Sunday, 17 October 2010 7:15 PM
South Melbourne FC ended its 2010 season with a glittering and successful Gala Ball at Studio 3 in the Crown Entertainment Complex on Saturday.
Over 150 guests were in attendance to celebrate the Club’s achievements. The event was opened by the Master of Ceremonies, and SMFC Director, Dr. George Triantos who reflected on the achievements and success stories of the season that had just ended with the ground redevelopment, World Football Gala, and the RHB Singapore Cup. Following the opening address, South president Leo Athanasakis spoke about the challenges ahead for the club, with the redevelopment of Bob Jane Stadium and football infrastructure the key to the Club’s success. Furthermore, Leo thanked all the major corporate partners of the Club, miRoamer, Coffex Coffee, Souvlakihut, AIS Insurance Brokers, Antenna Pacific, and the National Builders Group for their generous support throughout the year. In addition, Leo thanked the many volunteers and his Board who have worked hard throughout the year.
The Sam Papasavas Award, which is awarded for service, dedication, and contribution to the Club, was awarded to George Kouroumalis and Michael Dimoudis. Both have volunteered their time and services to the Club for a number of years through their online, multimedia, graphic design, and use of cutting edge technology to improve the administration of the Club. Michael was instrumental in the re-launch of smfc.com.au, running the club’s online presence for many years, and his multimedia work. George has been instrumental in his graphic design skills improving the membership and merchandise brochures, website administrator and content provider, multimedia through his work on SMFC TV and southRadio.
Crowd favourite Fernando DeMoraes was acknowledged for his outstanding performance this year with winning the Theo Marmaras Award for Player of Year. It was Fernando’s second award for the year, with the Brazilian maestro also taking out the FFV Player of the Year award in September. Fernando spoke of his time at the club, his favourite goals and matches in the blue and white shirt.
Tom Kalas, head of the club’s junior program, spoke about the success stories within the junior set up, with most age groups finishing in the top 3 of their respective leagues. The guests were treated to a video showcasing a day at the juniors where everyone had the opportunity to hear from the stars of tomorrow, with Tom paying tribute to the mothers and all the volunteers who have contributed to the success of our junior program.
The final part of the formalities saw Club legend Jimmy Armstrong take to the stage to discuss his experiences at the World Football Gala, where South Melbourne FC was bestowed the honour of being named Oceania Confederation Club of the Century. Jimmy spoke about the stars of world football at the event and what an honour it was to be one of the club representatives at the event.
To conclude the formalities, the guests were treated to a video highlights package of all the action from the three matches in the RHB Singapore Cup. SMFC captain Ramazan Tavsancioglu spoke about the team’s performance in the RHB Singapore Cup, the manner in which the team prepared and the challenges it faced. The Master of Ceremonies congratulated Rama and the whole team for their efforts in the RHB Singapore Cup, and thanked the team on behalf of all SMFC stakeholders who were immensely proud of their achievements.
DJ Johnny Mav took over as his funky tunes saw many make their way to the dance floor and kick up their heels.
It was a night of great celebration, as the curtain fell on the 2010 season. South Melbourne FC would like to thank its guests for attending a memorable event.
Stay tuned for details on the 2011 Season Launch event to be held in late February 2011.