OUR CLUB HISTORY
In the 1950’s, thousands of Triestini left their homes mainly because of employment uncertainty and political unrest migrating to Australia seeking a better future for them and their loved ones; These families and friends boarded ships on a journey to foreign lands, some left with nothing but a suitcase. In Adelaide some young migrant men, rekindling their friendships were eager to continue playing the sports they loved in Trieste, they began playing for two clubs (no longer operating) the Giuliano-Dalmata League for volleyball and A.S. Roma for basketball till end October 1956. There was a rumor at that time of a possible affiliation to Juventus, but this didn’t occur. They were highly praised in both sports, but they lacked the satisfaction and motivation needed because the competitive drive to defend the colors of their home city was strong. These young players decided to source the possibility of forming their own teams using the colors and emblem of Trieste. A year later Triestini teams became a reality with both volleyball and basketball registered as 'Alabarda', and rightly so. They were very successful, so much so that one volleyball season at OBI stadium, Wakefield St. our team of medium/short players won against Vytis, a team of giant Lithuanian immigrants with some Olympian players. Think about this; our players were under 6ft, playing and winning against teams of upper 6ft height, but our players were fast and could jump high. Our basketball players were even approached to be part of a future Olympic team, however financial restraints and some players not yet Naturalized Australians made this difficult.
Deciding they should form their own sport club, held the first committee meeting at a private residence in the suburb of Norwood on Sunday 18 November 1956 (second meeting was held in December), these were the 15 founding members of our club. Hence 'Alabarda Club' was formed and registered next day on Monday 19 November 1956. Note: the age range of these player/foundation committee members were 18-26 years young. In the beginning there was no intent to organize many dances at all, not just to avoid competing with other clubs: sporting activities were to be the main purpose, and all efforts were to be directed there. The first inter-club invite came from ‘La Legga’ Giuliano-Dalmata NYE grand-ball 31 December 1956 at Hindmarsh Townhall, thus tightening ties with co-regional societies. On 22 Feb 1957 our players managed to organize a 'first' inter basketball festival at OBI stadium over two weekends, inviting other teams, champions and Olympic players. Also in this year our first young women’s basketball team was formed, which was also very successful.
The first club function was an organized BBQ at one of the players’ homes at Rostrevor, to their disappointment no-one (other than committee) attended, this left them with a full keg of beer, wonder what happened to that??? There were few supporters back then as the club wasn’t yet well known and difficulties seemed insurmountable, this didn’t deter this young committee, their will and enthusiasm kept them united. Determined at any cost to keep alive the memory of their city of origin and its customs, with the help of family and friends went door knocking to get the message out of a newly formed Triestin club and Committee. Finally, the first dance was organized at BTM North Adelaide Hall on Friday 18 March 1957, an instant success with many Triestini attending.
From here on our dance functions increased, so did the number of participants, at times some were turned away due to possible overcrowding in the dance halls. Our association expanded quickly with the inclusion of Istrian and Dalmation friends (our first initiation as Giuliani nel Mondo members), our social functions increased mainly due to the lack of cafés and bars around Adelaide, local amenities they were accustomed to back in Trieste.
After many fund raisers at members' homes, a bank loan and donations, 1972 marked the opening of our clubrooms at Holden Hill and we were happily welcomed by the locals. The clubrooms were the headquarters of our club, forming us into a multi-cultural community. The facilities included a bar, library, function center and dance floor, children's playground, bocce-drome, basketball and tennis courts etc. With the continuous expansion of both social and sports events this led the way to a variety of diverse cultures attending. From lunches during the week to Sunday dinners to special dances, many functions, painting classes, exercise classes, sub-committee, a youth committee, annual easter picnics at Belair National Park, fishing trips to Rapid Bay, San Giusto celebrations, BBQs and New Years functions, the list goes on, in fact any excuse for a get together of fun with family and friends. We participated in many local, inter-state and inter-club competitions.
And boy! didn’t our club and memberships grow.
We are now known as ‘The Alabarda Sport and Social Club S.A. Inc.' and even though the club rooms were sold in 2009, our story continues, we are still very active with regular and special functions throughout the year. Although originally founded by Triestini with the same sporting passion and love of their city, we accept and welcome all nationalities.
The Secretary
Susi Clarkson