UD Centinela Returns to Tenerife Football After Decade-Long Hiatus

Regional football in Tenerife is celebrating a piece of its history this weekend with the return of Unión Deportiva Centinela. After more than a decade away, the club is back on the pitch. As reported by El Día, this isn't a new club starting from scratch; it is a dedicated effort to revive the identity of the original team, which was founded in 1995.

The project is led by former CD Tenerife professional Iriome González, who is taking on the dual role of club president and player. Alongside a team of dedicated supporters—including Jesús Álvaro, Anselmo, Jonay, and Carmelo—he navigated the complex paperwork required to reactivate the club’s original license, ensuring its historical legacy remains intact.

At its heart, the return of UD Centinela is about local pride. The club is focusing on players from the Icod area rather than looking for outside talent. This local focus also applies to the coaching staff, led by Juanma Acosta, who has spent the preseason building chemistry ahead of the team’s official debut this Friday against Portezuelo.

For Iriome, moving from a professional career of over 400 matches into club management has been a steep learning curve, filled with logistical challenges. However, he is committed to a sustainable, long-term approach. The goal is to establish the club firmly in its division and eventually bring back youth teams, avoiding the pressure for quick results that often hurts smaller clubs.

The team will play its home games at the El Molino field, with their first home match scheduled for October 19 against Perdoma B. The return of UD Centinela is more than just a game; it is a testament to the power of community and the importance of preserving local sporting history. Thanks to the hard work of former players and volunteers, the club is once again a vital part of the Icod community.