Stirling celebrate 40 years at Macedonia Park
A month after Stirling Macedonia and Olympic Kingsway attracted an old school crowd of over 3,000, expect another retro feel this Saturday when the two teams clash again in the New Balance NPL WA Men’s competition.
The Round Four teatime encounter will be the showpiece of a weekend of celebrations as Stirling mark the 40th anniversary of their Macedonia Park home.
It could not have landed better for the hosts, commemorating the big occasion with a visit from Kingsway. Many of the people involved in the club’s formation were originally Olympic members.
Luke Pavlos has been President at Stirling since 2019 and has overseen their return to the top flight and run of success. He knows the significance of this weekend’s match.
“It's massive,” he said. “Obviously, there's history between the two clubs in terms of both Macedonian clubs. But the rivalry that we've created recently, probably since we’ve been in Division One and then coming back up to the Premier League … both clubs are pretty well set and well run with good supporters. And just like the Night Series you saw a couple of weeks ago when there was a crowd of over 3,000, we’re expecting another big turnout.”
The club that is now Stirling Macedonia was established in 1970. The 1980s were a golden era as they won three successive State titles as West Perth Macedonia. In 1986, they relocated from Kiev Sports Ground in Inglewood to the new Macedonia Park, changing their name to reflect the new address, and became champions for a fourth time in five seasons a year later.
John Hunter scored Stirling’s first goal at the new venue in March 1986 against NSL side Adelaide City, while more recently, Perth Glory used Macedonia Park for 10 of its A-League Men’s fixtures. Other notable visitors include Italy's 2006 FIFA World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro, who was the guest of honour at the 2011 State League Cup final, while 18 months ago Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris took part in a friendly game.
The ground has also been home to cricket, netball and Aussie rules teams, and a collection of photos and memorabilia from the past four decades will be on display in the clubhouse on Saturday.
Paul Temov, the club’s inaugural President, said: “Initially, this land that we're looking at, this beautiful ground, there were two market gardens either side.
“At 85 years old, I'm so proud to be part of this club. As it is with Macedonia and people, everything belongs to the community, and the community belongs to the people.”
Former President Cane Spaseski is another who has witnessed the many highs and lows. His youngest son Dejan is the current first-team captain.
“Macedonia Park is very special. I’ve been part of this for 40 years, and I've seen my kids play football here,” he said.
“This weekend is a milestone for us, where we will showcase what the community has done in this place. I am now basically the bar manager, so I'll make sure that we've got the right combination of things to make everyone happy!”
From all three club Presidents – Present, Past and Founding – the one word that resonates is ‘community’.
“Over the years it's been very much a gathering place for not only the Macedonians, but people who love football,” current President Luke Pavlos said. “It's been a fantastic facility which has been utilised for the last 40 years. And we hope at least another 40 years to come.”
- As well as the Stirling Macedonia v Olympic Kingsway match, there will be other highlights over the weekend, including a Stirling Macedonia Legends game, a cocktail party, Macedonian music and dancing, a V8 Supercars parade, food stalls, a junior festival, bouncy castles and face painting. Visit the Stirling Macedonia Facebook page for full details.
