Valencia CF have long lived under the shadow of Spain's big two, Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona, but recent years have seen the side emerge as one of the strongest in Europe, as they proved by reaching two consecutive UEFA Champions League finals in 1999/2000 and 2000/01.
In 2004 Valencia were voted the Worlds Best Club as they found success in winning the Spanish La Liga title, Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Cup and the European Super Cup in the same season under then manager Rafa Benitez.
Valencia play at the Mestalla stadium in the centre of the city. The club is currently building a larger stadium to the North West of Valencia. The new arena, which should be complete in 2010, will accommodate 75,000 spectators and has been classified as one of FIFA's 5 star stadia.
People to Watch: David Villa David Silva Pablo Hernadez
Joaquin
Carlos Marchena
Academy:
The Fundacio Valencia Club provides dedicated youth coaches as technical training experts and educators. The Ciudad Deportiva at Paterna is Valencia CF's home training facilities for all the clubs' teams and the usual venue for Valencia CF/inspiresport programmes.
Paterna consists of One 11-a-side third generation astro-turf pitch, One 11-a-side grass pitch and Seven 7-a-side astro-turf pitches. There are also Two 11-a-side grass pitches (Academy teams), A reserve team stadium and grass pitch and Two grass pitches for the 1st team. All Valencia teams train in the same complex.
Transport Access : Valencia airport is approximately 20 minutes’ drive from the city centre, accommodation facilities and Paterna.
Out and About: Valencia’s all-year round warm, sunny climate makes it a perfect base for training programmes. Situated on Spain’s south-east coastline, away from the over-developed resorts in the Costa Brava and Costa del Sol, it’s also a fantastic setting to relax in.
The Cathedral and the basilica form in the heart of the old city from which a maze of narrow streets leave. Valencianos and tourists alike gravitate to this part of town.
Valencia honours its city patron, San Jose with an incredibly colourful fiesta called “Las Fallas” where the city streets and roads are taken over by processions of giant figures. The city’s population doubles in March during these celebrations!
The 32nd America's Cup was held between 2004-2007 in Valencia. The city has flourished in the past three years and has rapidly established itself as Spain's new and most fashionable tourist destination.
We Recommend: “Valencia and the Costa Blanca”, Lonely Planet Guides
