Adelaide United FC is a professional football club based in Adelaide, South Australia, competing in the A-League Men. Founded in September 2003 following the withdrawals of West Adelaide and Adelaide City from the National Soccer League, the club was nicknamed the Reds and known as the “People’s Team,” representing all South Australians under a united footballing brand [1].
Design and History
The Adelaide United crest incorporates South Australia’s three state colours, red, blue and gold, along with a football [2]. The club’s current emblem is an adaptation of its 2003 foundation badge [2]. The state colours have been part of the club’s identity since its founding in 2003, reinforcing the connection between Adelaide United and South Australia [3].
The crest has been described by the club as the “full-colour Adelaide United crest,” used to showcase the state colours [4]. The club’s official colours are listed as red, blue and gold [5].
Meaning and Symbolism
The crest’s use of red, blue and gold directly references South Australia’s official state colours [2][3]. The inclusion of a football within the badge ties the emblem directly to the sport [2].
Beyond the crest itself, the club has used the piping shrike, a bird synonymous with South Australia and featured on the state’s flag and coat of arms, as a secondary identity element on playing kits. The piping shrike has been placed at the neck of Adelaide United shirts alongside the club’s foundation year, 2003 [6][7].
A gold star, referred to as the Champions Star, has been added above or alongside the crest on playing kits as a tribute to the club’s 2016 A-League Grand Final triumph [4][8].
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