Football field in Charco del Pino: playing on a minefield for 850,000 euros

The football field in Charco del Pino, in Granadilla de Abona, has been in terrible condition for years. It has many problems and is poorly maintained. Playing there has become simply hazardous to health.

The local club has many youth teams, a women's team, and even a regional team that recently reached the top league. But they have to put up with old changing rooms, battered stands, a running track around the field that only interferes with the game, poor lighting, and, most importantly, a field that is over 20 years old.

The footballers are already joking that playing on this field is like walking through a minefield. You can step awkwardly and get a scratch, a burn, or, even worse, a serious injury. "We have been playing on this surface for almost 20 years, although it should be replaced every 10," laments Mario Ventura, the club's president. "Our physiotherapist says that the players are under tremendous strain."

Marcos Antonio Rodríguez Santana, who is responsible for public works in Granadilla de Abona, said that there is already an approved project to renovate the field. First, the old turf will be removed, the ground will be leveled and asphalted, then a new artificial turf will be laid, the irrigation system will be modernized, and rainwater drainage will be installed. They also plan to renovate the lighting supports and cables, but this depends on the sports department.

Initially, they wanted to spend 808,000 euros on this, but after inspections and changes, the amount increased to 851,274 euros.

One of the main problems was that the field belongs to the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). To do anything there, it was necessary to obtain permission from the federation. This added extra red tape and delayed the process.

In addition, the field is located near a ravine, so the Water Board required a rainwater collection system to be installed. And there are also various hydraulic structures there, so it was necessary to negotiate with three different organizations.

According to DIARIO DE AVISOS, the project stalled because it was not approved at a government meeting. According to the official, this became a major obstacle.

Rodríguez admits that he is also to blame for this, but accuses the previous government, in which he was also a member, of using this renovation "as a political weapon and deceiving parents, children, and employees."

The city authorities promise that after all the formalities, work will begin by the end of August.

But the club doesn't really believe it. "Everything was done somehow wrong. Everything could have been done faster, and the work would already be in full swing," says Ventura. "We don't know when they will start and where we will be moved to. All the fields around are occupied. It is very difficult to plan the season like this."

Charco del Pino has been waiting for a new turf for several years. They hope that this time everything will work out and they will finally get a modern field for sports.