Most 10-year-olds hope to unwrap their club’s jersey or the latest video game once they reach the milestone but Adelaide United is hoping for a present of a different kind.
Most 10-year-olds hope to unwrap their club-s jersey or the latest video game once they reach the milestone but Adelaide United is hoping for a present of a different kind.
The Reds will be hoping to celebrate their tenth year of existence by filling up their trophy cabinet.
The club was inaugurated in the final season of the National Soccer League before joining the A-League in its first season back in 2005.
Adelaide made an immediate impact on the competition as they finished as premiers seven points clear of the field in that opening year. Ross Aloisi was the club-s inaugural captain and has some fond memories of those successful early days.
“I was involved in the club at the very beginning when we were playing in the NSL,” said Aloisi.
“I still remember that first game we played against Brisbane Strikers where Hindmarsh Stadium was sold out and they had to send thousands away at the gates, it was electrifying.
Soon after the Hyundai A-League kicked off and the Reds became one of the competition-s most dominant sides.
“Winning the premiership in the first season with the club was very special.
“I was honoured to have had the opportunity as a proud South Australian to captain the side during the period.
“We also had a great year in 2007 also winning the pre-season cup, playing in the Asian Champions League and getting to another grand final.”
The club has not been able to replicate its early success but fellow foundation player Carl Veart believes Adelaide could be turning the corner.
“The club had a strong squad last year but fell away at the end of the season,” said Veart.
“They have seem to have brought in some good recruits so hopefully they can adapt to the A-League and improve the club-s success.”
“The club has gone through some tough times but it looks like they are back on the way up and I hope we get the fans back to the games,” added Aloisi.
While clubs always wish to achieve more and more success, the Reds, alike the sport itself, have undoubtedly come a long way since their inauguration.
“I think the game across has come a long way just as the club has,” said Veart.
“There have been a lot of changes which have benefited the sport and the A-League is now very successful.
“It is great to have seen the how football has improved immensely across the board.”
Adelaide United get their first opportunity to show the competition just how far they have come when they take on Perth Glory on Sunday October 13.
Tickets are available here. Tickets are available here.