Heidelberg United

Heidelberg United Alexander Football Club (founded as Alexander the Great-Melbourne Soccer Club) established in 1958 is an football (soccer) club based in the northern Melbourne suburb of Heidelberg West, Victoria, Australia. The team currently competes in the National Premier League Victoria.

History

Foundation and beginnings (1958–1979)

The Heidelberg United Alexander Soccer Club was founded in 1958 by Greek immigrants from Florina, Macedonia. They decided to form their own social club, the Clifton Hill Social Club. It was at that time when families, mainly immigrants wives and their unmarried children, began to arrive in Australia in great numbers.

In May 1955 the founding members, George Baniscas, Nicholas Themelkos, Nick Romanidis, Tryphon Rakovalis, Tryphon Avramopoulos, Chris Samartzis and Peter Economidis commenced their meetings at the residence of Tryphon Rakovalis in Fairfield. Their successful gathering attracted mostly Florinians, as well as from other regions. In 1957 discussions to establish "Alexander The Great" began.

Markos Economidis managed to convince the committee of Clifton Hill Social Club to contribute the funds required to purchase the necessary gear for the team. On 12 May 1958, the Clifton Hill members organised their first appeal. A total of 125 pounds was collected. Wishing to broaden support for the soccer team and in an effort to avoid any political affiliation and, thus, conflict, the leaders of "Alexander The Great" launched a campaign to run a completely independent sporting club. Their move gained momentum immediately.

The first committee consisting of George Baniscas (President), Markos Economidis (Secretary), NicholasThemelkos (Vice-President), Tryphon Rakovalis (Treasurer), A. Doukas, E. Mangopoulos, G. Milopoulos, V. Iliopoulos and T. Iliopoulos and Members. They declared Megas Alexandros its administrative independence from Clifton Hill Social Club.

During the first two years (1958–1959) "Ale