As it does every year around this time, veterans’ football has taken centre stage at Penya Barça L’Hospitalet de l’Infant (Federació Tarragona Nord). Over the last two weekends in June, the blaugrana penya organised two of its most established events: the Josep Seguer Tournament, which this year reached its 20th edition, and the traditional Sant Pere Festival match, which included a very special tribute. Both matches were held at the L’Arenal football ground.
20th Josep Seguer Veterans Tournament
This year, the 20th Josep Seguer Veterans Tournament organised by PB L’Hospitalet de l’Infant featured a single-match format, contested between the veterans’ team of the penya and the Reus Deportiu veterans. It was a closely fought encounter that was not decided until the final minutes, ending 1-2 in favour of the Reus side. Beyond the result, the occasion was marked by enjoyment and a great atmosphere between both teams.
The match formed part of the celebrations for the 40th anniversary of PB L’Hospitalet de l’Infant. For this reason, the host penya presented the Reus Deportiu veterans with the sculpture created especially for the occasion, in recognition of the Reus club’s loyalty to the tournament. The event was attended by Francesc Candela, president of PB L’Hospitalet de l’Infant, and Assumpció Castellví, mayor of Vandellòs, as well as by relatives of Josep Seguer, the legendary Barça player of the 1940s and 1950s whom the tournament honours.
Tribute to Marcos Espínola
One week later, the L’Arenal ground was once again filled for the traditional veterans match held as part of the Sant Pere Festival and organised by PB L’Hospitalet de l’Infant. On this occasion, the penya’s veterans team faced the Gimnàstic de Tarragona veterans. Once again, the match was very evenly contested and was narrowly won (1-2) by the Tarragona side.
This year, the event had a special element, as PB L’Hospitalet de l’Infant wanted to pay tribute to Marcos Espínola, recognising his career as president and founder of the L’Hospitalet de l’Infant grassroots football setup, as well as his support for veterans’ football at local level. Espínola took part in the match as captain of the host veterans’ team and received a special trophy from Francesc Candela. It was an afternoon full of emotion for everyone in attendance.
