CDF Ibarreko (Spain)

CDF Ibarreko is a football club from the San Ignacio district of Bilbao, who share the Polideportivo Municipal de San Ignacio with neighbouring clubs; SD San Ignacio and AD Elorrieta.

Ibarreko formerly fielded an adult side in the 2a Division of the División de Honor de Vizcaya but appear to have ceased to play after the 2009-10 season. The club field several junior teams, with the most senior side competing in the Juvenil Premier Division Group II.

My visit

Ibarreko 0 Loyola Indautxu B 0 (Saturday 25^th February 2017) Juvenil Primera Division Group II (att: c60)

It’s strange how things can work out if you show a sense of adventure and this was a clear case in point. I’d been overlooking the city at Campo de Futbol de Mallona enjoying the morning junior football and the weather.

My intended destination from there was the home of SD Leioa for another under age match around the same level but on route I realised I'd left my bus and match tickets for later in the day in my room.

I quickly curtailed my trip but got out at San Ignacio as I knew of a venue I wanted a look at. Low and behold I arrived at the hemmed in Polideportivo Municipal de San Ignacio just as two teams were limbering up on the pitch.

Admission cost me €5, with no programme issued. The weather was warming up all the time as I climbed the stairs into the raised grandstand, which had steep steps for sitting. I took up a place near the half way line; and got a few looks from the locals.

The rest of the ground had no spectator accommodation but looked to be the hub of the sporting community with its artificial pitch, sports centre next door and tennis courts. It looked a lesson many suburbs in the UK could learn from.

The standard of play was decent enough and looked to be around the under 17 age group. Both coaches gave their charges instructions as the heat continued to rise. I had the bottom half of my cargo pants off in the 17 degree sun while the locals sat back in the shade.

The first half of the game was very technical half which contained few chances. I decided to head off back for a siesta at my hotel near Abando station before heading out for more fun a fantastic city and area.