The Castellón Provincial Council has announced a significant investment of 451,000 euros for the renovation of the El Olivar football field in Caudiel. This project, which includes the installation of artificial turf and optimization of the irrigation system, aims to enhance sports facilities in the Alto Mijares and Alto Palancia regions.
The president of the provincial institution, Marta Barrachina, attended the "Gol a la Despoblación" (Goal Against Depopulation) Tournament this Saturday, held at the sports venue. Barrachina emphasized that "sport is a powerful tool against rural depopulation" and that the field's improvement will significantly enhance user safety and enjoyment, eliminating the need for travel to other municipalities.
The agreement between the Provincial Council and the Caudiel City Council focuses on installing artificial turf and improving irrigation efficiency. The president stressed the provincial government's commitment to ensuring "accessible, dignified, safe, and modern" sports facilities in all municipalities, highlighting that "sport is life, health, and well-being".
This initiative is part of the fight against depopulation, as the planned improvements will facilitate greater local sports participation. "Faced with rural depopulation, sport becomes a strategic tool capable of generating community, well-being, and local dynamism," remarked Marta Barrachina, adding that "sport creates roots, and when a town offers active leisure opportunities, it becomes a more attractive place to live".
The youth academy of Club Atlético Caudiel includes players from municipalities such as Caudiel, Viver, Benafer, Montán, Montanejos, and Cortes de Arenoso. The project funded by the Provincial Council aims to make the field an "inter-regional" space usable by other sports clubs. Through this action, the institution reinforces its commitment to promoting sports practice as an educational and inclusive tool.
The El Olivar field hosted the fourth edition of the "Gol a la Despoblación" Trophy, a sporting event that champions the slogan that sport is a vital engine for keeping small rural municipalities active and united.
