignment. Ontinyent sits two places above the relegation line, offering a chance to further widen the gap at stake. The Diego Quiles field in Altabix, the regular venue for Ilicitano home matches, is currently reseeded and unavailable. The leadership of Elche CF’s grassroots program, initially led by Rubens Hernandez, explored alternative natural grass fields across the province. Most options had recently been replanted, and those available were fully booked with municipal team commitments. This challenge prompted a strategic move to ensure competitive integrity while the grass surfaces mature.
In response, Elche CF arranged an away match at Espanyol and secured permission from Royal Verd, the organization responsible for maintenance of the fields used by various Elche teams. It was decided that the Ilicitano versus Ontinyent game would be staged at the Martínez Valero stadium, which had been recently reseeded and was in excellent condition. The match is scheduled for Sunday, November 19, at 11:30 a.m., with free admission for Elche CF subscribers.
Fans can expect a notable stage for the Franjiverdes’ young players, a setting likely to attract strong support and offer an opportunity to move higher in the table. This kind of exposure can energize the squad and spark momentum heading into the latter part of the season.
Jesús Hernández’s goal celebrations are a familiar sight for contributors to the reserve squad. The general mood around the academy remains hopeful, with staff focused on player development and the team’s progression through the league system.
In the upcoming clash against Ontinyent, Ángel Donato and Nino will miss a key scorer, Jesús Hernández, one of the reserve team’s top contributors. His absence highlights the squad depth challenge common to development teams as they balance competitive demands with long-term player growth.
Mexican talent and international call-ups
The young Mexican forward, who could not make his first-team debut due to regulatory limits on non-EU players alongside Lautaro Blanco and Nico Castro, recently returned to his home country. He has been called up to the Mexico Under-23 squad and is set to participate in two friendly matches against América and Pumas, two prominent clubs in the Liga MX.
This development underscores Elche’s ability to cultivate diverse talent within its ranks, while also balancing the needs of the first team and reserve squads. The presence of international youth prospects adds a dynamic layer to the club’s long-term strategy and can influence future moves in the transfer market and player development pipeline. (Source: club records and official announcements, attribution)