80 Years Strong: A Message From The President

Aug 19

3 min read

To our players, coaches, Board members, volunteers, members, supporters, sponsors, past players and everyone connected with Adelaide City,

What a year it has already been.

To be crowned 2026 RAA National Premier League Premiers in our 80th year is an achievement everyone at Adelaide City should be incredibly proud of.

Our Senior Men have produced an outstanding season, showing great consistency and character to finish on top of the table. Congratulations to Vas, his staff and every player who has represented the team this year.

But what makes this season even more special is what is happening right across our football club.

Our WSL Seniors have enjoyed a remarkable season and this Saturday will play for the opportunity to return Adelaide City to the WNPL through the WNPL Promotion Play-Off.

Our WSL Reserves have also been crowned League Champions, an outstanding achievement and another great sign of the strength and depth developing within our women’s program.

Our Under 18 Boys have qualified for an elimination final, while across our junior programs we continue to see strong results, player development and progress.

Importantly, we know there is still plenty of work to do. Our junior programs will continue to evolve and improve as we invest in creating the best possible environment for young players to develop and, ultimately, aspire to represent Adelaide City at senior level.

Off the pitch, we are also continuing to invest in the future of Adelaide City.

At Oakden, a number of improvements will commence over the coming months, including the renovation of the public toilets, new women’s changerooms commencing in October, and a new scoreboard made possible through the generous support of Gordon Pickard.

Our junior home at Unley will also be a major focus for the future. Earlier this year, the re-elected Malinauskas Government committed $6 million towards the future redevelopment of Adelaide City’s junior facilities, a significant investment in the next generation of our club.

That commitment will help us continue to grow participation, improve the experience for our players, coaches and families, and provide facilities that better reflect the proud history and ambitions of Adelaide City.

We are extremely grateful to the Malinauskas Government for its support and commitment to the future of our club.

There is a genuine feeling around Adelaide City at the moment that the club is building towards something special.

For our Senior Men, the Premiership is another significant achievement as we prepare for Adelaide City’s return to the national stage, representing our club and South Australia in the Australian Championship.

For those who remember Adelaide City competing nationally, that means something.

It brings back memories of big matches, great rivalries and a period when Adelaide City was one of the biggest names in Australian football.

We should be proud of that history, but our focus now is on what comes next.

The Australian Championship gives a new generation of players and supporters the chance to experience Adelaide City competing against clubs from around the country, while giving those who have been part of our journey over the past 80 years another reason to come back and be part of the club.

I want to see our past players, coaches, volunteers, sponsors and supporters back at Adelaide City. Bring your families, bring your old teammates and wear the black and white proudly.

This club belongs to everyone who has contributed to it over the past 80 years.

To our current players and coaches, congratulations on what has been achieved so far.

To my fellow Board members, thank you for your continued commitment, support and work behind the scenes. Like so many others across Adelaide City, you give your time because you care deeply about this club and where it is heading.

To our volunteers, members, sponsors and supporters, thank you for continuing to stand behind Adelaide City.