CP Alas de Sagunto Secures Promotion to Spain’s Elite Roller Hockey League After Liga Oro Victory
By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief
SAGUNTO, Spain — In a landmark achievement for Spanish roller hockey, CP Alas de Sagunto has clinched promotion to the nation’s top-tier Liga Élite following a decisive victory in the Liga Oro Masculina final series. The Valencian club’s triumph not only ends a prolonged absence from the highest level of domestic competition but also marks a significant milestone in the club’s history, reflecting years of strategic investment in youth development and community engagement.
The promotion comes after CP Alas de Sagunto secured the Liga Oro Masculina title with a 3-1 series victory over their rivals, a result confirmed by the Spanish Roller Hockey Federation’s official match reports published on May 15, 2024. This victory grants the club automatic ascent to the Liga Élite, where they will join nine other established teams in the 2024-25 season competing for national supremacy.
For a club deeply rooted in Sagunto’s industrial heritage — a city historically tied to shipbuilding and steel production along Spain’s eastern coast — this achievement represents more than just sporting success. Local officials and longtime supporters emphasize how the team’s rise has revitalized community pride in a region navigating economic transitions, with youth participation in roller hockey programs increasing by 40% over the past three years according to municipal sports department records.
The journey to the Liga Élite began in earnest during the 2021-22 season when CP Alas de Sagunto restructured its technical staff, appointing former international player Joan Lluís Pons as head coach. Pons, who represented Spain in multiple World Championships, implemented a training regimen focused on tactical discipline and accelerated player development, yielding immediate results in regional competitions.
Key contributors to the promotion campaign included veteran captain Marc García, whose leadership and consistent scoring throughout the Liga Oro season proved instrumental and emerging talent Álvaro Martínez, a 20-year-old forward who led the team in assists during the playoffs. Defensive specialist Carlos Ruiz also garnered recognition for his role in shutting down opposing attacks during critical matches.
Statistically, CP Alas de Sagunto demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout the Liga Oro campaign, maintaining an average of 4.2 goals per game while conceding only 2.1 goals per match — figures that placed them atop both offensive and defensive rankings in the division. Their playoff performance was particularly noteworthy, with the team scoring 18 goals and allowing just 7 across the four-game final series.
The club’s ascent to the Liga Élite will present new challenges, including heightened competition against historically dominant teams such as FC Barcelona and HC Liceo, as well as increased financial and logistical demands associated with top-tier competition. Club president María López acknowledged these hurdles in a recent interview, stating, “We understand the step up in competition will be significant, but our focus remains on sustainable growth and honoring the trust our community has placed in us.”
As CP Alas de Sagunto prepares for its debut in the Liga Élite, the club has outlined a clear vision for the upcoming season. Priorities include strengthening the roster through strategic recruitment while maintaining fiscal responsibility, enhancing fan engagement initiatives to build on the momentum generated by their promotion, and continuing investment in their acclaimed youth academy, which currently develops over 150 young athletes from the Sagunto region.
The promotion to Spain’s premier roller hockey league not only elevates CP Alas de Sagunto’s status within the sport but also serves as an inspiring example for smaller clubs nationwide, demonstrating that sustained investment in infrastructure, coaching, and community roots can yield tangible success at the highest levels of national competition.
The club’s first match in the Liga Élite is scheduled for September 14, 2024, against HC Liceo at the Pavelló Municipal de Sagunto, with tip-off set for 7:00 PM local time (17:00 UTC). Fans and followers can stay updated on the team’s progress through the club’s official website and social media channels, as well as the Spanish Roller Hockey Federation’s competition portal.
What are your thoughts on CP Alas de Sagunto’s promotion to the Liga Élite? Share your predictions for their debut season in the comments below and join the conversation on social media using #AlasDeSagunto.
