Jaume Llugany, 67, president of the Club Muntanyenc Sant Cugat, has highlighted growing challenges facing the 80-year-old community institution, including an ageing membership base and significant disruption to outdoor activities due to ongoing restrictions in Collserola.
The club, rooted in Sant Cugat since 1944, supports over 300 volunteers and runs diverse sections including athletics, Nordic walking, mountain excursions and rhythmic gymnastics. Despite strong youth participation in extracurricular programmes such as the Escola de Muntanya and Esplai Sarau, Llugany identifies a persistent gap between childhood involvement and adult engagement.
"The main challenge is shared by many sports organisations, especially mountain-related ones: the ageing of our membership," Llugany said. He noted the club’s efforts to attract younger adults, pointing out that the current board has a relatively low average age, with members between 20 and 30 years old.
Impact of African swine fever on Collserola access
Since the outbreak of African swine fever, access to Collserola has been heavily restricted, severely affecting club operations. The popular Passejades per Collserola, which have brought between 30,000 and 35,000 people into the park since 1998, remain suspended. The club had to cancel the Sant Cugat-Montserrat race and relocate its Nordic walking events to Matadepera.
According to a 17 April 2026 report by TOT Sant Cugat, the Nordic walking section has seen a 40% drop in participation, around 80 members lost, since restrictions began. Llugany expressed frustration that while organised groups comply strictly with rules, other users such as hunters and film crews are still permitted in the park.
"Sant Cugat wouldn’t be the same without Collserola,"
he said, underscoring the park’s central role in local life. The club is working with the Coordinadora d'Entitats Esportives de Sant Cugat and the Federació d'Entitats Excursionistes de Catalunya to develop safe itineraries and advocate for access to alternative areas like the Volpelleres urban forest.
Focus on formation over competition
Despite successes in athletics and rhythmic gymnastics, the club prioritises holistic development over competitive results. "Titles are a consequence of good work, not the main objective," Llugany stated. The club collaborates with SantCugatCreix to support athletes’ nutritional, pedagogical and emotional growth.
When athletes reach a competitive level, the club views their departure to elite teams as a success. Former athlete Jaël Bestué, now a national-level competitor, serves as an inspiration for younger members.
Growth in climbing and Nordic walking
The club’s indoor climbing wall, which allows roped climbing, has seen rising interest. Llugany attributes this to the sport’s evolution and the facility’s unique offering in the area. Nordic walking, introduced a decade ago, now draws around 170 regular participants, down from 225 before the restrictions.
"People come not just for fitness but to socialise," Llugany explained, noting the activity’s appeal during and after the pandemic.
Primary sources: cugat.cat, premsa.santcugat.cat. Reported by totsantcugat.cat, aboutus.com, Ariadna López, elcugatenc.cat, TOT Sant Cugat.
