The devastating floods that hit Valencia, Spain, in late October 2024 have left a lasting impact on the region's football community. From the destruction of local club stadiums to the tragic loss of life, the disaster has shaken the very foundations of the sport in the area. Yet, in the face of such adversity, the football community has rallied together, demonstrating the power of unity and resilience in the face of overwhelming challenges.

A Rallying Cry for Solidarity and Reconstruction

The Devastation at Paiporta

The small town of Paiporta, home to CF Paiporta of the Primera FFCV division, has been one of the hardest-hit areas. The club's El Palleter stadium, a cherished second home for many, has been reduced to a wasteland of mud, debris, and shattered dreams. Club delegate and press officer Mari Carmen Sanchis, her voice trembling with emotion, describes the heartbreak of witnessing the stadium's destruction. "This stadium was built by so much work from so many people. We've celebrated promotions, suffered relegations, everything. But this is the hardest thing. We're going to have to start again from zero. It's very bad, very sad, a nightmare."

The Wider Impact on Local Clubs

The floods have taken a heavy toll on the region's football infrastructure, with installations at more than 60 local clubs affected, impacting over 1,000 different teams and around 20,000 players. Union Deportiva Balompie Alfafar, another club in the area, has seen its ground completely ruined, now serving as a dumping ground for the debris collected from nearby homes and streets. "Our ground is completely ruined," says UDB Alfafar president Manuel Visiedo. "It's being used now as a dump for the rubbish collected from houses and streets. It's all being crushed and baled to be taken away. The stadium... we'll have to start again from scratch."

The Call for Financial Assistance

The scale of the destruction has left the local football community in dire need of financial assistance to rebuild. Federacio de Futbol de la Comunitat Valenciana president Salva Gomar has estimated that at least €20 million will be required to help clubs in the region recover. "Through the crisis committee, I've requested financial assistance for a recovery plan to rebuild the destroyed stadiums," Gomar explains. "Many professional clubs are ready to help with this. It will take a long time — cleaning up and rebuilding. The federation's objective is to return optimism and joy to the kids, by getting them playing football again."

The Importance of Sport in the Healing Process

As the community grapples with the aftermath of the floods, the role of sport in the healing process has become increasingly evident. Manises CF coach Santi Marin acknowledges that "nobody has wanted to think about football" in the wake of the disaster, as people have lost friends, colleagues, and former teammates. However, he believes that "in the end, you need to return to your routine. Sport can be a positive way to decompress, to escape, clear your head. In the end, football can help people a lot."

The Outpouring of Support from the Football Community

The football community has rallied together to support those affected by the floods. Professional clubs like Levante UD and Valencia CF have organized donation drives, collecting and distributing essential supplies to the impacted areas. Players and staff have also joined the volunteer efforts, with Levante captain Vicente Iborra and former Valencia players Robert Fernandez and David Albelda among those who have lent a hand in the cleanup efforts. Iborra emphasizes the importance of the football community coming together to provide financial and practical assistance, stating, "Professional football can help a lot. Social actions can raise money to repair many things. Many people are showing solidarity — in Valencia, Spain, all over the world."

The Anger Towards the Authorities

The slow and perceived inadequate response from local and regional authorities has fueled anger among the affected communities. When Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia visited Paiporta, they were met with mud being thrown at them, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Valencian regional president Carlos Mazon were greeted with shouts of "murderers" and "get out." Many locals feel that the authorities were more concerned with avoiding blame than taking responsibility and providing the necessary support.

The Path Forward: Rebuilding with Resilience

As the community grapples with the aftermath of the floods, the road to recovery will be long and arduous. However, the football community in Valencia has demonstrated a remarkable resilience and determination to rebuild. With the support of the broader football ecosystem, both locally and nationally, the affected clubs and their supporters are committed to restoring the joy and optimism of the sport in the region. Through collective efforts and a shared sense of purpose, the football community in Valencia is poised to emerge from this tragedy stronger and more united than ever before.