Author: George Kouroumalis

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 !

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.

South Melbourne FC is excited to announce that Giordano Marafioti has been selected for the Young Socceroos training camp in Perth this week. SMFC prides itself on it’s Youth Development Program and the efforts of its football department led by Youth Director Andrew Mesourouni and Technical Director Strati Xynas.

Over the past few seasons, Marafioti has worked hard and under the tutelage of his Youth Coach Sasa Kolman and Head Coach Chris Taylor have achieved great results. Giordano so far this season has scored 22 goals and has also made his senior debut.

South Melbourne FC are elated to see Marafioti being selected for the Young Socceroos and look forward to seeing him develop further at SMFC over the next few seasons.

Over a number of years now SMFC Youth Development program is gaining great admiration within the football community of Australia and overseas. In fact SMFC prides itself as the leader in Youth Football.

Speaking to smfc.com.au SMFC Youth Director was pleased with Marafioti’s progress. “Giordano is a talented young footballer who is starting to make his mark at youth level in Australian football landscape. The rise of Giordano is testament to the hard work of all our Youth coaching staff. We look forward to seeing Giordano playing at the highest level and wish him the very best”

Congratulations Gio!

South Melbourne FC is saddened to learn of the recent passing of club members, George Roufos and Efthimios Babatsikos.

In a mark of respect to both, SMFC Players and Officials wore black arm bands during Wednesday night’s defeat at home to Avondale FC. The crowd also observed a minute’s silence for them.

George Roufos is also the father of current SMFC Principal Partner Tass Roufos.

SMFC President, Leo Athanasakis, offered condolences on behalf of the club. “I am saddened to learn of the passing of these wonderful men. I send our club’s condolences and best wishes to the family and friends of these individuals, including Tass Roufos, who continues to be a very valued member of our club through his Corporate Partnership and work with the club’s exclusive areas.”