ABOUT USHistory
Melbourne Croatia Social Club has and continues to play an important social role for the Croatian community. Post World War II migration to Australia changed the demographic make up of the country. Croatians along with other continental European migrants entered a society that was at the time quite hostile to these new arrivals. Soccer clubs were formed based around ethnic communities.
Melbourne Croatia became a focal point for the community, as it was just as much a social club as a football club. It provided Croatians with a place to gather where they could feel comfortable and safe in their new home. A place where they could mingle with their own and speak their mother tongue. The club allowed for the preservation and celebration of Croatian identity, tradition, culture and language, as well as promoting it to non Croatians.
Through the club Croats could hold their head up high with pride. The club continues to be an important institution for the Croatian community, helping keep it alive, as Croatian culture and tradition is passed onto the next generation. The Melbourne Croatia Social Club still remains the largest meeting place for Victoria’s Croatian community. Its continued importance to the community should not be underestimated.