F.I.F.A.´s new rule which will be introduced on January 1^st 2018 will allow any person no matter what gender to be able to sign for any football club that they wish to.

28 year old Stacey Luan Lee born in Kent, London,  is the first woman ever to sign for a male semi professional football club and signed for the Rojillos yesterday afternoon.

Stacey the first woman signing ever in mens football.

Stacey will not be eligible to play until all paperwork and medicals have been completed but it is believed she will be in the 16 person squad for Lanzarote´s home game on the 14^th January.

The co owner of Tekkers bar in Costa Teguise has previously played for Crystal Palace Ladies, Clapton FC and also Local Island club Marítima Ladies.

Outside her bar Tekkers in Costa Teguise.

Club manager Maxi Barrera believes this signing will help break down barriers and unite football into a sport for all genders. He states “Women’s football has come on leaps and bounds over the past decade and it was only a matter of time before archaic rules would change”. He added, players such as Messi, Iniesta and David Silva have small frames and even though Stacey will fit into a 10-12 year old Child large shirt she has the capability of being a true Lanzarote great. Her passing and knowledge of the game is as good as I have seen and we welcome her to our club”.

Stacey’s partner Kevin, an avid Liverpool supporter also had aspirations to become a professional footballer but his pace, understanding and general lack of ability of the game ended his dreams at an early age though he is delighted that Stacey will make football history.

Kevin as proud as punch with Stacey.

Congratulations Stacey on this special day in Spain. The 28th December in Spain is the same as April 1st in Britain etc. April Fools Day!

U.D. LANZAROTE  Y STACEY LEE HACEN HISTORIA EN EL FÚTBOL

La nueva regla de F.I.F.A será introducida el 1 de enero del 2018. Esta regla permitirá cualquier persona sin importar el sexo poder firmar para cualquier club de fútbol que ellos deseen.

Stacey Luan Lee tiene 28 años, nacida en Londres, es la primera mujer en firmar para un contrato para un semi profesional club de fútbol de hombres y ya firmó ayer por la tarde para Los Rojillos.

Stacey no podrá jugar hasta que todos los papeles y los asuntos de médicos se hayan solucionado y completado, pero se cree que ella estará en la 16 persona plantilla para el partido en casa el 14 de enero.

La copropietaria de el bar Tekkers en Costa Teguise, anteriormente ha jugado por  Crystal Palace Ladies, Clapton FC y también en Lanzarote CD Orientación Marítima mujeres.

El entrenador del Club, Maxi Barrera, cree que este firmado ayudará a romper las barreras y unir el fútbol como un deporte tanto para mujeres como para hombres.  Él dice que; “El fútbol de mujeres ha mejorado muchísimo en los últimos diez años y ya era hora de que estas reglas antiguas fuesen a cambiar.”Además, también dijo que;” Jugadores como Messi, Iniesta y David Silva tienen un  cuerpo pequeño como ella, y aunque a Stacey le cabe una camisa de talla de niño de 10 a 12 años, ella tiene la capacidad de ser una buenísima jugadora para UD Lanzarote. Su conocimiento del juego es igual de bueno que los fantásticos jugadores que he visto y le doy la bienvenida con los brazos abiertos al club.”

La pareja de Stacey, Kevin, un aficionado del Liverpool FC también tenía las mismas aspiraciones en convertirse en un jugador profesional, sin embargo, su ritmo corriendo , su conocimiento y la falta general de habilidad acabó a una edad temprana. Aún así, está orgulloso de que Stacey vaya a hacer historia en el fútbol.

Felicidades a Stacey en este día especial en España.

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Due to adverse weather conditions and not being able to guarantee officials to catch flights to matches the Spanish Football Federation has cancelled all matches in the Canary Islands this weekend. Both sides will have to agree on a new date for the fixture in the near future.

The post Yaiza v Lanzarote match CANCELLED appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

The Lanzarote captain Rosmen gave his side a half time lead in added on time though the newly promoted side levelled matters in the 68^th minute with a penalty in the south of Gran Canaria.

There were very few chances in the first half with the home side edging possession though only threatening from set pieces. Lanzarote as seems to be these days were very organised and a minute into added on time in the first half took the lead on a quick counterattack which Rosmen fired home to send his side 0-1 up.

The home side came out for the second half and were eager to find an equalizer.  In the 67^th minute striker Karim found sub Yeray and it was only an excellent save from the Lanzarote keeper Agoney preventing a goal. This was all to no avail as seconds later San Fernando were awarded a penalty and striker Quintero levelled to make the score 1-1

The happiness only lasted for five minutes for the goal scorer as he was given a straight red card in the 73^rd minute so left his team with ten men for the final 20 minutes.

The locals still pressed forward and looked the more dangerous but in the closing stages of the match Rojillos sub Mauri had a great chance to claim all three points but his effort went narrowly wide.

Lanzarote remain unbeaten having won two and drawn two of their four matches played though have slipped to fifth in the league table.

Next week Lanzarote are home on Sunday 20^th September at 12 noon and will face CF Arucas from Gran Canaria who are sitting in 14^th spot.

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Club Deportiva Laguna were sitting at the bottom of the league a couple of months ago but after taking seven points against the top three sides in the last few weeks there fight for survival gathers momentum as it is just goal difference that separates them from safety.

Lanzarote on the other hand will be kicking themselves. Neither of the other top sides won with league leaders CD Mensajero who have the best defensive record receiving a hiding against strugglers Atlético Granadilla 6-2.

Third placed side CD Marino drew so the Rojillos remain in second position three points from top and one clear of third with two games to go. Should the league leaders slip up next week and Lanzarote beat Tenerife on Sunday then it would be game on for the final match.

No team in the league will automatically earn promotion but the league winners will only have to play one side home and away and if they win that then they will be playing Segunda B (League 1) football next season. Another bonus for the Champions would be that they would have the chance to compete in the Copa Del Rey (F.A.Cup) and if you haven’t seen Lanzarote´s exploits in the cup then click on history at the top of this page.

Both sides began the match well but it was the Tenerife side who found themselves 2-0 up inside the first half hour with striker Alberto doing the damage.

The Rojillos instantly had an opportunity to pull a goal back from the spot but the Laguna keeper made a great stop from Rosmens strike.

It wasn’t going to be Lanzarote´s day as the Lanzarote Captain Rosmen was denied a goal for an offside decision in the second half.

Nevertheless Lanzarote do still have a chance of winning the league which will make Sundays match at 12 noon against Tenerife B all the more tasty .

GOALS

1-0   min 13 Alberto

2-0   min 29 Alberto

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The Rojillos have now mathematically guaranteed themselves a spot in the Playoffs to try and achieve Segunda B (League 1) status following this win in a pulsating match.

This was a tough game and huge credit must be given to the Gran Canarian side. After a superb second half of the season Arucas had pushed themselves to within two points of the playoffs and were mindset in becoming the first side to defeat Lanzarote at home this season.

To be fair Lanzarote had qualified for a playoff spot the week they won in Fuerteventura and maintaining a 10 point gap to the team in fifth spot who will miss out on the playoffs.

The game began at a fast pace with the Conejeros (Locals) dominating however the visitors caught the Rojillos off guard on the break in the 10^th minute. The Lanzarote defence were on the backfoot as winger Tati centred and striker Ayoze showed no mercy blasting home from around the penalty spot to give his side a 0-1 advantage.

Lanzarote then carried on as they had began, dominating possession and looking the more threatening. Ten minutes later and the home side were level. Louis Kennedy took a short corner to fellow winger Toñito and he whipped in a powerful cross, the ball found the good fortune of hitting Rojillos defender  Francis Hernández on the back and somehow sailed beautifully into the top right hand corner to make the score 1-1.

The home side had many chances to go into the half time break with the lead. Most notably a Toñito free kick from 25 yards which was destined for the top corner only to see the Gran Canarian goalkeeper to pull off a wonder one handed save. Mauri and Rosmen with a header also came close whilst the opposition offered little in attack in this first period.

Only a few minutes into the second half and striker Chicha was clear through on goal. Lanzarote keeper Agoney stood tall and produced an excellent reflex save to the relief of the home crowd.

It was quite easy to see that the Gran Canarians were going to give everything to get a result for their playoff push hopes.

Exactly the same thoughts were going through every Lanzarote´s players mind as they knew a win would push them into second spot as CD Marino had drew the night before.

Marcos Cabrera was instrumental in midfield, holding up play when necessary and instigating many of Lanzarote´s attacks. He was joined by British youngster Brad Cockerill in the centre who relishes football when it becomes a battle. Louis Kennedy and Toñito on both wings were showing some silky skills and were causing problems all over the pitch.

Things were not all going Lanzarote´s way as the visitors were giving as good as they got and were probably the best team Lanzarote have played at home this season.

In the final ten minutes as the sun poured onto the faces of the Gran Canarian players the Rojillos upped the tempo. Toñito really came into his own. A forty yard pass was in one motion controlled and touched past the defender by the veteran winger and this signalled to the rest of his team mates to give it one last surge.

In the 82nd minute an outrageous overhead kick by Rosmen hit the top of the bar and just three minutes later Mauri delivered in a great cross from the left which found his Captain and with a neat first touch Rosmen fired the ball into the back of the net from six yards sending the Rojillos into a 2-1 lead.

It was a nervous final 10 minutes with stoppage time but manager Adolfo Pérez´s young army hung on to guarantee a crack at Segunda B football.

League leaders CD Mensajero could only take a point in a goalless home draw so Lanzarote close the gap at the top to just three points with three games to play.

Whilst it would take a mini miracle to overcome the league leaders as goal difference against the two sides is worth a point to the La Palma side, you can be assured the Rojillos will still give it a go.

Playoffs become complicated. The team who finishes top will automatically qualify for next seasons Copa Del Rey and will have a match both home and away against another Tercera (fourth tier) division Champion from the mainland. The winners of this will be promoted whilst the losers drop into the playoffs with the other three sides.

It gets even more complicated now as each team will play a mainland club both home and away with the winners progressing into the next stage whilst the losers will play Tercera Division again next season. There will be one more knockout stage before a final. To progress from the playoffs and not being champions will take up to six matches.

It may be complicated and it certainly is tough but this format of promotion and relegation system works for the Spanish. Just look what they have won over the past decade.

GOALS

0-1   min 10 Ayoze

1-1   min 20 Francis Hernández

2-1 min 85 Rosmen

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U.D. Lanzarote and their travelling band of supporters enjoyed a magical day out in Fuerteventura which was topped off with a superb winner in the 18^th minute from a free kick by Marcos Cabrera.

This win puts Lanzarote into joint second position and guarantees a playoff spot with five matches yet to play. The only goal available till the end of the season is to claw back three points to overtake league leaders C.D Mensajero which ensures a Copa Del Rey spot for next season.

Even if Lanzarote were to finish top they would still have to win a home and away tie with a team from the mainland to secure promotion to Segunda B (League 1).

The vibe from the players and fans as we boarded the bus at 7.30am, then onto the ferry was boisterous and all aboard felt as if we were in for a day to remember and how right we all were.

This was never going to be an easy match as the Fuerteventura side were in no way wanting to join our party as inter island rivalry was in full flow.

The home side had slipped down to 15^th spot in the league table over recent weeks had the first opportunities going close with a free kick and forcing a good save from the Lanzarote keeper Agoney.

In the 18^th minute The Rojillos earned a free kick 25 yards out. Midfielder Marcos Cabrera struck the ball with pace and bend just clearing the heads of the Fuerteventura wall and the ball nestled nicely low into the corner sending the travelling fans into a frenzy.

With the 0-1 lead Lanzarote began to settle and dictated play. In the 26^th minute the visitors had a fantastic opportunity to double their lead. Louis Kennedy broke down the left flank and sent in a beauty of a cross, the ball fell to Rosmen but from six yards the teams Captain and top scorer put the ball over the bar. He looked very disappointed with himself but later on in the bar and on the ferry he had seemed too had forgotten all about it.

In the final minute of the first period with Lanzarote looking the much better team a cross whipped in found Kennedy at the far post but even though his header had accuracy it lacked pace as the keeper made a comfortable save.

The second half of this match was an entirely different game. This was 45 plus minutes where the Rojillo defence had to show their worth and the fans nails on their fingertips had all but disappeared.

Lanzarote just could not keep the ball as the Majoreros (Fuerteventurians) fired in wave after wave of attack. Man of the match defender Ángel Gil showed the rest of the team the spirit that was needed to win this game and no player could be faulted for not giving 100%.

Striker Mauri was chasing back and defending with all his might and Rosmen was doing his best trying to hold the ball up front with minimum support available.

In added on time keeper Agoney produced a brilliant one handed save destined for his top corner and this is when we knew it was our day. Finally the Ref blew and the partying began.

It was a 20 minute drive to the village of Villaverde and into a fantastic restaurant for a top class meal.

One did have to feel a little sorry for the restaurants fellow clients as Adolfo Pérez and his red and blue army took over. To be fair most people took it well and the staff were superb.

If you wish to glimpse some of the action, go onto Lanzarote football club on Facebook and some of the celebrations can be seen as well as the goal. A huge thanks to the brilliant Barsto restaurant in Nazaret as winger Toñito won the meal for two which had been donated by them in a draw for all the players involved in the match.

Even a little sunstroke to one of our fans and Gordon trying to take a photo on the ferry and taking a fall and cutting his head couldn’t damper spirits that were shared with players and supporters alike. Gordon argued it was the movement of the sea which led to his fall and it was nothing to do with the vodkas and cokes that he ploughed down all day.

This was a day that all that attended will never forget. If any British person had any doubt how the local fans and players feel about expat support they were completely squashed this day.

Please come and support as there are just three home games remaining for Lanzarote to become champions.

Next week Lanzarote have a very difficult match away in Gran Canaria against playoff chasing Villa Santa Brígida. Previosly in the season this match was the game of the season to date in which both teams shared a point apiece in an amazing 4-4 draw.

GOALS

0-1 min 18 Marcos Cabrera

The post CD EL COTILLO 0 LANZAROTE 1 appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

This looked as though it was going to be the toughest game of the season thus far and so it proved to be. The Tenerife side as league leaders and the Rojillos sitting in second spot just two points adrift in a rearranged fixture.

The ground looked more like an English football pitch following the storm that swept through the Canary Isles and this didn’t help Lanzarote who are accustomed to playing their football on an astro turf.

The home side dominated the opening exchanges and had two good opportunities to take the lead. As time passed the visitors began to gain confidence and a strike from Rojillos midfielder Falo tested the keeper but this was to be a rare opportunity for Lanzarote.

For the remainder of the first half the league leaders dominated possession but a firm Lanzarote defence kept the game scoreless as the teams went into the half time break.

Seven minutes into the second half and the pressure paid off for the home side. A corner kick was met by defender Eslava and there was no stopping his powerful header as he gave his side a deserved 1-0 lead.

Whilst the score was just one nil there was always a chance as the Rojillos pressed forward but in doing so the Tenerife side looked a danger on the break and had chances to double their lead.

This seasons Lanzarote´s never say die attitude almost paid dividends once more. In the 93^rd minute a corner was swung in and British boy Brad headed  goal bound only to see his effort cleared off the line by a defender, the rebound fell to Falo who headed against the bar which ended up with sub Raúl but his strike fell directly into the keepers hands.

The Ref blew for full time directly after this passage of play and even though the Rojillos had played well they were outclassed by the league’s best side.

The Rojillos slip to third place but with two home games on the bounce they will be looking to improve on their superb home form and claw some of the five point deficit from top spot.

First up this Sunday at 12 noon will be a tasty clash against CD El Cotillo of Fuerteventura. Our deadly rivals have had a slow start to the campaign but are now up and running and followings last week’s home win which pushed them up to joint 7th spot will be in buoyant mood for this Derby match.

GOALS

1-0 min 53 Eslava

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9th August 2014

U.D. Lanzarote may not have the facilities of Real Madrid, Manchester United or Bayern Munich but none of those teams can be in the warm Atlantic Ocean waters that are filtered from volcanic geysers producing as good as sea water as the world has to offer within minutes from anywhere you are on this volcanic rock.

The club is certainly not rich financially but to those of us who choose to live here and the many returning tourists the island attracts; it has a wealth that no money can buy.

The club organised its annual photo shoot and training session on the beach of Playa Grande in Puerto Del Carmen.  Many tourists watched in awe as the players couldn’t hide their smiling faces playing rugby, an awful form of water polo and finishing off with foot and head volley on the beach volleyball court. I am sure this will become an annual event.

The Rojillos will be looking for a better finish than the 11^th position they finished up with last season but they will have to do this without their inspirational captain Jotha. The ex Real Madrid player has been offered a contract to play in the second tier of Norwegian football and nobody will deny the superb midfielder a chance to earn a few Kronor. Fingers crossed we see him back with us possibly in January when their season has finished.

The British striker Ryan Macphee has left the club and is at the moment training with rivals U.S. Yaiza but has yet to sign for the Southern club. The impressive winger Louis Kennedy has been joined by another fellow British player Bradley Cockerill known in island football simply as Brad. The 18 year old central midfielder has arrived from Tahiche juniors and has looked superb pre season, I know manager Adolfo Peréz  has certainly been impressed. Louis ended the season as one of the Rojillos best players and with his frame built up I am sure he is only going to get better.

The club has lost many older players who have been replaced by a more youthful look, though of the old guard the islands best striker Rosmen remains and so does full back Ángel Gil who has recently become a Dad. Congratulations to Ángel who has always been one of the most popular players at the club and is sure to be a fantastic father. Winger Toñito will also be dazzling us with his skills on either flank.

There is no denying that the club is broke but a 10 year running court case where the club has been ordered to pay 457,000 Euros for an injury to a player in a Copa Del Rey game in 2004 has now been resolved. Lanzarote will be paying this back to the social security department in instalments and it should be completed by the turn of the century. Even though the club begin every month with a debt the threat of losing the club now looks unlikely.

The President, Domingo Machín and secretary of the club Domingo Gil are as ever impressed with the expat following. Season tickets can be purchased from me at the Club stall every Sunday at Teguise market near the public toilets and also every Friday morning in the Puerto Del Carmen market in the Old Town harbour. The season ticket prices remain the same Adults 50 Euros, Pensioners 30 Euros and all children 15 years or under are still admitted free of charge. Match day gate prices look set to increase to Adults 10 Euros, Pensioners 6 Euros but those people who have proof of residency will get a 50% discount. This still has not been confirmed. A huge thank you to  Jos Godeau of Belguim who for the second year running has purchased his season ticket but  just sees one match per season when he visits the island in October as he did last year.

Fixtures are now out so please just click on Fixture list. Always remember that the day and time of games will change throughout the season mainly to accommodate flights for our visitors. It is always advisable to check this website a day or two before the match. I also urge everyone to join the Lanzarote football club Facebook page as this can be updated instantly if there are changes to fixtures.

After four years with the same shirt the club now has a new one that the players were wearing at the photo shoot. The home shirt is red and blue, away white and blue and now also their third shirt pink and white.  These shirts are available from me at the Teguise and Puerto Del Carmen markets and also from my friend Gareth at the Marina Rubicon market in Playa Blanca every Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

VAMOS ROJILLOS

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A terrific performance by the Rojillos gave them victory with early goals from Rosmen and Alex Yunes. The Segunda B side (League 1) reduced the deficit late in the first half but a strike four minutes from time by new boy Juancar ensured victory.

The last time Tenerife played in Lanzarote was in 2001 in a Copa del Rey match. The Tenerife side were then sixth placed in the Primera Liga whilst Lanzarote were two divisions below. On that day Tenerife suffered their most embarrassing defeat ever going down 5-1 to a rampant Rojillo team.

This may not be a Copa del Rey tie but it was never going to be a friendly encounter. Tenerife started the match pressurizing the Rojillo back four and with Lanzarote´s new goalkeeper Marco Machín looking a little hesitant it was a nervous opening few minutes for the home side.

Those nerves evaporated in the space of four minutes. A cross from the lively Toñito was nodded home by Rosmen and minutes later Alex Yunes fired in a beauty from the edge of the area into the keepers bottom right hand corner to make the score 2-0.

Lanzarote had plenty of opportunities to strengthen their lead with near misses coming from Toñito, Miguel Yunes and midfielder Javi Betancort. The visitors were given a lifeline in the 38^th minute when winger Yeray and striker Cristo Martin combined with the latter side footing a strike into the top right hand corner with the Lanzarote keeper well beaten even at full stretch. The visitors were back in the game with a pure quality goal.

An entertaining first half ended dramatically when Alex Yunes cleverly beat the last man but was pulled back. Surely the Tenerife centre back was going to be given his marching orders but before the Ref could reach for his pocket mayhem broke loose when just about all the players including all the benches from both sides began a full on scrap.

Handbags at 10 paces at the end of the first half

The National police came on the pitch trying to calm matters and it seemed that the Tenerife side were walking off the pitch to the annoyance of the home supporters. The Ref wisely decided to call time on the half with Tenerife still with eleven players at their disposal. This was most definitely not a friendly.

Tenerife introduced Suso Santana in the second half. Fresh from three seasons with Hearts FC in Scotland the right winger failed to stamp his impression on the game. The visitors began an early push in the second half but the Rojillo defence stood firm and steadily regained control of the game.

A few minutes from time sub Juancar received the ball on the edge of the box from a short corner and fired in a screamer into the left hand corner guaranteeing his side victory.

Aston Villa fans loving the game and finding out at the end of the match that they had won the raffle. They will be taking home a signed football and a stereo unit. Unfortunately they will probably be charged 400€ for excess baggage.

The local fans and many tourists couldn’t have wished for a better evening. Beer flowing, goals flying in whilst a scrap (hand bags) being an added bonus for any British supporter whilst travelling back to their hotels around 11pm via the local bus wearing T shirt and shorts on a beautiful warm evening.

It has been a great pre season for the Rojillos whom have yet to taste defeat or even a draw. The front players look hungry whilst the defence looks as solid as last season with a midfield that any club in this division would envy. Lanzarote only lost once at home last season but with less than a handful of away wins to their name cost them a playoff position by a point. If the away form can be rectified it looks as though a good season lies ahead for Adolfo Perez’s men.

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The town hall of Arrecife has organised the match and entrance is free. Snacks and of course beer will be available at the match.

Tenerife has spent 13 seasons in Spains top league and in 2010 on the final day of the season they lost away to Valencia 1-0 and were relegated.

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