Emerging in 1957, Sydney Croatia was formed as a community club, pertaining to one ethnic group. Like other Sydney clubs, Sydney Croatia provided a home for the many migrants who had chosen Australia to be their new home after travelling from all across Europe.

Despite being a community for many, the Sydney Croatia football team began to grow. After initially joining the NSWSFA, the club transferred to the newly formed NSWSF. After competing in the third division of the competition in 1959, through promotions, by 1963 the club had moved up to the first division, winning their first state championship in 1977, and first division titles in 1978, 1979, 1981 and 1982.

Sydney Croatia took the next step by joining Australia’s national league, often drawing attendances of 10,000 at this time. Despite this, the national league deemed it not appropriate for clubs to enter under nationalistic titles, where Sydney Croatia were not intending on changing their name, staying true to their history. Despite this, the club was accepted into the national league under their name in 1984.

The large following around the club during this time ensured the club soon grew to be one of the biggest clubs in Sydney, reaching finals series’ in 1985 and 1986, and winning the then called ‘Beach Fashions Cup’ against South Melbourne in 1987.

Renamed to Sydney United in the year 1993, the club was known to be a great producer of Australia footballing talent, producing players such as Mark Bosnich, Zeljko Kalac and Tony Popovic. Through such a rich history, and modern footballing dominance, the club has grown to be one of the most respected in Sydney.