Rafael Louzán attends the Murcia Football Federation Centenary Gala

The FFRM held its main Centenary celebration event on 8 May with an gala honouring athletes from the Region for their outstanding careers and paying tribute to the past, present and future of regional football, futsal and beach football.

The event featured speeches by the President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, Rafael Louzán; José Miguel Monje, President of the FFRM, and Fernando López Miras, President of the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia.

In addition, various tributes were paid to prominent figures in regional and national football.

The President of the RFEF, Rafael Louzán, presented a diploma and a commemorative medal marking the FFRM’s one hundred years of history to José Miguel Monje. He also presented awards to Elia María Martínez, a First Division women's referee; José María Sánchez Martínez, an international referee; and former referee María Dolores Martínez Madrona.

Louzán, in his congratulatory remarks praised the work of the Football Federation of the Region of Murcia: “I know all that is being done in this wonderful region, and how football is growing every day, with an extraordinary number of coaching licences. Football is lived here in every sense. On the other hand, the business collaboration that exists with sport in the Region is crucial, and that is the way forward. I will remember today as a day to cherish. Congratulations to all the award winners; you are now part of the legacy of football in Murcia.”

For his part, José Miguel Monje recalled the origins and history of the Federation, recollecting prominent coaches, male and female football, futsal and beach football players: “Football is a school of life, and that is why the Federation would not be what it is without its vocation of service to society that our people have shown. I also want to thank Rafael Louzán for his presence. He is the best ally of football in Murcia. Today, the Spanish Federation is the mirror in which all football can see itself.”

The President of the Regional Government, Fernando López Miras, addressed the President of the FFRM: “José Miguel, you have brought the Federation and football in the Region of Murcia to a remarkable level, and at the same time, you have never forgotten the crucial role you have given to social initiatives, to improving our society through the power of football.”

In the beach football category, Chiky Ardil, Cristian Méndez (national coach) and Alejandro Ojaos Valera (international referee) were presented awards for their outstanding careers. The Lorca-born Laura Gallego was also recognised.

In futsal, José Miguel Monje presented awards to Alejandro Martínez Flores, best futsal referee; Mayte Mateo, player for STV Roldán; Juanjo Angosto, goalkeeper for ElPozo Murcia Costa Cálida; and Margarita Cuberos, a pioneer of women’s futsal in the Region.

Also honoured were former coach Vicente Carlos Campillo, World Champion with the Spanish women's team Eva Navarro, and José Antonio Camacho, recognised as Ambassador of the FFRM.

The Centenary commemorations have brought major sporting events to the Region throughout the season, including matches by the Spanish national football and futsal teams — both male and female — as well as top-level competitions such as the Copa de la Reina and the Spanish Futsal Cup. A national congress on Mental Health has also been held.

Users of the Aidemar Association, an organisation that works with people with intellectual disabilities, were responsible for handcrafting the awards presented. The pieces represent the Centenary logo of the FFRM and symbolise the values of inclusion, effort and hard work.