Atlético Tales revive Castellón’s last dirt-pitch refuge, vow not to disappear again | OneFootball

Atlético Tales have been brought back to life, restoring senior football to the village and preserving Castellón’s last home ground on a dirt pitch.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the push began in early 2024 after a meeting with local youngsters, led by captain Juanfran, who is also the town’s sports councillor. The team had not competed since 2011, and volunteers rebuilt far more than a squad, reviving the pitch and renewing the long-dormant electrics.

A few kilometres from Onda, the 827-strong community has reclaimed a favourite ritual on earth rather than grass. The surface produces erratic bounces and, in rain, heavy mud, a test that visiting sides often struggle to handle.

Backed by more than 200 members and local sponsors, the club say the atmosphere is lively and families have embraced the team. Children swap Barça or Real Madrid shirts for Atlético Tales colours, and the Frente Montí adds noise home and away.

The ground’s novelty draws neutral fans, including groups from Onda who come whenever there is a home game. Castellón forward Raúl Sánchez has dropped in to watch, and the father of Celta de Vigo’s Williot Swedberg has also taken in a match.

After 14 years out, the side finished ninth in their first season back, re-establishing themselves locally. A summer football 8 tournament with Serra d’Espadà towns encouraged talk, from Juanfran, that youth teams could follow.

The overriding aim is continuity rather than chasing league positions. The club are asking the Diputación de Castellón and the Conselleria for support to deliver a modern pitch so the project endures.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”