Rafael Louzán meets with football and futsal club representatives from Aragon

On the eve of the grand final of the Copa de la Reina Iberdrola, which takes place this Saturday in Huesca, a meeting of clubs from Aragon was held at the historic Patio de la Infanta, part of the Fundación Ibercaja in Zaragoza.

The event, organised by the Royal Aragonese Football Federation, brought together more than forty football and futsal clubs from various regional and national divisions in Aragon, along with the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Rafael Louzán, and the president of the RFAF, Manuel Torralba. Also in attendance were RFEF vice-president Sergio Merchán and director general Manuel Lalinde.

In his opening remarks, Rafael Louzán congratulated the Aragonese clubs on their hard work, citing historical achievements from clubs such as CD Teruel and SD Tarazona. In a format open to dialogue and participation, the RFEF president addressed the concerns of club representatives, stating: “You are the reason we can come together and talk about football. Spanish football owes a debt of gratitude to the grassroots leaders. I want to recall my friend Óscar Fle and many others from the football world whom I fondly recall. It’s our duty to be close to the clubs, to listen, and to assess whether we are on the right path. I’m pleased that the Copa de la Reina final is being held in Aragon because this region has shown us great support. We’ve come here to get things done and to serve, not just to be present. I sincerely thank you all for being here today and for bringing issues in Aragonese football to the table.”

For his part, president Manuel Torralba emphasised: “This is a special occasion, with the top representative of Spanish football visiting us. That’s why we’re in a welcoming and historic setting. We’re here together to share our concerns and improve Spanish football.”

Topics of interest raised included sports infrastructure, the reality of grassroots and youth football, visibility for women’s football and futsal, labour relations in sectors such as coaching, and the need for effective communication between clubs and federations to improve the running of competitions. “Everyone is included; I want you to know you are welcome to take part in all forums working towards improvement,” Louzán affirmed.

At the end of the forum, RFAF president Manuel Torralba presented Rafael Louzán with a sculpture inspired by the Virgin of the Pillar as a memento of the meeting with Aragonese clubs.