Historic Penya Anguera inaugurates new clubhouse

The Agrupació Barcelonista Penya Anguera is one of the most charismatic supporters clubs in the country. Named after the legendary Papi Anguera, the first team kit man for more than 30 years until his retirement in 1983, it was founded in 1957. On Monday it inaugurated a new clubhouse, it’s fifth in 57 years, and the event was attended by FC Barcelona vice-president of the Social Department, Jordi Cardoner, director of the Social Department and responsible for supporters clubs, Pau Vilanova, and director Toni Freixa.

The ABP Anguera has 574 members and belongs to the Agrupació de Futbol de Clubs i Penyes del FC Barcelona. With more than 25 teams, it is renowned for its work with youth football.

The president of the Agrupació Barcelonista Penya Anguera, Lluís Monràs, was joined the secretary general for sport from the Generalitat, Ivan Tibau, and other dignitaries including the vice-president of the Federació Catalana de Futbol, Juanjo Isern, and the governor for the district of l’Eixample Gerard Ardanuy.

The new clubhouse is located at Carrer Còrsega, 111-117, and other guests at the opening included former players Carles Rexach and Pere Valentí Mora, ex first team kit man Chema Corbella, FCB Foundation patron Josep Maldonado and the president of the Federació de Penyes Barcelonistes del Barcelonès Oest, Salvador Balsells.

The event included several speeches and the signing of the book of honour, followed by a discussion of the life of Papi Anguera.

Cardoner: "We are thrilled"

Vice-president Jordi Cardoner said that “this event thrills us, especially because the name of the Penya Anguera refers to a true Barça icon in Papi Anguera, and is a club that is so close to FC Barcelona”.

“A club formed in 1957 says so much. That was the legendary year when we inaugurated our new stadium, 57 years ago in fact. The club is very active in sports and the coaching of young players. That’s important. Clubs should not just be a meeting point for fans, but should also be active in the world of culture, sport and, most of all, youth, who are the people who need to be raised with the values that do so much for our club and that our club does so much to foster.”