South Melbourne FC is thrilled to announce the appointment of Sam Poutakidis as the club’s NPLW Technical Director.
Poutakidis had two stints at SMFC, representing the club 55 times (scoring 4 goals) as a full back in both the National Soccer League (2002-2004) and then the Victorian Premier League (2008). His playing career spanned over a decade at the top level in Victoria and included two club best and fairest awards.
Since retiring from playing, Sam has played an active role in coaching over the past decade. This includes senior roles at Waverley Wanderers, Beaumaris and Richmond, with NPL assistant coach roles at Oakleigh, Kingston and most recently Port Melbourne. He has also been involved in the women’s game with some time at Ashburton in a specialist coaching role.
In all of his roles, the FFA A Licensed coach has had player development at the forefront. This included a very successful period at Oakleigh as Under 20s coach, where he guided his team to the league championship in 2014 and produced footballers ready for senior football.
Speaking to smfc.com.au, Director of Women’s Football Gabrielle Giuliano was thrilled to have Sam on board as the club’s NPLW Technical Director. “Sam has a wealth of experience in football over almost two decades and we are naturally delighted to have someone of his quality involved in the club and the female program. We look forward to having Sam working closely with Senior Women’s Coach Samuel Young and our other coaches in taking our program to another level.”
Sam will assist across the NPL boy’s program and in particular alongside NPL Technical Director Sinisa Cohadzic.
Sinisa Cohadzic was also excited to have Sam join the program. “Sam is a tremendous asset to the club and someone we look forward to having as part of the revamped youth system. His ability to nurture young footballers and teach them the right way to play the game is something we are looking forward to seeing. We are also excited to have someone with his experience in the system to work with myself and all of our other coaches.”
We welcome Sam back to the club and look forward to seeing him around Albert Park throughout 2021.