Calpe City FC Announces Closure, Impacting Youth Football in Gibraltar

Calpe City FC, a youth development football club based in Gibraltar, has announced its decision to shut down operations at the end of the current season. The closure of the club, which was formed after the demise of Gibraltar United, will impact around 100 young players who were part of its academy program.

The Gibraltar Football Association (GFA) has responded to the announcement by offering assurances to safeguard the affected players. In a meeting with Calpe City FC's founders, the GFA expressed its commitment to working in the best interests of the children and the development of youth football in Gibraltar.

Calpe City FC had been facing challenges in obtaining full membership in the GFA, despite being allowed to participate in the association's youth leagues. The GFA had engaged experts from FIFA and UEFA to explore options for incorporating youth members, and communicated these findings to the club, suggesting potential paths forward such as merging with an existing GFA member or submitting a new application for full membership.

In 2023, Calpe City FC informed the GFA that they had reached an agreement with Europa Point FC, an existing GFA member, to integrate their youth teams. However, a dispute over the terms of the agreement has now led to the decision to close the club.

Why this matters: The closure of Calpe City FC raises concerns about the current voting system in Gibraltar football, which some have described as a monopoly held by existing clubs, making it difficult for new entities to join. The impact on the young players who were part of the club's outstanding development program, which included international tournaments and professional nutrition courses, highlights the need for a more inclusive and supportive environment for youth football in Gibraltar.

The announcement has received support from the Gibraltar sports community, with calls for the GFA to intervene and allow the club to continue its operations. The GFA has reassured concerned parents, guardians, and carers that it will work to ensure the players can continue playing football. As one of the club's founders stated, "All we wanted was to provide our kids with the best possible environment to develop and enjoy the game they love, an environment that they deserve."

Key Takeaways

• Calpe City FC, a Gibraltar youth football club, is shutting down operations.
• The closure will impact around 100 young players in the club's academy.
• GFA is working to safeguard the affected players and support youth football.
• Calpe City FC faced challenges in obtaining full GFA membership despite participation.
• The closure raises concerns about the voting system and inclusivity in Gibraltar football.