The history books do not lie, and Port Kembla Football Club can rightly claim to be one of the most successful Illawarra Premier League outfits of all time.
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The 26 major trophies the club won during the 13 years Adrian Alston coached the talent-laden first grade side highlight the Blacks’ 50-year history to date.
Long-time president Emilio Salucci has been honoured to be part of a club he has served for almost 35 years.
“We have had our fair share of success but there have also been some lows,’’ he said.
“The main up was when we got promoted for the first time. Playing at Wetherall Park for the first time and playing in the Premier League in 1985 was a very exciting time for the club.
“Another highlight was winning our first Premier League title. ‘Noddy’ (Adrian) Alston’s 13 years at the club was very special.’’
But the Port Kembla story wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of a group of young Italian migrants back in the early 1960’s.
Albano Cazzolli was one of these young men who featured in soccer games between teams representing the Warrawong Coffee Lounge and Port Kembla Coffee Lounge.
Soon it was decided these teams should form a club and join the Illawarra competition. They did and called themselves Warrawong Azzuri.
But the club had to change the name to Port Kembla Soccer Club before it was allowed to play in the Illawarra competition.
The club had to wait until 1984 though to win its first trophy in the old first division competition.
Eleven years later the Alston-coached first grade side won the league and grand final double in the Illawarra Premier League.
The club won a further six grand finals and was crowned league champions as many times during Alston’s reign at Port.
“We have had some wonderful coaches and players such as Mineo Bonetig, Michael Clare and Matt O’Shea over the years,’’ Salucci said.
“But our continued success is build on having a structured board and dedicated volunteers who have gone above and beyond to help the club.’’
On Saturday, June 25 the club will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a special dinner at The Fraternity Club. To purchase tickets email mariacazzolli@optusnet.com.au, call 0411 372 411 or 0401 417 979.
