South Melbourne FC

Author: George Kouroumalis

Theo Marmaras Medalist Nick Epifano re-signs for 2018 season

South Melbourne is pleased to confirm that it has re-signed attacking midfielder Nick Epifano for the 2018 NPL Victoria season.

Epifano has had a tremendous season, winning the SMFC Best and Fairest (Theo Marmaras Medal) and Players’ Player of the season, whilst also being a key component in our club reaching the Semi Finals of each competition in 2017.

Since joining the club through the midway point of 2013, Epifano has played in 135 matches for the club, scoring on 39 occasions and also playing in two vital championship wins along the way.

He will once again link up with Milos Lujic and new signing Sam Smith in what promises to be a formidable attacking force in 2018.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, SMFC Football Director Nicholas Maikousis was elated with the re-signing. “Over the past 12 months we have seen Epa grow as a footballer and person, so we are pleased to retain the services of such an integral member of our team. We’re hoping that he can build on his strong 2017 season and take his game to another level this year, where he will continue to both create and score for us in crucial matches.”

The club would like wish Nick all the best for the 2018 season.

November 29, 2017
Captain Brad Norton re-signs for next two seasons

South Melbourne FC is pleased to confirm that it has re-signed captain Brad Norton for a further two seasons.

Norton arrived at Lakeside Stadium ahead of the 2012 Victorian Premier League season, playing in 181 matches for the club across all competitions and scoring on 12 occasions. He has also lead the club proudly over the past 12 months as captain and vice captain for the previous four seasons prior, including captaining the side during the 2016 finals campaign.

As South’s longest serving current player, he has the opportunity to play his 200th game for the club in 2018, as well as being able to add to the two championship wins that he has had while wearing our famous shirt.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, SMFC Football Director Nicholas Maikousis was pleased with the commitment Brad has shown towards the club. “Bradley is a tremendous person and role model at our club and we are extremely pleased to have a person of his quality both on and off the park at the club for another two seasons. His leadership and ability to galvanise the dressing room has proven to be an integral part of our success over the past four years and we cannot be more pleased to have him part of the squad and leading our club.”

We wish Brad all the best in 2018 and beyond, where we will hopefully see him lifting more silverware over the next two seasons.

November 27, 2017
South sign Golden Boot winner Sam Smith from Gold Coast

South Melbourne FC is excited to announce that we have signed 2017 NPL Queensland Golden Boot winner Sam Smith for the next two seasons.

Smith joins the club from our FFA Cup Quarter Final Opponents Gold Coast City, having scored 22 goals in an impressive season with the Queensland outfit through dominating both league and Cup competitions. Smith was instrumental in the Gold Coast making the final 8 of the tournament, but missed out on playing against his new club due to an injury sustained in the PS4 NPL Queensland finals.

The Englishman brings another attacking option to play alongside Milos Lujic, as well as being able to play in any position across the attacking half of the pitch.

Prior to arriving in Australia, Smith played for numerous clubs throughout the UK, including Rushden and Diamonds, Woking and Lincoln City.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, SMFC Football Director Nicholas Maikousis was pleased with the acquisition. “Sam joins the club after a tremendous year in Queensland and will be a very welcome addition to the club in 2018. His strength, work rate and ability is something we were very impressed with and we are hopeful he continues to perform at that high standard along side Milos Lujic in the upcoming season.”

SMFC welcomes Sam to the club and wishes him the very best for the 2018 season and beyond.

November 26, 2017
South announce WNPL Coaching Structure

South Melbourne FC is pleased to confirm its coaches ahead of the 2018 NPL Women’s season.

As expected, three-time championship winning coach Socrates Nicolaidis will be the head coach of our senior team. He will be joined by Mick Gallo, who joins the club as our female Technical Director following a similar role at Avondale FC this season.

2017 SMFC Senior Assistant Jorge Leon will take over the Under 19 category and assist in nurturing our girls at that level prior to stepping into senior football.

Our Under 16 side will be coached by Angelo Koutos, who will also combine those duties with being Assistant Coach to Socrates Nicoliaidis. The former Heidelberg and Collingwood player has a wealth of experience at all levels, including experience with Alamein as their Technical Director.

Both Mark Knauer and John Sugunananthan will continue in their roles with the club, with Mark taking over our Under 14s squad and John the newly formulated Under 12s.

Director of Women’s Football, Gabrielle Giuliano was pleased with the structure implemented. “It’s a very exciting time for women’s football and in particular our club and we are excited to announce our coaching structure for our second season in the NPL. As always, we will be giving our coaches all of the necessary support in what we see as another huge season for all of our girls.”

SMFC wishes all of our female NPL coaches all the best for the 2018 season.

November 12, 2017
South sign Jake Marshall from Brisbane Strikers

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce our first signing of the 2018 NPL Victoria season, capturing Jake Marshall from Brisbane Strikers for the next two seasons.

Marshall is a highly regarded central defender who had a superb 2017 season with the Strikers, playing a pivotal role in the former National League club winning the Minor Premiership.

The 19 Year old Queenslander has made his mark throughout two seasons of senior football, through both his ability in the air and on the ground being showcased in the league and FFA Cup, where he was impressive in the 2016 clash against Hyundai A-League side Melbourne City.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, SMFC Football Director Nicholas Maikousis was pleased with the acquisition of Marshall. “Jake is a highly regarded young defender who we look forward to joining our defence for the upcoming season. His season at Brisbane was outstanding and we hope he can continue that form in blue in 2018.

We wish Jake all the best for his time at Lakeside.

October 31, 2017
FFA Cup Match Day Details

Please find below all you need to know on the match details for the Westfield FFA Cup Semi Final between South Melbourne FC and Sydney FC.

Pre-Match Entertainment

Given the significant media attention and excitement that has surrounded this fixture, South Melbourne FC is recommending to all patrons to arrive early in order to avoid queues and gain a smooth entry into Lakeside Stadium.

Tonight is a celebration of all that is South Melbourne FC. Prior to kick off, we will be holding a parade of champions of all our junior male and female teams as we celebrate and acknowledge their successes. Furthermore, we will also be celebrating our SMFC U20s 2017 Men’s Champion team, and our 2017 NPLW Victoria champions as well.

Stadium Entry Points

Both Gates 1 and 2 will be open from 5.30pm.

2017 SMFC Social Club members will enter through the Futsal Court entrance, as is the case on regular NPL Victoria matches.

Patrons who have purchased or seeking to purchase General Admission tickets should proceed to either Gates 1 or 2 to gain entry.

Ticketing

Ticket entry prices for the Westfield FFA Cup semi final against Sydney FC are as follows:

General Admission Adult – $25
General Admission Concession – $15
General Admission Children aged 5-12 – $10
General Admission Children Under 5 – free
2017 SMFC Social Club Members – $10

Please note that SMFC 2017 Season Pass holders will need to purchase General Admission entry tickets, as their membership will not provide discounted entry to the match. In addition, 2017 SMFC Social Club members will also need to present their current membership card with their online ticket purchased.

It is strongly recommended that you pre-purchase your match tickets for the fixture in order to avoid any queues, and to make your entry into Lakeside Stadium as smooth and comfortable as possible. You can purchase your tickets at www.smfc.com.au/tickets.

Food and Beverage

The 1959 Bar and Grill (SMFC Social Club) will be open from 5.00pm.

In order to accommodate the anticipated large crowd, South Melbourne FC will be operating four food and beverage stations around Lakeside Stadium, which will include both grandstands. Patrons will be able to purchase food and beverages from the 1959 Bar and Grill at any point throughout the evening.

Parking

The car park outside Lakeside Stadium has a capacity of 500 spaces, which does not take long to fill up on match days. If you do wish to drive to the match, then it is strongly recommended that you arrive early to secure a car park spot. Parking is also available along Clarendon Street, Aughtie Drive and Albert Road.

Public Transport

For those seeking to travel to the match by public transport, Lakeside Stadium is near two tram lines that are all within easy walking distance:

Route 96 (East Brunswick to St Kilda Beach) – Stop 129
Route 12 (City to South Melbourne/St Kilda) – Stop 131

Traditionally, our biggest strength that turns Lakeside Stadium into a fortress are the fans and members of this great club. We need your support to become the first non-A League club to qualify for the Westfield FFA Cup Final.

Go South !

October 11, 2017
South Melbourne FC u12 Girls Financial Hardship Scholarship
South Melbourne Football Club (SMFC) is based at Lakeside Stadium in South Melbourne. It competes in the Football Federation Victoria (FFV) NPL and NPLW competitions.

The SMFC u12 Girls Scholarship will be awarded to girls:
- Born in 2006 or 2007
- Whose families are experiencing financial hardship and would not otherwise be able to play at SMFC
The scholarship:
- Covers the 2018 FFV NPLW season
- Covers full fees and expenses up to $2,000
How to Apply

1. To qualify for the scholarship, you will first need to be selected for the SMFC 2018 u12s girls’ team. Registration for the trials are at https://www.smfc.com.au/wnpl18. Trails commence Monday 9th October.

2. Apply for the scholarship by emailing john_sugunananthan@yahoo.com.au, provide your contact details including applicants’ background and details on how the scholarship will assist them to further their development.

3. Selected candidates will be interviewed post trial period. You will need to provide evidence of financial hardship via a method such as means-tested Centrelink benefits, current healthcare card or family combined income.

Applications Close: Sunday 15th October 2018

For further information please contact

John Sugunananthan, the SMFC u12s Girls coach
Phone: 0418 156 620
Email: john_sugunananthan@yahoo.com.au
October 5, 2017
FFA Cup Semi Final – Tickets now on sale!

After a triumphant 6-0 victory against Gold Coast City in the quarter final of the Westfield FFA Cup, South Melbourne FC has been handed a dream semi-final fixture against the reigning Hyundai A League Champions Sydney FC. The match is scheduled for Wednesday 11th October 2017 at Lakeside Stadium, with kick off at 7.30pm.

Given the significant media attention and excitement that will surround this fixture, football fans will have the opportunity to pre-purchase tickets through the links provided below.

Ticket entry prices for the Westfield FFA Cup semi final against Sydney FC are as follows:

General Admission Adult – $25
General Admission Concession – $15
Children Under 5 – free

Please note that SMFC 2017 Season Pass holders will need to purchase General Admission entry tickets, as their membership will not provide discounted entry to the match.

It is strongly recommended that you pre-purchase your match tickets for the fixture in order to avoid any queues, and to make your entry into Lakeside Stadium as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Social Club members and South in Business Coterie guests will enter through the Social Club entry points.

The 1959 Bar and Grill (SMFC Social Club) will be open from 5pm that evening.

Traditionally, our biggest strength that turns Lakeside Stadium into a fortress are the fans and members of this great club. We need your support to become the first non-A League club to qualify for the Westfield FFA Cup Final.

Don’t miss out on what will be a history making night.

Click here to buy 2017 Semi Final Tickets

October 3, 2017
South to host A-League Champions Sydney FC in FFA Cup

South Melbourne FC can confirm that it host 2016/17 A-League Champions and Premiers Sydney FC in a mouth watering Semi Final Clash on Wednesday October 11th.

Due to South being the only Member Federation Club left in the draw, the club will automatically host the match at Lakeside Stadium.

The club is finalising all ticketing arrangements, with an official announcement to be made later in the week regarding ticketing.

Stay tuned to our website and social media channels as more information comes to hand.

September 25, 2017
Register for our Miniroos Spring Training

September 19, 2017