I EUROPEAN ATLÉTICO FAN CLUBS MEETING
Sometimes, fan clubs come up with ideas that initially seem utopian, but when the International Union of Fan Clubs (Unión Internacional de Peñas) and Club Atlético de Madrid collaborate, everything becomes easier.
One of these ideas was to shape a project that had been in mind for a while but had never been carried out: a Meeting of European Atlético Fan Clubs. The number of fan clubs representing us beyond national borders is growing, and the goal of this meeting was to give them a voice and visibility, and, above all, to make them feel part of the red-and-white family.
The city of Cologne (Germany) was chosen for its strategic geographical location (Central Europe), good communication, and because the ‘Peña Atlética de Alemania’ has its headquarters nearby. Carmen, the president of this fan club and also the coordinator of the Union of Atlético Fan Clubs abroad, volunteered to organize the event.
Preparations began with some difficulties; organizing an event of such magnitude is not easy. Step by step, with the help of the Union, everything took shape, and we agreed that Saturday, December 2nd, was the right day for this first international event. Fan clubs gradually confirmed their attendance; we developed a small program, booked hotels and a restaurant, and gave the green light.
The Union was represented by its President and the General Coordinator of Fan Clubs. The Club also sent the Fan Clubs representative and two legends: Roberto Solozábal and Juan Carlos Pedraza. Quite a luxury. We also had the presence of numerous members from ‘Peña Atlética de Alemania’, ‘Colchoneros de Luxemburgo’, ‘Peña Polonia’ and ‘Peña Atlética de Gante’.
December 2nd dawned very cold with the threat of snow in Cologne. We all met at 11 in the morning at the famous Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and entered to visit it. The imposing building was gradually tinted red and white with the colors of our scarves. When we took our official group photo in the square and unfurled our flags, some tourists shouted “aúpa Atleti,” surprised to see such a large representation of our team.
We visited the internationally renowned Christmas Market, where some spiced wines warmed us up, and the place where the famous 4711, Cologne Water, is sold. In the restaurant, a typical brewery in the area, there was an exchange of gifts, new friendships were formed, and we shared anecdotes from our travels while enjoying a meal with regional products and, of course, accompanied by the local beer.
Fan clubs finally felt embraced and heard. It should be noted that many of our members have never even been to the Metropolitano; they are Atlético de Madrid members without having visited the city, and their love and passion for the team are as great as any member of a Madrid fan club. Seeing other members, getting to know other fan clubs, and, of course, chatting with our legends—who were always so affectionate and attentive—made them experience an event they will never forget.
Undoubtedly, hosting an event designed for foreign fan clubs has been a success, and we are confident that it is the first of many to come. For the Peña Atlética de Alemania, it has been an honor and a privilege to be the first hosts of such a necessary meeting that we are sure will grow every year.
We want to thank the International Union of Fan Clubs and Atlético de Madrid for making this project a reality, and from here, we encourage both to continue offering it in the future.
Together we make Atleti, together we are Atleti!
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