Stands the Estádio do Clube Desportivo das Aves. It is more than just a sports venue. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of Vila das Aves. Let’s step back in time to explore the rich history of the Complexo Desportivo Clube Desportivo das Aves.
The Clube Desportivo das Aves was founded on November 12 1930. A group of friends regularly met at the Sapataria do Pedras. This was near the market on Rua General Humberto Delgado. José Pedrosa Mendonça Balsemão spearheaded the club’s creation. He had the support of José Castro Pedras. António Pinto Lobão also supported him.
Initially the team was called “Onze Vermelhos das Aves”. This translates to “The Red Eleven of Aves”. The name was inspired by the Belgian national team. They were known as “The Red Devils”.
The first match of the Complexo Desportivo Clube Desportivo das Aves occurred on April 26 1931. They played against Negrelos Sport Club at Campo da Passarada. In 1932 the team’s name changed to Clube Desportivo das Aves. Authorities felt the original name had communist connotations.
In 1932 a schism led to the creation of Sport Club Avisense. They were known as “The Yellows”. This was due to their equipment color. The Campo das Fontainhas was renamed Campo Bernardino Gomes. This honored Bernardino Gomes. He greatly improved the field. “The Yellows” played at Campo da Bela Vista. They dissolved in 1935.
The Complexo Desportivo Clube Desportivo das Aves began to rise. They rivaled FC Tirsense. By 1987 the Complexo Desportivo Clube Desportivo das Aves reached the Divisão de Honra. They remained in professional competitions. Their first official competition was in 1932/33. They played in the Campeonato Regional da II Divisão. Two years later they became champions.
In the 1940s the club’s sports rise began. This resulted in consecutive division climbs. In 1955 the club celebrated its silver jubilee. This increased membership. In that year S. Miguel das Aves became a town. The “Jornal das Aves” newspaper was born. This gave the club greater exposure. The club reached the III Divisão Nacional.
In the late 1960s Complexo Desportivo Clube Desportivo das Aves played Sporting CP in the Taça de Portugal. Although they lost it highlighted the need for a new stadium. In 1972/73 Complexo Desportivo Clube Desportivo das Aves reached the II Divisão Nacional.
The stadium was inaugurated on December 8 1981. In 1983/84 the club rose to the II Divisão Nacional. In 1984/85 they were crowned champions. They reached the highest level of Portuguese football. Neca coached them. He took the team from the III Divisão to the I Divisão. Neca led the club to the top flight twice more.
On April 30 2017, Complexo Desportivo Clube Desportivo das Aves rose to the Primeira Liga. In 2017/2018 they secured their spot in the Primeira Liga. In 2017/18 Complexo Desportivo Clube Desportivo das Aves reached the Taça de Portugal semi-finals. They beat Sporting CP 2-1 in the final.
The Complexo Desportivo Clube Desportivo das Aves stadium has been renovated over the years. It was inaugurated in 1981. The locker rooms were updated in 2000. The central stands were seated in 2006/07. The stadium also has an athletics track. The seating capacity is now around 8560.
The Clube Desportivo das Aves fan group is Força Avense. Their oldest rival is Futebol Clube Tirsense. Two TV presenters are fans Julia Pinheiro and Sara Cecília.
The Complexo Desportivo Clube Desportivo das Aves has faced challenges. It was dissolved in 2020 due to financial difficulties. It was then refounded as Clube Desportivo das Aves 1930.
As we conclude our visit notice the stadium’s enduring presence. The Complexo Desportivo Clube Desportivo das Aves symbolizes resilience community spirit and the love of the game. It remains a cherished landmark in Vila das Aves.