Elche CF has continued to receive positive headlines this season, highlighting the club’s growing strength from its academy through the first team. The latest news centers on young talents stepping up and earning appearances with the senior squad, a sign of the club’s robust development pathway.
Three youth players—Rodrigo Mendoza, Javi Pamies, and Adam Boayer—made their debuts with the A team this season, marking a significant milestone for their careers. The breakthrough came just after Rodri, as he is known, earned a place in the A team last week thanks to standout performances in recent days. His progress earned him a call-up to the Spain under-19 squad for a friendly against Italy, underscoring the rising reputation of Elche’s youth setup.
Spain Under-19 Team adds Elche midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza to its squad.
Rodrigo Mendoza’s emergence as a leading player for the Ilicitano youth system has helped him shine in the Third RFEF Group VI. The team sits as a top contender with a remarkable run: 46 points from 51 possible after 15 wins, one draw, and just one loss. This impressive form has paved the way for promotion to the Second RFEF and signals a bright future for the club’s academy graduates.
Elche reserve team dominates Soneja and pushes toward promotion
The momentum continues as the youth teams contribute heavily to the club’s overall success. Elche’s reserve side has been a constant source of quality, fueling confidence across the organization as it eyes a possible step up to higher competition and the opportunity to showcase homegrown talent on larger stages.
Elche Juvenil in national cup contention
The youth setup remains competitive in national cup competition as well. The team finished the first round in the seventh group of the Honor Division in second place, and it faced a tough penalty shootout challenge in the subsequent round. The results emphasize the high level of competition within Elche’s youth structures and their readiness to face strong opponents in national cups.
Penalties halt Elche Juvenil run
The season has brought more good news. Adam Boayer and Ali Houary, both 18, have earned call-ups to national youth programs. Boayer was invited to participate with Morocco’s under-20 team in two matches against Mauritania, scheduled for late January. Houary has also taken steps toward senior recognition, with junior appearances that have kept him on the radar for future selection with higher levels of national duty.
Adam Boayer, born in Melilla and holding Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, has already appeared in five league matches with the first team this season, totaling 44 minutes. He played in the first two rounds of the Copa del Rey against Europa and Linares. A versatile playmaker who can operate on the right wing or at center-back, he has earned Beccacece’s trust, though an injury prevented him from taking the field with the A team in a recent spell.
Ali Houary, from Orihuela, also holds dual citizenship and has featured for the juniors in the Honors Division and its subsidiary stages. He has been called up to several training camps with the first team, though he has yet to debut in an official match.
Beyond individual call-ups, the club’s entire development program is delivering strong results. The Elche academy is producing a steady pipeline of talent, and coaches have praised the dedication of Rubén Hernández and the broader grassroots initiative. The continued success of Elche’s youth teams signals a promising path forward for the club, with more players likely to earn opportunities with the A team and national sides in the near future.