Spanish Championship. RFEF Third Division. Group 17
RFEF Third Division Group 17 represents a regional tier of Spain's fifth football level, featuring ambitious clubs from Andalusia, including Malaga, Granada, Almeria, and Jerez areas, fostering intense local rivalries and thrilling upsets in grassroots football.
History and foundation
Established in 2020 amid the Tercera División's revamp into Tercera Federación by RFEF, Group 17 evolved from former Groups 9 and 10. Notably, in 2021/22, UD Almería B topped the table but couldn't promote due to regulations. The group has witnessed Marbella FC's ascent to Segunda RFEF and Vélez CF's dramatic 2023 survival via five straight wins.
Tournament format
Comprising 18 teams, the format features a double round-robin: 34 matches total from August to May. The group winner advances to playoffs for Segunda Federación promotion, joined by 2nd-5th places. From 15th, relegation battles ensue, with bottom teams facing Tercera Federación Promociones drop.
Interesting facts
Average goals per game hover at 2.4, emphasizing stout defenses and swift counters. Top scorers include Juan Martín of Juventud Torremolinos (22 in 2022/23) and Álvaro Gordon of Alhaurín de la Torre (19). Standouts: Vélez's keeper Miguel with 15 clean sheets, Marbella's midfielder Pablo Servera who moved to Segunda B, and Málaga youth products breaking into La Liga.