Once again, taxi drivers from Telde are demonstrating their enthusiasm and adherence to tradition by participating in the XIV National Football Championship for Taxi Drivers, taking place this week in Malaga. This event marks the annual culmination for a group of enthusiasts who, since the late 1980s, have gathered every Tuesday to enjoy their passion for football.
What started as a hobby and a way to unwind from daily hustle has been passed down through generations within this profession, known for its social commitment. Their weekly gatherings are held at the football field in El Goro, where they share pleasant moments and prepare for the national competition.
The Telde team will make their debut this Tuesday at 8:30 PM against Málaga Organización. Subsequently, they will face Granada and Gijón in the group stage. The competition structure includes direct qualification to the quarterfinals for group winners and the best second-placed team, while others will compete in a preliminary knockout round.
The taxi drivers from Telde first participated in this national tournament in 2023, at the XI National Taxi Drivers' Tournament held in Madrid. Since then, they have attended every subsequent edition, including events in Santander, Córdoba, and the current one in Malaga.
The project is supported by various sponsors, to whom they express their gratitude for their trust. These include UD Telde, Taxitel, EcoGarantía, SoloGas, Tapicería Peñate, and HB Exclusive Canarias SL, in addition to the City Council of Telde. UD Telde has played a crucial role by providing the main team kit: blue shirts, red shorts, and socks, and the team extends its thanks to president Juan Francisco Morales for his consistent support.
All kits bear the name 'Salva', in honor of Salvador Moreno, a fellow taxi driver and team member who passed away in 2018. Veteran members like Honorio, aged 70 and the team's goalkeeper, consider these gatherings to be "life itself".
The expedition, departing this Monday and including family and friends, approaches the competition with immense pride. One of the captains, Peña, highlights that the trip is a "new opportunity to create unforgettable moments with family, friends, and fellow taxi drivers from other Spanish cities," allowing them to "step away from the road to engage in an activity we love and gain enriching experiences".
As a gesture of goodwill, the Telde team will present opposing clubs with a white clay plate decorated with motifs from Canarian wrestling, symbolizing a 'maña' (wrestling move) with each dish. Their aim is to represent Telde with distinction, while also exploring the possibility of hosting the 2027 edition at the Estadio Pablo Hernández Morales in Telde.
Tuesdays at the El Goro field are filled with laughter, anecdotes, and shared confidences for this group of friends who share a profession and a passion. Now, with the championship underway, they anticipate a strong performance in Malaga, joining other participating teams such as Málaga Organización, Granada, Gijón, and Salamanca, among others.
