Spanish Championship. Third Division. Group 11
The Third Division of Spain, or Tercera División, sits as a vital tier in the nation's football pyramid. Group 11 gathers clubs mainly from Valencia, Castellón, and Alicante regions, fostering intense regional rivalries. It acts as a launchpad for ambitious sides eyeing promotion to Segunda Federación or beyond, where bigger crowds and spotlights await. In the 2023/2024 season, teams like CD Castellón B, CD Eldense B compete fiercely, blending seasoned pros with hungry youngsters. Local derbies ignite fan passions and build player resilience.
History and foundation
Tercera División traces back to 1929, established as the third level post-La Liga and Segunda. Group 11 evolved through restructurings, notably in the 1970s Tercera era. Past highlights include CD Alcoyano's 2010/11 Copa del Rey run to the last 16, stunning Real Madrid. COVID-19 halted the 2020 season, but reforms revived it. Fun fact: 1990s Group 11 nurtured Valencia talents from local academies. The 2021 overhaul into Tercera RFEF with 18 groups ramped up competition.
Tournament format
Group 11's format is straightforward: 18 teams in a double round-robin (home and away), totaling 34 matches. Top team promotes directly to Segunda RFEF; 2nd and 3rd enter playoffs for more spots. 4th-10th fight relegation/promotion playoffs. Bottom teams drop to Fourth Division. Season spans August to May with a winter break. No VAR means raw, unpredictable action.
Interesting facts
Scoring averages 2.5–3 goals per game, favoring counters and set pieces. In 2022/2023, CD Izarra's striker topped with 22 goals; Group 11 leaders included Javi Herrera types. Standouts: José Luis Mendoza with 150+ Tercera strikes; Valencia B academy prospects. Players like Kevin Rodríguez (Kelme CF midfielder) shine with vision, Antonio Sanz with finishing. The league forges tough pros ready for the big leagues.