Campinense Conversion

Despite the magnificence of Romario at Vasco, the success of Corinthians and the overwhelming support for Flamengo, none of these clubs have managed to kick my beloved Aston Villa out of bed. Indeed, with their recent run of form, it is almost as if they have been calling me back home to England to renew my love. How could I ever have doubted them?

However, while Villa will always be my first club, I stated that one of my objectives for this trip was to find myself a Brazilian club to support. And in Campinense Clube, I think I have found my team...

The most successful club in Campina Grande, Campinense have won the Paraiba State Championship an unbeaten 17 times, including a record straight 6 wins which they display proudly in the six gold stars on their shirt.

Since they only qualify for the National Leagues following years they finish in the top two of the State League, they are almost unknown in the rest of Brazil. However, their greatest moment came in 1972 when they finished Runners-Up in the Second Division. This is recognised with a silver star on the shirt. Unfortunately, they weren´t promoted to the top flight.

However, my real reason for supporting Campinense is not past glories, but the supporters; they are amongst the best I have met anywhere in Brazil. Regular readers will already know of their dare-devil efforts to erect the club flag at their new ground. Since it was put up, it has become a social venue with taxi drivers, children and local fans hanging around it at all times of day. The support for the local team here is nothing short of true passion.

After last year´s disappointing 4th place finish in the State League, Campinense had to build an entirely new team which they recently unveiled at their training ground. Despite the extortionate 5 real entry fee, the event amazingly attracted 5000 supporters!

The new team has already won its first three friendlies, all against superior opposition, and
with the new stadium on the way too, the season can´t come fast enough. This is a club built not on money or superstars but purely out of love for the beautiful game, which is exactly what we came to Brazil to find. Vamo Campinense!

Nb. To find out results of Campinense Clube´s games in this year´s Paraiba state league, click here.