**Newcastle United have a bit of a Spanish love affair with Athletic Bilbao, which stems back to the 90s, as was mentioned many times leading up to and during Wednesday's Champions League clash.**
However, there's another Spanish side whose affair with Newcastle United goes back even further. In fact, it goes all the way back to the club's inception 100 years ago.
Pena Deportiva Garrucha play in the sixth tier of Spanish football and are celebrating their centenary this year, and as part of their celebrations, will 'twin' with Newcastle United.
The club plays in black and white, which was inspired by the famous black and white stripes of Newcastle United, as explained in a press release in the Spanish outlet [La Voz de Almería](https://www.lavozdealmeria.com/).
Pena Deportiva Garrucha - Nice kit!
Newcastle and Garrucha seem to have a long-standing connection
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Their write-up explains the history between the two clubs ahead of the ceremony this weekend.
> "This twinning represents a giant step for the Garrucha club, symbolising the history and roots that connect the organisation with British football. An agreement that, as stated in the press release, is “a symbol of the history, passion, and values we share with the English club.” The twinning between Pena Deportiva Garrucha and Newcastle United F.C. is not simply a club alliance, but a recognition of a deeply rooted historical connection. As the Almería-based club emphasises, it is 'a historical bond that strengthens the ties that unite us beyond sport and borders.' It is a well-known fact that the black and white colours worn by P.D. Garrucha are directly inspired by those of Newcastle United F.C. This adoption of the kit is due to the influence of British sailors and technicians.
>
> _"Newcastle United F.C. is not simply a club alliance, but a recognition of a deeply rooted historical connection. As the Almería-based club emphasises, it is “a historical bond that strengthens the ties that unite us beyond sport and borders.” It is a well-known fact that the black and white colours worn by P.D. Garrucha are directly inspired by those of Newcastle United F.C. This adoption of the kit is due to the influence of British sailors and technicians.__"It is a recognition of a very deep-rooted historical connection. Established in the area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Driven by the intense maritime and port activity of Garrucha and its surroundings."_
Almeria is where to go if you want to proudly sport your black and white shirt on holiday
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So if you're ever in Almeria in the south of Spain with your Toon shirt on, expect to be met by some friendly locals.
It has been reported that Newcastle fans have been sending gifts over to the Spanish club to mark the occasion, which is great to see.
We're not sure what this 'twinning' will mean going forward, but we're sure there'll be some way that Newcastle will mark it in the future, surely?