BLAUGRANES THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE FC BARCELONA SUPPORTERS’ CLUBS WORLD CONFEDERATION NO.10 – OCTOBER 2019
A CONGRESS TO REMEMBER 2019 WORLD CONGRESS OF SUPPORTERS’ CLUBS • III PAN-AMERICAN SUPPORTERS’ CLUBS MEETING AND JAPAN TOUR • 100 ANNIVERSARY FEATURE • MEET THE SUPPORTERS’ CLUBS • LATEST NEWS
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Antoni Guil reflects on the centenary of the blaugrana supporters’ clubs movement.
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INTERNATIONAL
We travel with the first team to the III Pan-American Supporters’ Clubs Meeting and we share our emotions with Japanese supporters during the pre-season tour in Japan.
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MEET THE SUPPORTERS’ CLUBS We reveal the secrets of PB Trinitat Vella, PB Melilla and PB Polska.
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MAIN REPORT All the details of the 40th World Congress of Supporters’ Clubs and its activities.
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SUPPORTERS’ CLUBS
CENTENARY SPECIAL We delve into the 100 year history of the FC Barcelona supporters’ clubs movement.
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NEWS All the latest news about supporters’ clubs events.
EDITION FC Barcelona Supporters’ Clubs World Confederation PRESIDENT Antoni Guil i Román MANAGER Joan Camps i Reig EDITING FC Barcelona Supporters’ Clubs World Confederation, LLYC ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Communication and Marketing Departments of FC Barcelona COLLABORATORS FC Barcelona Supporters’ Clubs Federations, Frederic Porta COVER PHOTOGRAPH Germán Parga PHOTOGRAPHY Germán Parga – FCB, Alex Caparrós, Manel Gimeno, Miguel Ruiz, Dani Aznar, Marc Guillén LAYOUT DESIGN Bufa Tramuntana Comunicació PRINTING TO+ Creacions Gràfiques LEGAL DIPOSIT B 25197-2017
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100 years building supporters’ clubs, 100 years building Barça This season, the FC Barcelona supporters’ clubs movement is celebrating the centenary of the first historic record of its existence in the Club’s archives. This milestone, on July 1919, is marked by the request by a group of FC Barcelona followers under the name Penya Barcelonista to organise an activity on the pitch of the Carrer Indústria Stadium. From that day on, and despite the political difficulties of the time and the Civil War, our collective managed to survive intermittently, until in 1944. Then, with the creation of Penya Solera, it was relaunched and reinforced with a new model of association linked to FC Barcelona. That model has existed until the present day, with all the strength and implementation that is now so familiar to us. One hundred years of supporting the blaugrana colours, one hundred years of passion, one hundred years of shared emotions, one hundred years defending the values that identify us, one hundred years of commitment and one hundred years of continuing evolution and modernisation to become the benchmark we are around the world today. During all this time, we’ve stood tirelessly and unconditionally at FC Barcelona’s side. Basel, Wembley, Paris, Rome, Berlin... At these and all the other great milestones achieved by the blaugrana teams over the years, supporters’ clubs have always
been there. We’ve proved that our passion never fades and that we always support our players. A century of history that allows us to face the future with confidence and enthusiasm because, in addition, we’ve more than demonstrated our ability to adapt and constantly evolve. Each and every one of our ‘Penyes’, Federations and, of course, the Supporters’ Clubs World Confederation, are committed to passing on the legacy of all those who came before us. And we do it with conviction and with the clear complicity of our Club. We expressed and shared that legacy with every supporter from all five continents who attended that last World Congress of Supporters’ Clubs. A massive edition and an exceptional setting for celebrating such a special anniversary. With all the experience and motivation that this century of history has given us, we embrace the opportunity to grow and improve an organisation that has turned FC Barcelona into an even more universal club. Supporters’ clubs will continue to be FC Barcelona’s roots everywhere, the driving force that encourages our teams and their voice in the Stadium, or wherever the competition may take us. Thank you all for your contribution to these hundred years of unconditional passion.
Antoni Guil
President of FC Barcelona Supporters’ Clubs World Confederation
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WORLD CONGRESS The World Congress of Supporters’ Clubs celebrates its 40th edition surrounded by more than 1,500 Barça fans WITH THE CENTENARY JUST AROUND THE CORNER, THE ANNUAL FC BARCELONA SUPPORTERS’ EVENT BROUGHT TOGETHER REPRESENTATIVES FROM 525 SUPPORTERS’ CLUBS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD AND ACHIEVED RECORD PARTICIPATION FIGURES
Once again, a passion for sport and the blaugrana colours brought together supporters from all five continents at the 40th edition of the World Congress of Supporters’ Clubs, the most important event in the movement’s calendar. Over the four decades of its existence, the World Congress of Supporters’ Clubs has become the ideal space for sharing the common objectives that will allow the continued growth of the FC Barcelona supporters clubs movement around the world. On this occasion, the Congress also kicked off the centenary of the FC Barcelona supporters’ clubs movement. “This commemoration is in recognition of all the people who have made this possible, but it’s also a way to prove ourselves and to project ourselves towards the future in a united way. We’ve overcome all sorts of difficulties and we’ve been able to adapt to our different situations and surroundings. We’ve always been guided by a constructive spirit, as well as unequivocal support for and the defence of our blaugrana and Catalan values,” stated Antoni Guil, President of the FC Barcelona Supporters’ Clubs World Confederation.
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Review of the 2018-2019 season over a working session Like in previous years, the Palau de Congressos de Catalunya hosted a working session first thing in the morning, led by the presidents of the 30 territorial federations of Supporters’ Clubs World Confederation, who were representing supporters’ clubs from all over the world. The purpose of the first part of the session was, on the one hand, to close off the last year—with a showcase of the primary conclusions from the 2018/2019 season— and, on the other hand, to kick off the new year—with the presentation of next season’s objectives. The President of the Confederation, Antoni Guil, inaugurated the session by presenting the entity’s management report. During his speech, Antoni Guil highlighted the importance of the new agreement signed together with FC Barcelona. According to the President of the Confederation, this agreement consolidates the relationship between both entities, furnishes the Confederation with resources, provides stability and aligns the Club with the supporters’ clubs movement in terms of strategic objectives. In addition, the Confederation takes over the day-to-day management of the entity this season. Through the Sponsorship Plan, which implicates all sectors that represent the Club’s main partners and global partners,
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the agreement provides the supporters’ club entity with the necessary resources to carry out strategic projects approved in recent editions of this Congress. It also opens the door to the fact that, by means of approval, the Confederation can reach agreements with partners interested in the movement’s assets, something which will enable a progressive financial independence within the supporters’ clubs collective.
Vueling, new sponsor of the Supporters’ Clubs World Confederation Antoni Guil was also responsible for presenting the new collaboration agreement between the Supporters’ Clubs World Confederation and Vueling, which will become a sponsor of the supporters’ clubs movement. With this gesture, Barcelona’s leading airline is supporting fans of FC Barcelona and sport, in line with their social commitment policy. Therefore, over the next three seasons, Vueling will be the leading airline for the more than 1,245 supporters’ clubs, and their 164,000 members, who will be making various journeys over the course of the year to follow the blaugrana teams to their different sporting events. In exchange, Vueling will offer discounts and special benefits to supporters as well as providing a fixed monetary sum.
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Events and activities that promote the Confederation
Modifications to the regulations and presentation of the Discipline Committee
Salvador Torres, Vice Socio-Cultural President of the Supporters’ Clubs World Confederation made the most of his time on the floor to take stock of the events and activities led by the Supporters’ Clubs World Confederation over the last season. In total, there were over 1,200 supporters’ clubs’ events, which can be broken down into more than 500 charity events, 580 supporters’ events, 70 conferences and 50 activities; figures that demonstrate the strength of the movement and the commitment of everyone involved in it. On this occasion, aside from the now traditional activities such as eSports and Junts+, the Penyes Padel Tour took centre stage, an activity that was created this year and looks set to stay. Torres also highlighted the conferences and talks promoted by the Confederation. All such talks provide supporters’ clubs with new knowledge about sport, solidarity, current news and blaugrana history.
The Congress also served as a backdrop for approving modifications to the Confederation regulations, which will help to better define the responsibilities of the different bodies within the entity. José Yamal Hawach, spokesperson for the Confederation, reported on those changes. In addition, José Yamal Hawach also presented the Confederation’s new Discipline Committee, made up of Confederation Secretary, Joan Giménez, as the entity representative who will accredit the Committee’s actions, and lawyers Carles Jiménez and Rosa March, who will guarantee legal support.
More charity events than ever “The spirit of solidarity has been and will continue to be one of the strongest values of the supporters’ club movement in FC Barcelona,” that was how Juan Carrión, spokesperson for the Confederation’s Solidarity Council, opened his speech. And it’s true that solidarity has become more tangible than ever among blaugrana fans, with an increase in the number of charity events across the whole country. In total, the Supporters’ Clubs World Confederation has driven 518 charity activities and events, a figure that almost doubles the number of initiatives carried out last year. Over 190 supporters’ clubs from 30 federations took part in those events.
International supporters’ clubs, also present at the Congress Antonio Freire, President of the World Federation, stressed the huge growth and consolidation of the supporters’ clubs movement within the FC Barcelona international framework. In fact, almost 90% of new supporters’ clubs being formalised are outside of Catalonia and Spain, and there are already 134 international entities spread across 65 countries. In order to support the growth of supporters’ clubs internationally, in this new season, the World Federation will be formally structured into five areas: Europe; Asia and Oceania; Africa; North America, Central America and the Caribbean; and South America. Each area will have its own steering committee and specific competencies.
A record high budget To round off the working session of the Congress, Vicenç Notari, treasurer of the Supporters’ Clubs World Confederation, presented last season’s key financial figures to supporter; afterwards, the accounts for the 2018-2019 season were approved. Notari himself was responsible for presenting the Confederation’s budget for the coming season. It is a record budget, because, with 3,895,000 euros, is the highest one managed by the Supporters’ Clubs World Confederation. This figure is the result of the great commitment to the supporters’ clubs movement proved by the sponsors and specially by the Board of the Club, who has transferred the Confederation all the responsibilities and also the revenues to handle them.
Josep Maria Bartomeu presides the institutional session As every year, the President of FC Barcelona, Josep Maria Bartomeu, inaugurated the institutional session of the World Congress of Supporters’ Clubs, that looked back over the Club’s major milestones of the season. During his speech, the president emphasised that a new season is beginning with the same enthusiasm as ever. He also confirmed that, “in the competitive spirit that characterises us, we will continue with our ambition to prepare to win everything.” The event was also attended by First Vice President of FC Barcelona, Jordi Cardoner i Casaus, who, as Manager of the Barça Foundation, highlighted the organisation’s 25th anniversary celebrations. He also talked about the Foundation’s work and the social function of the Club: “This social aspect has to involve the promotion of inclusive activities. For all of us, this is a task where the charitable activities of supporters’ clubs have a fundamental
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ally in the Barça Foundation.” Jordi Cardoner also underlined the major evolution that the supporters’ movement is currently experiencing thanks to the collaboration between the Club and the Confederation. This collaboration was implemented in the 21st Century Supporters’ Clubs Project, which defines the objectives agreed between the two entities. For his part, Pau Vilanova, member for the Board of Directors responsible for supporters’ clubs, took advantage of his speech to highlight the large quantity of activities that have taken place throughout the season, something which has consolidated the good attitude of FC Barcelona supporters’ clubs. Among these events the sporting activities and the huge work carried out by the Agrupació de Futbol de Clubs i Penyes del FC Barcelona were highlighted, over the course of the year, an association with over 3,000 players
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among its ranks. Pau Vilanova also referred to the collaboration between the Club and the Confederation, something which has led to, among other things, the inauguration of a new supporters’ clubs space in the FC Barcelona museum, and the huge support that it has provided to all blaugrana teams throughout the season. Vilanova also expressed his gratitude for the good working relationship that exists between the Supporters’ Clubs World Confederation and other entities linked to Barça, such as the Barça Players’ Association, who are present at many supporters’ clubs events across the country. The FC Barcelona board member also thanked the Confederation for their work and encouraged them to continue consolidating their model of success and strengthening, above all, the Federations, so that they can continue their work across the country.
The Avi of Barça, receives the Edmundo Bazo Prize The fourth edition of the Edmundo Bazo Prize was one of the most moving moments of the World Congress of Supporters’ Clubs. This prize is awarded in recognition of work to promote friendship, and it is in memory of a man who played a fundamental role in that aspect, not just as a Board member within the Confederation, but also as president of the Federation of Supporters’ Clubs in Madrid. The winner this year was Joan Casals, known as l’Avi del Barça (the Grandfather of Barça), who has become a true emblem of the supporters’ clubs movement. Joan Casals has been attending the stadium dressed as l’Avi del Barça since 1984 and has been present at various supporters’ clubs events across the country over the last 35 years. To pay tribute to him, the Supporters’ Clubs World Confederation presented a capgros (a costumed figure with a large papiermaché head common in Spanish festivals) of his character, who did a performance alongside a group of musicians. The performance was a complete surprise for both l’Avi del Barça and everyone else present in the room. Joan Casals emotionally accepted his reward and expressed his gratitude for all the support he has received from fans over the years.
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Presentation of signings
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Expectation, nerves and admiration filled the room during one or the most eagerly awaited moments of the World Congress of Supporters’ Clubs: the presentation of the new signings to FC Barcelona’s first team. Antoine Griezmann, Frenkie de Jong, Neto Murara, Junior Firpo, incorporations that have just been made official, and subsidiary player Moussa Wagué had a firsthand experience of the unconditional support of Blaugrana fans just a few hours before the Joan Gamper Trophy match against Arsenal.
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Complete success at the gala dinner After two days of intense activities, sport and blaugrana passion, the 40th World Congress of Supporters’ Clubs couldn’t have ended in any other way than with a gala dinner. Members of the FC Barcelona Board of Directors and the Supporters’ Clubs World Confederation, as well as other prominent figures and over 1,000 supporters gathered around the table for the event. The dinner was the perfect opportunity for fans to share their experiences with other supporters from all around the globe, and they could also celebrate the anniversaries of the 38 supporters’ clubs that have reached their 25-year milestone in 2019.
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Record participation in the 14th International 7-a-side Football Tournament, full of emotion, goals and fair play OVER TWO INTENSE DAYS OF COMPETITION, MORE THAN 400 BOYS AND GIRLS, MAKING UP 28 TEAMS FROM ALL OVER THE TERRITORY, SHARED THEIR PASSION FOR FOOTBALL
The 7-a-side Football Tournament, one of the most eagerly awaited activities among the youngest members of our supporters’ clubs, celebrated its 14th edition and consolidated itself as one of the most successful and well-attended events of the Congress. This year, the competition gathered more than 400 boys and girls and, if we add the members of the respective technical teams to that figure, the number of participants reached 500, a record for the tournament. The 14th 7-a-side Football Tournament involved twenty-eight teams in total, representing various FC Barcelona federations and supporters’ clubs from all over the territory. Out of those teams, sixteen were competing in the Under 10s Category and twelve in the Under 12s Category. The competition was, once again, the opening event for activities taking place as part of the World Congress of Supporters’ Clubs on Friday 2 August, and it extended into the next day when the prizes for this edition were revealed. Over two intense days of group matches and subsequent knock-out stages, a passion for football, competitiveness, as well as cordial relationships, respect for rivals and fair play on the pitch invaded the annexe grounds of Miniestadi, the host of the tournament this year. Once again, the supporters’ clubs’ and federations’ teams demonstrated the values promoted by FC Barcelona, such as effort, ambition, teamwork and the humility of players and coaches.
A thrilling finale, right down to the last minute In both categories, the battle to win the tournament was full of emotion and suspense right up until the referee blew the final whistle, as the respective finals both ended with just a one goal
difference. In the Under 12s Category, PB Totana from Murcia defeated PB La Selva del Camp (Fed. of Supporters’ Clubs in Tarragona Nord) in a very hard-fought match that resulted in a score of 2-1. The same close result was achieved in the Under 10s final, in which PB Navàs (Fed. of Supporters’ Clubs in Bages, Berguedà i La Cerdanya) also beat PB Espluga de Francolí 2-1 (Fed. of Supporters’ Clubs in Tarragona Nord). After the celebrations on the pitch, the champions then enjoyed their moment of glory and recognition for their efforts throughout the tournament. The trophies were presented on the pitch in the Miniestadi annexe grounds, and the prize giving was presided by Pau Vilanova, Board Member of FC Barcelona, and Antoni Guil, President of the FC Barcelona Supporters’ Clubs World Confederation, as well as former Blaugrana first team player, Paco Clos. Other members of the Supporters’ Clubs Council and the Social Commission also didn’t miss the celebration, as they were there to support the teams representing each federation of supporters’ clubs.
Blaugrana values, rewarded As usual, the International 7-a-side Football Tournament also awarded prizes to the teams that showed the most respectful attitude and the fairest play over the course of the tournament with the Josep Maria Profitós Award for Fair Play, named after the promoter of this tournament. This year, the winning teams were the World Federation in the Under 10s Category and PB Castra Vinaria Team in the Under 12s Category. Recognition was also extended to all teams, as fair play was a general trend throughout the whole competition.
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1. PB NAVÀS
1. PB TOTANA
(FEDERATION OF SUPPORTERS CLUBS IN BAGES, BERGUEDÀ AND LA CERDANYA)
(FEDERATION OF SUPPORTERS CLUBS IN MURCIA)
2. PB ESPLUGA DE FRANCOLÍ
2. PB SELVA DEL CAMP
(FEDERATION OF SUPPORTERS CLUBS IN TARRAGONA NORD)
(FEDERATION OF SUPPORTERS CLUBS IN TARRAGONA NORD)
3. PB TOTANA
3. PB LEÓN
(FEDERATION OF SUPPORTERS CLUBS IN MURCIA)
(FEDERATION OF SUPPORTERS CLUBS IN CASTILLA Y LEÓN)
4. PB ESPARRENSE (FEDERATION OF SUPPORTERS CLUBS IN EXTREMADURA) 5. PB ARTESA DE SEGRE (FEDERATION OF SUPPORTERS CLUBS IN PONENT NORD) 6. FEDERATION OF SUPPORTERS CLUBS IN VALENCIA AND MARINA ALTA TEAM 7. PB PLA D’URGELL (FEDERATION OF SUPPORTERS CLUBS IN LLEIDA SUD) 8. PB VALLIRANA (FEDERATION OF SUPPORTERS CLUBS IN BAIX LLOBREGAT) 9. PB LEÓN (FEDERATION OF SUPPORTERS CLUBS IN CASTILLA Y LEÓN) 10. PB SANTA POLA (FEDERATION OF SUPPORTERS CLUBS IN ALICANTE) 11. POOLED TEAM (POOLING OF FC BARCELONA FOOTBALL CLUBS AND SUPPORTERS CLUBS) 12. PB TERRES DE L’EBRE (FEDERATION OF SUPPORTERS CLUBS IN TERRES DE L’EBRE) 13. PB TRINITAT VELLA (FEDERATION OF SUPPORTERS CLUBS IN BARCELONA EST) 14. PB ARBÚCIES (FED. OF SUPPORTERS CLUBS IN GIRONÈS, LA SELVA Y LA GARROTXA) 15. PB AVI XAXU (FEDERATION OF SUPPORTERS CLUBS IN MARESME) 16. FEDERACIÓ MÓN (WORLD FEDERATION)
Josep Maria Profitós Prize for Fair Play: WORLD FEDERATION TEAM Highest scoring team in the group stage: PB ESPLUGA DE FRANCOLÍ Team with least goals conceded in the group stage: PB NAVÀS
4. PB NAVÀS (FEDERATION OF SUPPORTERS CLUBS IN BAGES, BERGUEDÀ AND LA CERDANYA) 5. PB TERRES DE L’EBRE (FEDERATION OF SUPPORTERS CLUBS IN TERRES DE L’EBRE) 6. PB SANTA POLA (FEDERATION OF SUPPORTERS CLUBS IN ALICANTE) 7. PB ARTESA DE SEGRE (FEDERATION OF SUPPORTERS CLUBS IN PONENT NORD) 8. FEDERATION OF SUPPORTERS CLUBS IN VALENCIA AND LA MARINA ALTA TEAM 9. POOLED TEAM (POOLING OF FC BARCELONA FOOTBALL CLUBS AND SUPPORTERS CLUBS) 10. PB AVI XAXU (FEDERATION OF SUPPORTERS CLUBS IN MARESME) 11. PB PLA D’URGELL (FEDERATION OF SUPPORTERS CLUBS IN LLEIDA SUD) 12. PB CASTRA VINARIA (FEDERATION OF SUPPORTERS CLUBS IN EXTREMADURA)
Josep Maria Profitós Prize for Fair Play: PB CASTRA VINARIA Highest scoring team in the group stage: PB TOTANA Team with least goals conceded in the group stage: FEDERATION OF SUPPORTERS CLUBS IN VALENCIA AND LA MARINA ALTA
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eSports, a common ability among blaugrana supporters EIGHTY GIRLS AND BOYS SHOWED THEIR SKILLS ON THE CONTROLLERS WHILE PLAYING PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2019, THE TOP VIDEOGAME BY THE JAPANESE COMPANY KONAMI The eighth edition of the Supporters’ Clubs Futbol Games Tournament was one of the biggest successes of the 40th World Congress of Supporters’ Clubs. The event was held on 4 August in the Auditori 1899, and it welcomed 80 young finalists from different eSports competitions held over the course of the 18/19 season.
The most eagerly anticipated competition by videogames fans Once again, supporters showed their skills on the controllers with the game Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 (PES) from the Japanese company Konami. This year, emotions ran even higher thanks to the presence of Àlex Alguacil, FC Barcelona
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professional eSports player. Alguacil is one of the current best players of PES, and he has a great track record in the world of videogames. In just a short time, he has managed to add to his list of achievements the titles of 2018 PES World Champion in the 3v3 Co-Op category and Runner-up in the Individual category. The gamer was delighted to be able to share his passion with the young supporters. “I have turned my passion of playing videogames into my job, and I couldn’t be happier about that. Although, sometimes, when you are focused on the competition –particularly the individuals– you miss playing together with your friends. I feel at home here being able to experience eSports in a supporters’ clubs style”, stated Alguacil at the close of the tournament. The boom of electronic sports over recent years is undeniable and it’s a very common pastime among members of our supporters’ clubs. And that’s why participation this year was higher than in the previous edition, with a total of eighty boys and girls challenging each other in the finals. They all had the honour of defending their corresponding Federations following the same format: get through a series of knock-out rounds in order to reach the grand final.
A Hollywood ending After several hours of tension and healthy competition, three of the competing federations took to the podium. The World Federation won first place and they were awarded with an official Barça shirt and a voucher for the game Konami PES19 for each player. Second and third places were taken by the supporters’ clubs federations Ponent Nord i Andorra and Maresme respectively; these are both extremely commendable positions considering the high levels of professionalism shown by all participants.
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Lots of excitement and nerves during the first Masters Final of the Penyes Padel Tour THE WINNING PAIR OF THE PENYES PADEL TOUR ACHIEVED RECOGNITION AND TWO TICKETS FOR A CHAMPIONS LEAGUE AWAY GAME In the 2018/19 season, the Supporters’ Clubs World Confederation launched a new activity, the Penyes Padel Tour, with the view to promote sport and its social value among associates, supporters and Barça fans. This new activity took place in various locations around the country, and the winning pairs from each qualifying round went on to compete in the Masters Final, where we finally knew the champions of the Penyes Padel Tour.
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The first serve First thing in the morning on Saturday 3 August, Laietà Sports Club opened its doors for the final. The concluding stage of this pioneering activity, which was divided into two main categories (male and female), brought together all the finalist pairs from each of the knock-out stages held several months ago. Five of those eliminatory competitions were held in Catalonia (Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, Sant Just Desvern and Premià de Mar) and one was held in Andalusia (Linares). The enthusiasm, tension and effort accumulated throughout the day gave rise to feelings of joy and satisfaction for all participants and a particular sense of reward for the winners. The pair formed by Alberto Sesé and Jordi López, members of Penya Blaugrana Solsona i Comarca, and the pair Ariadna Berdala-Lídia Nicolás, were declared champions of this first edition of the tournament. They each went home with the satisfaction of being named the winners of the first edition of the Penyes Padel Tour, as well as two tickets for the Champions League and other gifts.
End of celebration with blaugrana representation Of course, the event was not missed by Antoni Guil, President of the Supporters’ Clubs World Confederation; Pau Vilanova, member of the FC Barcelona Board of Directors responsible for Supporters’ Clubs; and Jordi Monturiol, President of the Barcelonès Est Federation of Supporters’ Clubs. With the hopeful anticipation for inaugurating a new blaugrana tradition, all of them were in charge of presenting the well-earned prizes to the champions. With this tournament, the Supporters’ Clubs World Confederation is aiming to promote paddle tennis as a social event for all members of the Confederation and, at the same time, to boost this increasingly popular sporting activity.
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Record participation in the 8th Cards Tournament and Gathering Dinner MORE THAN 900 PEOPLE GATHERED FOR THE SUPPORTERS’ DINNER ON SATURDAY NIGHT, HITTING A NEW PARTICIPATION RECORD. THE CARDS TOURNAMENT ALSO EXCEEDED ALL PREVIOUS EDITIONS WITH 71 PAIRS REGISTERED As every year, the Cards Tournament and Supporters’ Gathering Dinner was celebrated over the afternoon and evening on the day before the World Congress of Supporters’ Clubs Institutional Day. This time, the Cards Tournament reached its 8th edition, consolidating itself as one of the most popular activities that takes place over the course of the Congress. The 71 pairs, mainly from Catalonia, took part in playing the popular card game “botifarra”. Auditori 1899 once again hosted the
competition which was battled out over the whole afternoon, at the same time as the 7-a-side Football Tournament took place. After various hours of wrist flicking, concentration and nerves, Josep M Bonvehí and Lluís Rodríguez, representing PB Figaró-Montmany, were declared the winners of the 8th Cards Tournament, followed by PB Calaf and Comarca, and PB Puigcerdà.
The icing on the cake The hours of high emotion and tension that took place in the Miniestadi annexe grounds and the Auditori 1899 was later replaced by one of the most eagerly anticipated events by supporters of all ages: the traditional Gathering Dinner. With Camp Nou in the background, over 900 diners from all over the world – all ready to enjoy an unforgettable evening – gathered around the table to share experiences, opinions and blaugrana passion. Various performances livened up the dinner this year, being that that of Hamid El Hadri that particularly stood out,
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Supporters compete in the 8th Card Tournament
Participants of the 8th Card Tournament
President of the Chaouen Supporters’ Club and popular singer in Morocco, who performed a version of the Barça anthem. In addition, a pair of dancers, who entered the enclosure in a classic car, gave all participants the opportunity for a dance.
Performance by Hamid El Hadri, President of PB Chaouen
Besides that, the dinner was also the setting for the prize giving ceremony for the Card Tournament, which took place earlier that day. The competition winners were awarded their prize by Jordi Cardoner i Casaus, Vice President of FC Barcelona; Pau Vilanova, Member of the Board of Directors responsible for Supporters Clubs; and Antoni Guil, President of the Supporters’ Clubs World Confederation. To round off such a special night, the Barça shop opened its doors to participants for the first time and everyone had the chance to purchase FC Barcelona merchandise at heavily discounted prices exclusive to this event. In short, it was a very special closing to a party that created lasting memories for the whole supporters’ clubs movement. Winners of the 8th Card Tournament
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A BLAUGRANA STRONGHOLD THE NORTH AMERICAN CITY HOSTED HUNDREDS OF SUPPORTERS, ASSOCIATES AND BLAUGRANA FANS ON THE OCCASION OF THE III PAN-AMERICAN SUPPORTERS’ CLUBS MEETING
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Perhaps it’s because the blaugrana colours feature in their national flag, or maybe because ‘soccer’ is gaining popularity in the birthplace of baseball and basketball, but, over the last few years, the United States has proved itself as one of the countries where culé passion shines the brightest. For the third consecutive year, the country of the stars and stripes has been the stage for the III Pan-American Supporters’ Clubs Meeting. The conference brought together supporters, associates and Barça fans from the whole American continent, coinciding with the preseason summer tour of the football team. On this occasion, the city of Miami, in the southern state of Florida, was lucky enough to accommodate what has now become a tradition, and there was an agenda of events on offer to suit every audience.
Emotion and eSports on the first day of the Pan-American Meeting The Pan-American Conference started with a warm and euphoric reception for the players of the FC Barcelona first team. It was a moment that will never be forgotten, as the players were all captured on the phones and cameras of the American fans. Once the effusive welcome was over, the party moved to the coastal city of Coral Gables, main base of the Penya Barcelonista Miami, who was in charge of the Pan-American Meeting together with the Supporters’ Clubs World Confederation. At Coral Gables, the blaugrana organisation had arranged a first day full of activities, which were aimed at the youngest attendees of the event. The highlight of the day was the celebration of a Penyes Futbol Games Tournament, in which around 50 gamers took part. All of them could enjoy the Pro Evolution Soccer 19 (PES19) videogame by the Japanese company Konami, while taking part in healthy and friendly competition. Many Club personalities attended to support the young participants, including Javier Bordas, member of the FC Barcelona Board of Directors; Josep
III Pan-American Supporters’ Club Conference
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Maria Barnils, officer responsible for the Social Commission; Juliano Belletti, Blaugrana ambassador and Barça Legends player; Antonio Freire, President of the World Federation; and Raúl Valdés, Mayor of Coral Gables.
Testimonies of the increasing popularity of the blaugrana philosophy around the world The next day, once the emotion of the previous day was managed, it was time to celebrate again thanks to the now well-established tradition that brings so much joy to American fans: the PanAmerican Meeting working session. 14 supporters’ clubs from the whole continent, including the United States, Mexico, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica were in attendance to hear Josep Maria Barnils’ emotional words. During his speech, the responsible of the Social Commission highlighted all the projects that FC Barcelona plans to carry out alongside the Supporters’ Clubs World Confederation. During the Pan-American Meeting, blaugrana speakers also wanted to emphasise the positive momentum experienced by the international supporters’ clubs movement over recent years, due to the intense and significant work that has been undertaken to transmit blaugrana values and philosophies around the world. It is a period of evolution that can be seen reflected in the figures: over the last four years, 50 supporters’ clubs have been established worldwide, which corresponds to a half the total number of international supporters’ clubs and positions the World Federation as one of the most important federations of the collective. Today, it has 134 supporters’ clubs and more than 22,000 supporters. With the confirmation of this good work the meeting room of this third Pan-American Supporters’ Club Meeting was filled with pride, as it demonstrated the importance of actions carried out by the American and blaugrana community. This collective continues to grow every day, and it is constantly welcoming new members who share the culé spirit and enthusiasm.
Juliano Belletti with supporters
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Barça euphoria with a Japanese accent The Japanese obsession with FC Barcelona has been made more than clear over the last few decades. That is why one of the most eagerly anticipated dates of the FC Barcelona preseason was the first team’s tour in the land of the Rising Sun. Coinciding with this tour, a meeting between the supporters’ club in Tokyo and a Catalan delegation was arranged, and it was attended by the most important figures in FC Barcelona, as well as some top Catalan and Japanese politicians.
the entire space. The delegates were also accompanied by representatives from the blaugrana and political world, including Teresa Basilio, Culture Delegate of the Club; Maria Àngels Chacón, Minister of Enterprise and Knowledge of the Government of Catalonia; and Lluís Gómez, Commissioner for Economic Promotion, Enterprise and Innovation for Barcelona City Council. Juliano Belletti, Club ambassador and member of Barça Legends, was also present.
The meeting took place on 22 July, when more than 200 members of Penya FC Barcelona Japan filled the Hotel Hyatt Regency with blaugrana colours in order to receive the culé delegation, led by President Josep Maria Bartomeu.
With emotions still running high, supporters witnessed with the utmost attention the opening speeches by Josep Maria Bartomeu and Hiroki Nakano, President of Penya FC Barcelona Japan. After the introductions, they proceeded to the traditional exchange of gifts between the two entities. Later, Jordi Cardoner, Pau Vilanova, Maria Àngels Chacón and Lluís Gómez joined the event for the traditional Japanese sake ceremony, and then, the solemn atmosphere gave way to celebration at a gathering dinner where true blaugrana passion with a Japanese accent filled the room.
The euphoria was in the air when Bartomeu, joined by the First Vice-President, Jordi Cardoner i Casaus; the CEO, Òscar Grau; and other FC Barcelona executives, such as Jaume Mas Ferrer, Jordi Moià, Pau Vilanova and Emili Rosaud entered through the doors of the hotel. The roar of the applause invaded
CENTENARY FC BARCELONA SUPPORTERS’ CLUBS MOVEMENT SINCE 1919
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First mention recorded of a “Penya Barcelonista” on an official FC Barcelona document of a Meeting at the grounds on Carrer Indústria
1972 1972
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First Supporters’ Clubs Meeting held at Montserrat, hosted by the Penya Blaugrana de Manresa
Nicolau Casaus, a huge promoter of the ‘penyes’ movement, becomes vice-president of FC Barcelona and director of the Social Area
1979
Official recognition of the Agrupació de Clubs i Penyes de Futbol, currently counting with 18 Barça supporters’ clubs
1978
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Inauguration of the Camp Nou with a parade of Barça Penyes Official recognition of Penya Solera, the oldest contemporary Barça Penya
Inauguration of the World Congress of Supporters’ Clubs at Montserrat, which is about to be held for the 40th time
European Cup Winners’ Cup Final in Basel produces first major mobilisation of supporters
Expansion of the ‘penyes’ movement to the rest of Spain with the European Cup Final at Wembley and the Dream Team among the key drivers
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Expansion of the ‘penyes’ movement internationally, with the global figure of Leo Messi and the many major trophies among the key drivers
Recognition of the Territorial Penya Federations to organise the movement by geographic regions
Creation of the Supporters’ Clubs World Confederation to foster the movement worldwide
2014
Expansion of the ‘penyes’ movement in Catalonia following the arrival of Diego Maradona and the famous “Urriti t’estimo” event
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2015
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Penyes Services Office (OAP) opens, thus forging closer bonds between the fans and FC Barcelona First issue of the Penyista Card to increase the sense of belonging to the Club
Centenary of the movement, with an everincreasing tally of 1,247 Supporters’ Clubs and 164,113 members around the world, the heart and soul of the Club
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1955
1919 Humans love anniversaries. And culés are no exception. Remembering this or that milestone, whether or not we were present, means to relive it, to review the experiences, the lessons it taught us. Today, supporters’ clubs have reached one hundred years. In 1919, just when Futbol Club Barcelona was on the verge of experiencing its first Golden Age, a ‘Penya Barcelonista’ (Supporters’ Club) appeared, hoping to organise a dance on the Carrer Indústria pitch for the Festival of Sant Jaume.
1919. Samitier
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Futbol Club Barcelona’s history is full of myths and legends, experiences passed on by word of mouth from parent to child in the communion of the blaugrana cause. Supporters’ clubs are equally unable to escape this history, which has been rigorously forged out of well-researched information by historians specialised in the over hundred-year trajectory of the Club. In this regard, they even talk of an earlier supporters’ club, named dels Apàtics (“of the disinterested”), of which no activities are known. Although it is obvious that, with that name, the members had somewhat of a sense of humour. The Catalan love for creating associations, proven so many times on so many different fronts meant that, in 1921, we learned of the Penya Continental. It comprised a selection of associates who wanted to reward the most outstanding footballers from the glory years of Samitier, Sancho, Torralba and their unforgettable teammates. Even before the Republic, supporters’ clubs were already a customary and familiar part of the FC Barcelona landscape. Thus, in 1924, under the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera, minutes from a Board of Directors meeting indicated their discomfort with the actions taken by Penya Esportiva Esquerra (“Left-wing Sporting Club”). The penya was given that name, not due to any political connotation, but because it had its headquarters on the left side of Barcelona’s Eixample neighbourhood.
el B 1944. “Avi d
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Peña Solera emblem
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1919. Stadium at Industria Str eet
In a quick overview of the past, the first existential chapter of supporters’ clubs could be ended after the Civil War, a jolt that could do nothing other than terminate any group activity of that kind. However, in 1944, during post-war precariousness, Penya Solera was born. It is one of the best-known supporters’ clubs due to their enormous activity and significance, and it was managed, during their existence, by such prominent figures of the movement as Nicolau Casaus. Just twelve years later, the Agrupació de Penyes i Clubs de Futbol del FC Barcelona was made official, formed by eighteen culé penyes at the time, and thereby giving rise to the second chapter of supporters’ clubs’ historical activity. The closing of this period falls precisely on the inauguration of Camp Nou in 1957. On the day of La Mercè Festival, when the stadium opened its doors for the first time, a large number of Catalan sporting clubs and supporters’ clubs paraded all across the Catalan territory, with a particular spotlight on the Barcelona-based club, Penya Solera, and their flag bearer, César Rodríguez. César was the great leader of the blaugrana team during the 40s and remained a guiding light for them until the arrival of another legend, László Kubala.
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1980
60’s. Casaus and bute to Ramallets at the tri a Peña Soler
In the present day, the World Congress of Supporters’ Clubs has reached their fortieth edition and is able to celebrate it with complete normality. The First Meeting of Supporters’ Clubs, however, had to contend with certain reluctance from the regime still present in the State. It was held on 16 July 1972, day of the Verge del Carme Festival, in the Monastery of Monserrat, under the organisation of Penya Blaugrana de Manresa. It laid the foundations to a new era that would definitively and unstoppably push the supporters’ clubs movement forward.
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The Meeting of Supporters’ Clubs in Montserrat gathered together around 10,000 people, all received by Abbot Cassià Just. The enthusiasm felt by the organisers of the Meeting in Montserrat superseded the precautions and suspicions of the representatives of the regime, fearful that the event would turn into a pro-Catalan outcry. By the end, Barça pride was the prevailing emotion, but among the characteristic rocks of the Montserrat scenery – and despite being still prohibited at the time – a few Catalan flags also appeared. The recovery of democracy in the same decade marked a positive turning point for the movement. In 1978, with Josep Lluís Núñez’s victory in the presidential elections, Nicolau Casaus was proclaimed Vice-President of FC Barcelona. That honour signified that responsibility and accountability for the Social Area fell on the shoulders of a personality that was completely connected to and sensitive towards supporters’ clubs. With the land fertilised by the Catalan trend for coming together, there was a clear path to growth, something which was expressed on the largest scale with the mobilisation of fans on the occasion of the 1979 European Cup Winners’ Cup final. It was just four decades ago when Barça were victorious in Basel against Germany’s Fortuna Düsseldorf. Experts consider that Cup Winners’ Cup as the first continental title in the Club’s modern history, an unsurpassed example of mass movement, well worth its own encyclopaedia entry. 30,000 FC Barcelona fans, with a strong presence of supporters’ clubs
1980. Huge suppor ters’ clubs mobilization for the Cup Winners’ Cup fina l at Basilea
Suppor Cong ress of st ir F . 2 7 9 1 tserrat Clubs at Mon
ters’
from both near and far, came to support the team in the best possible way. Even the Swiss authorities congratulated Barça for the civilized behaviour of that formidable crowd. Through the supporters’ clubs movement, you could almost say FC Barcelona received a “doctorate” in moving many thousands of supporters to wherever necessary, with the common denominators of exemplary behaviour and the display of fair play in sport. Over time, it would become a “speciality of the house”, an almost distinguishing feature of the culés. There has certainly been no slowing down or turning back. In the eighties, the movement experienced relentless expansion and supporters’ clubs exponentially mushroomed in the years of Maradona, Venables and the first Liga in eleven years, marked by Puyal’s celebrated and globally recognised “Urruti, t’estimo!” episode. Later, in Seville, 50,000 followers attended the European Cup final against Steaua of Bucharest, in which Barça were defeated. The strength of the supporters’ movement was more than present in those mass mobilisations, and with one common denominator: there were never any problems, not even the smallest demonstration of violence or behaviour that spectators in the stadium or the residents of the city could disapprove of in any way.
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Culés are familiar with the anecdote about Patrick Kluivert, just after he finished signing the contract with Barça. On a visit to the Museum, the Dutch striker innocently expressed his surprise when he realised that a club as enormous and famous as the blaugrana had only one Champions League in their display cases. Luckily, the trophies increased exponentially within a few years. After the year of the Olympics, in 1992, the panorama took a positive turn.
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1980. Expansion of the supporters’ clubs l level movement at nationa
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there’s a penya, something that is completely unrivalled by with any other sports club on the planet. A pinnacle Barça doesn’t share with anyone else, and that’s demonstrated in the figures.
ig 1992. The b
final at Wem
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In 2004, with the new millennium, the first official census of supporters’ clubs was carried out, along with the democratic globalisation of representatives and the creation of the FC Barcelona Supporters’ Clubs Advisory Council. Ten years later, in 2014, Barça broke new ground by becoming pioneers in identifying supporters with I.D. cards supplied by the Club itself. Just five years ago, a new chapter began with the modernisation of structures thanks to the creation of Federations of Supporters’ Clubs and, subsequently, the FC Barcelona Supporters’ Clubs World Confederation, which now governs the direction of this multitudinous phenomenon. Over a thousand “embassies” of the “Més que un Club” (“More than a club”) around the world: an unparalleled movement in the football sector. But at no point has it lost its romantic founding spirit, that complete integration of each penya in their local area and their social venues, just as Penya Continental aspired to in 1921, if we are looking for a historic benchmark among the pioneers that set the way forward.
Call it growth, internationalisation, globalisation, whatever you prefer. The fact is that supporters’ clubs continued to operate, and Wembley became a sort of pinnacle that marked a definitive before and after. The Champions League finally arrived, and the Dream Team, as they are so often called, involved a radical change of talent and – as the name indicates – gave us all hopes and dreams. We said goodbye to the fear of losing, substituting it with the certainty of victory, in believing in ourselves as winners and ridding ourselves of former fatalities. Little by little, Johan Cruyff and his philosophy set out the path to follow. In fact, he’s often called the model to follow. Beauty, aesthetics, passingbased football, faith in the reserve team and more growth. Unstoppable, without falling into triumphalism. In parallel, there were supporters’ clubs congresses all over Spain, whether Asturias, Murcia, Andalusia or Donosti. Another item for annals of history was the commencement of international meetings, which happened in 1997 in the Swiss town of Schaffhausen. Barça sparks admiration in every continent and it has millions of followers. First, captivated by Ronaldinho’s smile and, then, almost immediately, falling in love with an Argentinian that would soon be considered as the best footballer of all times. With Leo Messi, Pep Guardiola, Xavi, Iniesta and such a formidable generation for reference, the blaugrana movement is now completely international. Wherever you look on the map,
2000. Expansion of the suppor ters’ clubs movement at international lev el
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Present
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future
Today, there are 1,247 official supporters’ clubs registered by the Club all over the world. The number of supporters even outweighs associates (‘socis’) of the entity by around fifteen thousand members, and they now make up a formidable 164,113 people organised into 30 federations worldwide. The longest running association in Barça’s history was Penya Gol de Dalt, which started its journey in 1935 and finished it just five years ago. At that point, PB Castellar del Vallès, dating from 1953, took the baton.
The youngest support
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We’re continuing with those leaps forward that have been a constant over the last 120 years. Now, the supporters’ clubs movement is experiencing a process of metamorphosis that even the culés themselves aren’t aware of. The FC Barcelona Supporters’ Clubs World Confederation, presided by Antoni Guil i Román, has a strong presence in every place you can imagine, and it’s working to adapt itself to the rhythm of the times. Antoni Guil himself believes that “the Confederation hosts the headquarters of the supporters’ clubs social fabric that welcomes and brings together all the culés who want to form part of our Club. We’re proud to be a home for all, to be blaugrana brothers and to protect the huge family that our supporters’ clubs make up.” It’s not just about watching matches in the headquarters surrounded by other culés, it’s about organising traditional fraternity dinners or trips away to attend matches at Camp Nou. Now, those fundamental pillars in the historical activity of every penya are immersed in a process of transformation. The Confederation’s wish has become an ambition to create authentic “embassies” of Barça pride and that every culé location wherever it may be, becomes a meeting place that opens its arms to every associate, follower or supporter. Wherever they go, culés will have reference site: their Barça supporters’ club headquarters. As Salvador Torres, First Vice-President of the Confederation and responsible for the Social and Cultural Area, defines it:
2015. Constitution of the Suppor ters’ Clubs Council
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of l recognition 2013. Officia s on the Federati “Supporters’ clubs aspire to be a home for its members. It’s not just about members actively taking part in their supporters’ clubs, it’s about turning the headquarters into their home. Today, FC Barcelona fans are still not aware of the formidable worldwide projection of supporters’ clubs. With globalisation, Barça has become internationalised in a spectacular way.” The commitment to the changing times, to the increasingly significant growth of local and international penyes, has become more than evident. Associations want to renew themselves as a fundamental part of the Club’s soul, always driven by the presidents of the 30 Federations of Supporters’ Clubs and their boards of directors, under the supervision of Joan Camps, current CEO of the Confederation and the whole Executive Area. Now, the Confederation will dedicate the whole season to commemorating the centenary of supporters’ clubs and the different chapters mentioned in this text. A committee of experts proposed various initiatives to ensure that the centenary didn’t just start and finish last 24 July, but that it will continue over the coming months. On that date, we celebrated 100 years since the members of the Penya Barcelonista decided to dance on the Carrer Indústria pitch. Thinking towards the future, 2019 will have been a starting point that can be easily summarised: traditional supporters’ clubs headquarters will become, very soon and bit by bit, true “embassies” of Barça pride wherever they may be located. In Catalonia, Spain or any other location around the globe.
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PB TRINITAT VELLA Cohesion, solidarity and blaugrana dreams THE SUPPORTERS’ CLUB, BORN IN BARCELONA ON THE YEAR OF THE OLYMPICS, SAW ONE OF THEIR MEMBERS DEBUT IN THE RANKS OF THE FIRST TEAM ON THE 2006-2007 SEASON Barcelona had a special atmosphere in 1992. Excitement, emotion and pride filled the residents of a city preparing to host during the summer the World Olympic Games. That atmosphere of sporting festivity was the birthplace of Penya Barcelonista Trinitat Vella, a supporters’ club that made its first steps in May of the same year. A group of neighbours, friends and colleagues, united by blaugrana passion and inspired by the surrounding
25th anniversary of the supporters’ club
euphoria, decided to take the plunge and to set up the supporters’ club, which today has 220 members.
Three decades of blaugrana values in the neighbourhood Throughout its almost 30 years of life, the supporters’ club has skilfully combined sensitivity and sport: “Through football, and driven by the blaugrana colours, we carry out extremely necessary social work in our neighbourhood,” confirms Alfredo López, current president of PB Trinitat Vella and one of its founders. Since its beginnings, the organisation has been growing with the enthusiasm for using sport as a vehicle for the integration of the neighbourhood’s boys and girls, and it has made the Barça brand its own. Today, the supporters’ club has managed to put together a total of six football teams made up of 80 players: two in the U10s category, three in the U12 category and a football school for children aged 4 and 5. “We’re
Supporters at a veterans match
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The supporters’ club team transmits blaugrana values
trying to unite and integrate all young people using sport, no matter where they come from or what their family situation is,” states the President of the supporters’ club. With the aim of ensuring that every child has a chance to play on the pitch, PB Trinitat Vella awards grants to young people from families at risk of social exclusion, with help from the council, the Pere Manel Foundation and FC Barcelona itself. Thanks to this supporters’ club, the neighbourhood has adopted the values of sport, friendship, solidarity and fun throughout the whole year. In addition, the “Fantastic Summer” programme opens its doors during the summertime and provides grants to a number of children who get to enjoy a summer full of blaugrana spirit. This year was the eleventh edition of the programme.
United by one passion This supporters’ club, unyielding to the passing of time, has accumulated hundreds of activities, meetings, trips and memories. Among these events, there is one event
Supporters’ club members take part in a football tournament
that took place in 1997 that will remain in the hearts and minds of the supporters forever. At the end of June, PB Trinitat Vella members travelled to Madrid in two coaches full of nerves and the sounds of blaugrana songs. Their destination was Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and their objective was to cheer on their team to win the Copa del Rey match against Betis: “We won the Copa del Rey and we heard the Barça anthem played in the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium up to three different times,” remembers an emotional Alfredo. Barça have enjoyed the support of these loyal fans at countless matches, whether at Camp Nou, abroad or at their supporters’ club headquarters. However, there is one match in particular that animated the neighbourhood in a very special way: the début of one of their members, Jesús Olmo Lozano, in the FC Barcelona first team on the 2006-2007 season. Olmo joined FC Barcelona in the nineties and he played in all categories until Frank Rijkaard gave him his début. A blaugrana dream come true.
Penalty kick by a supporter on the Miniestadi annexe grounds
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“THREE DECADES OF BLAUGRANA VALUES IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD” PB TRINITAT VELLA Photo: Trinitat Park in Barcelona - Author: joan_bautista / Shutterstock.com
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“BLAUGRANA AT HEART AND CARING IN SPIRIT” PB MELILLA Photo: City walls, lighthouse and harbor in Melilla
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Blaugrana at heart and caring in spirit
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Blaugrana values both in and out of the pitch
AFTER 25 YEARS IN EXISTENCE, THE PENYA BARCELONISTA IN MELILLA HAS ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS ONE OF THE MOST ACTIVE AND CHARITABLE IN THE COUNTRY
Two years after its creation, the supporters’ club was made official and became part of the history of the dream club. In the beginning, there were just 40 fans who gathered in a venue of less than 7 sqm. Nowadays, over two decades later, PB Melilla has over 300 members who meet at a 240 sqm head office that trembles with each FC Barcelona match and celebrates each victory as if it were against their arch-rival.
A quarter of a century ago, a group of friends from Melilla passionately followed the matches of a team that played far from their home. A team with which they did not share a city, a province, not even a region, but, strangely enough, they felt a connection with, and they felt compelled to celebrate their victories and regret their defeats; that team was FC Barcelona. When they realised that some of their neighbours also felt that very same passion, they decided to create a supporters’ club in 1994. And that’s how, alongside Francisco Javier Martínez and Juan Carlos Martínez, current president and vice president of the supporters’ club, PB Melilla was born.
Despite its long history, the supporters’ enthusiasm and activity has never diminished. And, in addition to traditional activities in support of the Club, such as trips away and meet-ups, PB Melilla also has a sports area with a total of 16 football and Futsal teams, two of which play in the Top Divison of the Youth League. These teams have won this championship in Andalusia for four seasons, and they even had the opportunity to face the blaugrana team in the semi-finals. As well as sporting activities, the supporters’ club is also heavily involved in combating the
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13th Congress of Supporters’ Clubs from Andalusia, Ceuta and Melilla
social problems that affect citizens of their region and they organise various events to that end. Through football, the supporters participate in a social insertion programme for foreign minors being hosted in Andalusia, and they also collaborate with every possible activity for the promotion of solidarity in the region. In addition, each Christmas the supporters’ club actively takes part in the collection of toys for the “No Child Without a Toy” programme. They also promote the fight against cancer, collect food for food banks and organise activities against gender violence.
Tant se val d’on venim One of the most passionately remembered days by the supporters’ club is the 12th Congress of Supporters’ Clubs of the Federation Andalucia, Ceuta y Melilla, an event that gave PB Melilla supporters the opportunity to share experiences and blaugrana emotion with the President of FC Barcelona, Josep Maria Bartomeu;
Fans travel to support Barça
Board Member and Responsible for Supporters’ Clubs, Pau Vilanova; and the President of the Supporters’ Clubs World Confederation, Antoni Guil. The event was also attended by the supporters’ club ambassador and former player Ricardo Serna, as well as his teammates Asensi and Nayim. All in all –and despite the kilometres that separate Barcelona from Melilla– it’s one of the most culé supporters’ clubs in the whole country. So much so, that they even have the ability to convert fans of their eternal rivals. “We have many anecdotes in our supporters’ club, but the most outstanding and hard to believe fact is the conversion of various Real Madrid fans”, as confirms Francisco Javier Martínez, President of PB Melilla. On the occasion of the Sextuple, and thanks to the exquisite football style of FC Barcelona, several Real Madrid fans decided to dye their hearts of blaugrana spirit and sign up to PB Melilla, where they are still members today.
An indoor football team from PB Melilla
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FAN CLUB BARÇA POLSKA A 2,000-kilometre distance, but exactly the same feeling THE POLISH ASSOCIATION HAS EXPERIENCED UNPRECEDENTED GROWTH: IT STARTED OUT WITH JUST 70 SUPPORTERS BUT NOW, 19 YEARS LATER, IT HAS AMASSED OVER ONE THOUSAND Many years ago, a group of Polish friends began meeting up, full of excitement, in order to watch FC Barcelona matches together. Despite the distance, they all felt a connection to the Club’s tradition, values and playing style. What they didn’t know was that the Barça seed had already been planted, and that it would give them a colour, a euphoria and a sense of solidarity that, over time, would become a part of their lives. Being aware that they weren’t the only ones in the country following every step of the blaugrana team with such enthusiasm, the group of
PB Polska at the Supporters’ Club Meeting in Manchester
friends decided to create the first FC Barcelona supporters’ club in Poland. Their objective was to bring together all those people who shared that same emotion and passion, match after match. And that’s how Fan Club Barça Polska was born in 2005.
A distance shortened by emotion The formation of the first Polish supporters’ club didn’t happen overnight; it was the result of the combined effort of the many Barça fans who wanted to share their passion. As a result of their commitment, the supporters’ club was made official one year after its creation. In 2006, the organisation was recognised as a penya by FC Barcelona. According to their President, Pawel Kolodziejski, one of the defining characteristics of Fan Club Barça Polska is the growth they’ve experienced: “It was created thanks to 70 blaugrana fans and, today, membership numbers have reached over one thousand”, he commented with pride. In fact, thanks to this constant growth, it has become one of the supporters clubs
Polish supporters at Camp Nou
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Supporters’ club members visit the FC Barcelona facilities in 2015
with the greatest number of members, with over 1,500 blaugrana fans. At 2,000 kilometres from Barcelona, Fan Club Barça Polska unites culé fans from all corners of the country who have made the blaugrana colours their own, and who have been part of the history of this goldstandard Club for almost two decades.
An unstoppable supporters’ club Like all supporters’ clubs, the Polish organisation enjoys watching their team play. Nevertheless, getting everyone together for the occasion is a real challenge for them: “We take into account the fact that the supporters’ club has members all over the country and, for that reason, we don’t often organise official events for watching matches. They are organised on a local level instead; our members organise their own meet-ups in small groups”, explains Kolodziejski. However, this dynamic changes every time FC Barcelona faces their arch-rival: “When El Clásico is coming up, we choose a city and we organise a huge get together, not just to watch the match, but also to revitalise activities for supporters across the whole weekend”, he adds. This initiative has previously brought together more Fans support Barça at Orlen Arena
than 300 blaugrana fans at the same time, and it is growing year on year.
Following the Club with emotion The supporters’ club considers itself one of the most active in the whole movement. And, with no doubt, it is so. It has its own football team that often organises tournaments for its members. It also promotes fifteen trips away every year to support the first team, primarily for Champions League matches. Those journeys strengthen the bonds of the supporters club and it gives the fans an opportunity to experience something truly special. Some of those tours will remain forever engraved in the memory of Polish fans. For example, the journey made by the organisation in 2009, when they visited Camp Nou to watch the first team play against Seville, in a match which saw the scoreboard swing in favour of the blaugranas with an explosive 4-0. “The result, the emotion and everything we experienced on that tour made the 27-hour bus trip there and the 27-hour bus trip back worth it,” recalls the President, highly satisfied once again. Supporters club headquarters packed with participants
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“A DISTANCE SHORTENED BY EMOTION” FAN CLUB BARÇA POLSKA Photo: Royal Castle and old town at sunset, Warsaw
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OCTOBER 2019
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Torelló
• Els carrers de Torelló s’omplen de gratitud i orgull blaugrana
Santa Cruz de la Zarza
• Castella-La Manxa es tenyeix de blaugrana per celebrar l’onzena trobada de les seves penyes
Igualada
• Més de 200 igualadins units per una celebració
AN ACTIVE MOVEMENT The FC Barcelona supporters club movement is present in all five continents and continues to grow. To emphasise its presence, supporters clubs organise hundreds of events throughout the year. In this section we’ll highlight some of the latest events:
Barcelona
• Quatre finals plenes d’emocions blaugranes
Ciutadella
• La setena Penya Barcelonista més gran del món celebra el seu aniversari
Moscou
• La Penya Osos Rusos BarçaFest aplega més de 2.000 persones a la ciutat de Moscou
Castelló
• Anniversary and Meeting of Supporters’ Clubs in Castelló
44 BLAUGRANES
OCTOBER 2019
TORELLÓ June, blaugrana month
The streets of Torelló burst with gratitude and blaugrana pride OVER 150 PEOPLE SHOWED THEIR CULÉ SPIRIT IN ALL ITS GLORY DURING THE CELEBRATIONS ORGANISED BY THE FEDERATION OF SUPPORTERS’ CLUBS IN OSONA AND RIPOLLÈS On Sunday 30 June, supporters’ clubs from Osona and Ripollès celebrated their 16th Meeting and the 45th Anniversary of Penya Blaugrana de Torelló. The day full of events and activities began at midday with a reception to welcome Marçal Ortuño, Mayor of Torelló Council, and FC Barcelona representatives Dídac Lee, FC Barcelona Board Member responsible for the Digital Area; and Juan Manuel Asensi, former player and member of
Attendees inaugurate the commemorative plaque during the working session
the Associació Barça Jugadors. Then, there was the traditional exchange of gifts between the Mayor and the Board Member Dídac Lee. Later, there was a parade around the town’s sports area, making a stop to discover the plaque in commemoration of the 16th Meeting of the Federation of Supporters’ Clubs in Osona and Ripollès and the 45th Anniversary of the Penya Blaugrana de Torelló. Another highlight of the day was when speeches in honour of the supporters’ clubs were given by representatives such as Francesc Xavier Canudas, President of the host federation and the supporters’ club being honoured; Juan Manuel Asensi, former player and member of the ABJ; and Gerard Figueras, Secretary General of Sport and Physical Activity of the Catalan Government, in addition to those previously mentioned. They all expressed their pride and gratitude towards the members that, day after day, make it possible for the Federation of Supporters’ Clubs in Osona and Ripollès to go from strength to strength. At the end of the speeches, supporters received a series of gifts and enjoyed a commemorative meal before an emotional close to the day.
45 BLAUGRANES
OCTOBER 2019
Supporters’ clubs participating in the 11th Meeting of the Federation of Castilla-La Mancha
SANTA CRUZ DE LA ZARZA Weekend meeting and inauguration
Castilla-La Mancha tints blaugrana colours to celebrate the eleventh meeting of local supporters’ clubs MORE THAN 400 SUPPORTERS GATHERED IN SANTA CRUZ DE LA ZARZA TO COMMEMORATE THE CULÉ PASSION THAT BOTH UNITES AND REPRESENTS THEM More than 400 supporters belonging to 50 associations from all over Spain gathered on 15 June in Santa Cruz de la Zarza to celebrate the 11th Meeting of Supporters’ Clubs of the Federation of Castilla-La Mancha, organised by PB La Bota. The event was attended by FC Barcelona Board Member, Marta Plana; former player and member of the ABJ, Pere
Valentí Mora; and the President of the Federation of CastillaLa Mancha, Daniel Peinado; and the President of the host supporters’ club, Angel València. The celebration was marked by various events that heightened the blaugrana emotion, starting with a welcome lunch where all attendees had the opportunity to catch up with old acquaintances. After eating, attendees grouped together by supporters’ club ready for the traditional parade of flags, in which each organisation showed off their colours with great enthusiasm. Before the commemorative meal, the supporters’ club responsible for organising the event wanted to inaugurate their new headquarters with an aperitif for all attendees. After the meal and dessert, fans enjoyed a talk on all the latest blaugrana news with journalist Joan Poquí, who moderated the presentation by Quim Domènech and Carles Fité. The evening was rounded off with a commemorative dinner headed by Board Member Marta Plana. And to finish, there was the traditional cutting of the cake, speeches and family photographs. The presentation of gifts to all supporters was the grand finale to a day that was so eagerly awaited by everyone involved.
46 BLAUGRANES
OCTOBER 2019
IGUALADA Six decades of history
THE EVENT WAS ATTENDED BY JORDI CARDONER, FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE FC BARCELONA, WHO STRESSED THE STRONG BONDS THAT TIE HIM BOTH TO THE SUPPORTERS’ CLUB AND TO THE REGION OF ANOIA
and largest supporters’ clubs in the Federation of Anoia, Alt Penedès and El Garraf. Over two hundred supporters wanted to celebrate the anniversary alongside Jordi Cardoner i Casaus, First Vice-President of FC Barcelona, who has strong ties to the supporters’ club and to the town of Igualada. The event was also attended by former player and member of the ABJ, Ramon Maria Calderé; President of the town’s supporters’ club, Antoni Claramunt; President of the Federation of Supporters’ Clubs in Anoia, Alt Penedès and El Garraf, Jaume Múria; President of the Ateneu Igualadí, Antoni Codina; and the town’s First Deputy Mayor, Carme Riera. One of the day’s most honoured guests was Nicolau Casaus, former Barça Vice-President and grandfather of the current First Vice-President. Jordi Cardoner recalled that his grandfather had been a member of Igualada’s football team for many years and he also highlighted the strong connections between this historic blaugrana figure and the Ateneu.
On 29 June, Igualada was dressed in its finest for the 60th anniversary of the local supporters’ club, Penya Barcelonista d’Igualada. With over 320 members, it is one of the oldest
Later, there was an exchange of gifts between the institution representatives and, once that was over, attendees enjoyed an anniversary meal full of excitement and joy.
More than 200 residents of Igualada united by one celebration
First Vice-President, Jordi Cardoner i Casaus, leading the cutting of the cake
47 BLAUGRANES
OCTOBER 2019
Players from all Association categories at Auditori 1899
BARCELONA Tribute to future football stars
Four finals full of blaugrana emotion THE AGRUPACIÓ DE FUTBOL DE CLUBS I PENYES DEL FC BARCELONA KNOCKOUT STAGES CONGREGATED MORE THAN 200 PLAYERS IN THE U10, U12 AND U14 CATEGORIES Young football players from different supporters clubs met face-to-face on Saturday 29 June in the finals of the Agrupació de Futbol de Clubs i Penyes del FC Barcelona, which saw teams taking part in the U10, U12 and U14 categories. The eagerly anticipated finals took place on the Miniestadi annex pitches. First up were the U10: UB Catalonia and PB Cervelló played in this 33rd edition of the final. The U12
were involved in the 52nd edition of their tournament, which culminated in two grand finals: CB Terlanka against PB Cinc Copes and PB Villaverde against PB Ramon Llorens. The oldest players were last on the bill of this sportive day: players in the U14 category from PB Collblanc and PB Hospitalet fought for victory in the 39th final of this tournament. Once all four finals were completed it was time for the awards. The Auditorium 1899 was the setting for the prize giving, a ceremony which was attended by some important figures, such as Pau Vilanova, FC Barcelona Board Member; Juliano Belletti, former player, FC Barcelona ambassador and member of Barça Legends; Paco Clos, former Barça player and member of the ABJ; and Lluís Monràs, President of the Agrupació de Futbol de Clubs i Penyes del FC Barcelona. To round off the day, tribute was paid to the Agrupació team, a selection of players who stand out in the Agrupació de Futbol de Clubs i Penyes. Oscar Coca, Coordinator of Barça Academy, presented each player with a commemorative shirt printed with their initials.
48 BLAUGRANES
OCTOBER 2019
CIUTADELLA 35 years of welcoming supporters
The seventh largest supporters’ club in the world celebrates its anniversary JORDI CARDONER, FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT OF FC BARCELONA, JOINED SUPPORTERS FROM CIUTADELLA ON THEIR MOST SPECIAL EVENING FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR
First vicepresident Jordi Cardoner delivering a gift to Carles Gener, president of the PB Ciutadella
On Saturday 10 August, the Club Nàutic Ciutadella hosted a commemorative dinner for PB Ciutadella’s 35th anniversary. With 1,080 members, it’s the second largest supporters’ club on the Balearic Islands and the seventh largest in the world. The evening was graced with the presence of Jordi Cardoner i Casaus, First Vice-President of FC Barcelona, who was attending this important date for Menorca residents for the second year in a row. The supporters’ club has a very special meaning for the blaugrana executive, since it was his grandfather, Nicolau Casaus, who officialised the foundation of the organisation. Many other important names were also present to celebrate with supporters on such an emotional date, including Miquel Soler, former FC Barcelona player and current player for Barça Legends; Carles Gener, President of the supporters’ club being honoured; Joaquim Todo, Vice-President of the Federation of Supporters’ Clubs on the Balearic Islands; and many other representatives from the blaugrana supporters’ clubs movement, as well as local personalities and politicians.
49 BLAUGRANES
OCTOBER 2019
Representatives from FC Barcelona and the supporters’ club movement taking part in the celebration
MOSCOW Sport and solidarity in Russia
Penya Osos Rusos BarçaFest brings together over 2,000 people in Moscow THE FESTIVAL COMBINES SPORT AND A STRONG DOSE OF SOLIDARITY, WITH THE DONATION OF ONE MILLION ROUBLES TO KONSTANTIN KHABENSKY’S CHARITY FUND Last 7 September, the air in the city of Moscow was filled with blaugrana passion. Penya Osos Rusos BarçaFest, organised by the 174 members of this Russian supporters’ club, attracted over 2,000 people. Other blaugrana associations such as PB Sant Petersburg and PB Barçamania Moscow also joined in this grand celebration. The event was attended by personalities from the blaugrana world, such as the President of the Supporters’ Clubs World Confederation, Antoni Guil; the Executive responsible for the Social Commission, Josep M. Barnils; President of the World
Federation, Antonio Freire; Technical Director of the Barça Academy in Moscow, Jordi Gratacós; and various La Liga Santander representatives in Russia. Over the course of the day, tribute was paid to the supporters’ club who organised the event through a series of activities, talks and the presentation of gifts and, despite being thousands of kilometres away from Catalonia, the blaugrana spirit was more than evident. The day began with a breakfast for all attendees in order to build up strength for the day of sport that lay ahead. Then, the youngest members showed off their talents with the ball in a tournament, while adults challenged each other in friendly matches. Participants’ nerves and physical effort were later rewarded with a big paella meal that was concluded with an exchange of gifts between representatives of the Club and the supporters’ club. The most important event of the day was the donation of one million Russian roubles (equivalent to 13,840 euros) to Konstantin Khabensky’s Charity Fund, an organisation that provides financial aid to children in need of cancer treatment and funds research into other neurological diseases. The day was concluded with a gala dinner that was highlighted by musical performances, smiles on all faces and a true atmosphere of solidarity.
50 BLAUGRANES
OCTOBER 2019
CASTELLÓ 25 years in existence
Anniversary and Meeting of Supporters’ Clubs in Castelló FC BARCELONA SUPPORTERS’ CLUBS IN CASTELLÓ ENJOYED TWO DAYS FULL OF BLAUGRANA EVENTS WITH IMPORTANT GUESTS On the 7 and 8 June, the Valencian town of Castelló was tinted blaugrana ready to host two days of festivities led by local supporters’ clubs. Blaugrana fans commemorated the 21st Meeting of Supporters’ Clubs in Castelló, which coincided with the 25th anniversary of the PB de Sueras. The celebration kicked off on Friday evening, when the President of Sueras
Dozens of supporters enjoy a commemorative meal to bring the day to a close
supporters’ club welcomed former players and members of the Associació Barça Jugadors, Ramón María Calderé and Ricardo Serna. They both took part in a colloquium together with sports journalist, Joan Poquí, and President of the Federation of Supporters’ Clubs in Castelló, Joaquim Grífol. The evening was concluded with a meal attended by around fifty people, including representatives from 20 different supporters’ clubs. On the next day, supporters set in motion an agenda full of activities in homage to the organising entities. At 10:30, events began with the arrival of Josep Maldonado, Patron of the Barça Foundation, and the day extended into the evening, when it was time to bid farewell to all those present. Of course, it was a goodbye that came with the anticipation of meeting again next year in this ideal setting where the residents of Castelló can share their passion for the blaugrana colours.