The History of Sport in Lebane
The history of sport in Lebane spans nearly a century, symbolized by the bedrock of local athletics: Football Club Radan (FK Radan). Established back in 1926, the club is the cornerstone of the town’s sporting identity and currently competes in the Serbian League East (Srpska Liga Istok).
Over the decades, Lebane has also fostered other sports:
- Handball and Volleyball: The town once had highly active men’s and women’s handball clubs, as well as volleyball teams that attracted a significant number of young athletes.
- Events: Today, the sporting tradition is maintained through established local events such as the annual Vidovdan Tournament and the Youth Sports Games, which have become a local staple.
- Sports Center: A key role in the development of sports is played by the local institution “Sports and Recreation Center” Lebane, which manages the town’s pitches and facilities.
- Awards: Every year, the Municipal Sports Association recognizes top athletes; recently, this honor was awarded to Filip Stanojević and Anastasija Živković.
While some older clubs face modern challenges, sport remains a vital part of life for the people of Lebane, with a strong focus on working with youth categories in schools and local associations.
Sports in Lebane have a long-standing tradition, with most clubs proudly bearing the name of the nearby mountain — Radan. Тhe town maintains several active clubs across various disciplines:
Football (Soccer)
- FK Radan Lebane: Founded in 1926, this is the oldest and most popular club in the municipality. It currently competes in the Zone “South” (the fourth tier of Serbian football), where it is a consistent top contender. The club plays its home matches at the City Stadium, which has a capacity of approximately 3,000 spectators.
Basketball
- KK Radan Lebane: A very active basketball club competing in the Second Men’s Regional League East. The club is well-known for its excellent youth development program. The senior team continues to be a strong regional competitor, with scheduled matches throughout the 2026 season against teams from across Southern Serbia.
Martial Arts
- Karate Club Radan: One of the most successful clubs in the town in terms of medals won. The club regularly participates in national championships; notably, in late 2024, its members brought home 18 medals from the Serbian National Championship. Training sessions are held at the local Gymnasium hall under the guidance of experienced coaches.
Volleyball and Handball
- OK Radan (Volleyball): Lebane has both men’s and women’s volleyball sections competing in lower regional tiers, such as the Second League East. The club focuses on gathering youth and promoting the sport within the Jablanica District.
- RK Radan (Handball): The handball club has a rich history, though its activities have occasionally faced financial challenges. The Women’s Handball Club (ŽRK Radan) is also a vital part of the local sports family, engaging girls of all school ages.
Infrastructure and Support
All local clubs are supported by the Sports and Recreation Center Lebane, which manages the fields, courts, and halls necessary for training.
The primary venues for sports and recreation include:
- Sports Hall (“Balloon Hall): The most significant indoor facility in town, opened in late 2016. This modern arena is fully equipped for basketball, handball, volleyball, and martial arts. It is widely regarded as a spacious and top-tier venue for local and regional sporting events. A specialized indoor facility that allows for training and recreation during winter months, catering primarily to youth categories and recreational players.
- City Stadium (FK Radan): Situated near the Jablanica River, this stadium has a capacity of approximately 3,000 seats. It serves as the home ground for FK Radan and is the main hub for football matches and athletic activities.
- Outdoor Sports Courts: The sports complex includes outdoor courts for mini-football, basketball, and volleyball. These venues are particularly active during summer months and major events like the Youth Sports Games.
- Outdoor Gym: A recent addition to the town’s sports offering, providing citizens with free access to exercise equipment in an open-air setting.
Booking: To reserve a time slot for indoor sports (football, basketball, or volleyball) at the Radan Sports Hall, please contact the Sports and Recreation Center office directly. Recreational slots are typically available in the evenings and on weekends.