Club chaplain visits Mestalla

Father Álvaro Almenar, recently appointed as chaplain of Valencia CF, visited Mestalla recently for the latest food drive run by the club and the Banco de Alimentos. Whilst at the stadium, he was given a tour by club president Anil Murthy and executive director Joey Lim, as well as talking to VCF MEDIA about his passion for the club.

"Our beloved Valencia CF is an historic club, with over 100 years of history and deep roots in the traditions of Valencia. They have one of the traditions common to the biggest clubs in Spain, which is having a club chapel," he explained.

"Historically, this chapel has always been here. It's for if the players want to pray before they go out to play, or ask the Virgin Mary for her protection. It's almost located on the 'runway' for the players on the home and away teams, as well as the officials, to go out for the game."

On his own fandom for the club, Father Almenar said: "My passion for Valencia CF goes back to my childhood. I was born in Valencia and at home we always followed the local traditions.

"I remember that, as a kid, we went to Valencia CF games. My grandfather was a member, and with the ticket for the 'Tribuna' section we went to the 'General' standing section, because there was more of an atmosphere and more young people there.

"I'm convinced that, during a game, if you said over the soundsystem "Please, can all priests raise their hands," you'd be surprised at how many of us there are."

Speaking on his role at the club, he said that "I offer a spiritual service to the club. I pray for them and also collaborate with whatever I can. As a Valencianista, this means collaborating with a place that you love, so there is even more emphasis on the collaboration."