It all began in Salamedu , a neighborhood in the village of Santa Caterina di Pittinuri , during the winter 2020 lockdown. It was during that period that the idea of naming the group of friends after the neighborhood took shape, sparking a project that went far beyond a simple gathering. Among the first initiatives were the creation of T-shirts and sweatshirts that embodied the style and spirit of the neighborhood youth, along with the organization of parties and events.
Some time later, at the beginning of September, as the tourist season in Santa Caterina draws to a close and the town begins to slowly empty, a new idea is born: to bring the spirit of Salamedu to the football field, participating in the FIGC Third Category championship with a team made up of friends from the group and all those who share this universe.
The choice fell on Arriora, a sports club in Riola Sardo, a town near Santa Caterina, which had not participated in a football league since the 2015/16 season. Lacking the time necessary to establish a new sports club, the group decided to turn to Marco Loche , longtime president of ASD Arriora. His availability and enthusiasm allowed the project to materialize quickly and the club to register for the league.
The creation of the team naturally entails a significant financial and organizational commitment . Registration fees, uniforms, bags, and all the materials needed for the season are covered primarily through self-financing by the players, with the valuable contribution of several local businesses that have chosen to support the initiative.
But the main goal isn't just to compete on the field. The team aims to become a meeting place for a large group of friends, an opportunity to share experiences through sport, test themselves, and grow together. Training sessions are also organized thanks to the direct commitment of some members of the squad, who share their skills to contribute to the collective improvement.
The true added value of Arriora is the team . A bond that began long before football, built through years of friendship and companionship, with deeply intertwined personal lives. The desire is to face every opponent with determination, without being overly influenced by results and the standings. In a league where everyone deserves to find their place, participation, mutual respect, and fun are essential. Football Sundays thus represent a moment of shared growth, not only for those on the pitch, but also for those who support the team from the bench and the stands.
And the crowd is one of the greatest surprises of this experience. A large group of supporters has formed around the team, who identify with its values and spirit. Many of them, before the Arriora adventure, had never attended a sports field on Sundays, while today they experience the matches as a regular event and an important opportunity for socialization . The enthusiasm sparked by this new reality has led to a surprising turnout for both home and away games .
The relationship with the players from Riola Sardo is also rooted in a shared past, consisting of experiences in youth sectors and summer tournaments. The squad is primarily made up of boys from Cuglieri , the town that hosts the home games, along with other friends connected to the Salamedu summer program, who enthusiastically welcomed the opportunity to train and play together.
Arriora Calcio is much more than a team formed to compete in a championship. It is the result of a friendship that over time has transformed into a shared project, capable of involving young people, supporters, and local communities. A group with deep roots, finding in sport a new way to come together and share a passion.
Because, before being teammates, these guys are friends and brothers. And before being a team, they are a family .