South Melbourne FC

Author: George Kouroumalis

Sounds from the streets

Many years ago, I worked for my parents who own a video production company. Because it is a family business, you inevitably end up wearing many hats and being the czar of many different jobs. I mainly managed projects and worked as a video editor. On production, there were times that I was called on to work as an audio tech and was made to wear headphones on long production days. In those days, having a really good set of headphones that picked up every nuance of sound was essential to making sure the client got what they needed.

It’s safe to say that because of my unique professional experiences, I’ve tested out a lot of headphones.

First impressions.

Naturally, my first impression of these headphones is based off of the look of them. They have a classic over-the-ear style that is highlighted by a blue LED light that indicates the power for the noise canceling. The padding on the ear pieces seems adequate for extended usage periods.

They are wired headphones, but the 3.5mm stereo mini-plug cable is detachable. Something else I noticed right of the bat was the very nice carrying case that comes with them. It has a hard plastic exterior with a soft cloth interior that helps to protect the surface of the headphones from scratches. I never truly appreciated cases for headphones until I started carrying them from place-to-place. Now I can’t imagine not having a case.

A perfect fit.

Once I gave the headphones a thorough once-over exam, I tried them on. As I mentioned, they have a classic over-the-ear style and just looking at them, the padding on the ear pieces seem adequate and the peak of the headband seemed to be a bit lacking, but you don’t really know comfort unless you try on the product. So, I slipped the headphones on and found them to be exquisitely comfortable.

Quality.

Now that I had the headphones on my head, I was finally ready to plug and play some music. I plugged the provided cable into the jack on the headphones and then the one on my iPhone 6. Then I called up Pandora. I tend to have a very eclectic music purview and have many stations set up for different moods. From John Williams to Fallout Boy, the sound quality of these headphones was remarkable. There is an amazing depth of sound and incredible highs and lows that make listening to music a truly breathtaking experience.

In order to test how voices sounded, and the overall art of sound mixing, I pulled up Netflix on my iPad Air 2 and watched a few minutes of a movie to hear all the nuances of the film. None of them were lost. In fact, I ended up hearing sounds that I hadn’t heard before. Echoes…birds chirping…wind blowing through trees…breathing of the characters…it was very impressive what the headphones ended up bringing out for me.

I would highly recommend these to any sound mixing specialist.

January 28, 2017
A day alone at the sea

Just the other day I happened to wake up early. That is unusual for an engineering student. After a long time I could witness the sunrise. I could feel the sun rays falling on my body. Usual morning is followed by hustle to make it to college on time. This morning was just another morning yet seemed different.

Witnessing calm and quiet atmosphere, clear and fresh air seemed like a miracle to me. I wanted this time to last longer since I was not sure if I would be able to witness it again, knowing my habit of succumbing to schedule. There was this unusual serenity that comforted my mind. It dawned on me, how distant I had been from nature. Standing near the compound’s gate, feeling the moistness that the air carried, I thought about my life so far.

I was good at academics, so decisions of my life had been pretty simple and straight. Being pretty confident I would make it to the best junior college of my town in the first round itself, never made me consider any other option. I loved psychology since childhood, but engineering was the safest option. Being born in a middle class family, thinking of risking your career to make it to medical field was not sane. I grew up hearing ‘Only doctor’s children can afford that field’ and finally ended up believing it. No one around me believed in taking risks. Everyone worshiped security. I grew up doing the same.

‘Being in the top will only grant you a good life’ has been the mantra of my life. But at times, I wish I was an average student. I wish decisions would have not been so straightforward. Maybe I would have played cricket- the only thing I feel passionate about. Or maybe I would have studied literature (literature drives me crazy). Isn’t that disappointing- me wishing to be bad at academics. It’s like at times I hate myself for the stuff I am good at.

This is what has happened to us. We want the things we have been doing forcefully to fail. And then maybe people around us would let us try something else or our dreams. We are accustomed to live by everyone else’s definition of success. We punish people for the things they are passionate about, just because we were unable to do the same at some point in our life.

I feel like these concrete buildings have sucked our desires and our dreams. We are so used to comfort that compromise seems like a taboo. We have lost faith in ourselves. If we can make through it right now, we can do the same in the days to come. You only need a desire to survive and nothing more- not money or cars or designer clothes.

Staying locked up in four walls have restricted our thinking. I feel like our limited thinking echoes through this wall. We are so used to schedules and predictable life that we have successfully suppressed our creative side.

When you step out of these four walls on a peaceful morning, you realize how much nature has to offer to you. Its boundless. Your thoughts, worries, deadlines won’t resonate here. Everything will flow away along with the wind. And you will realize every answer you had been looking for, was always known to you.

It would mean a lot to me if you recommend this article and help me improve. I would love to know your thoughts!

January 25, 2017
Under 20 Golden Boot Marafioti upgraded to senior roster

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce that it has promoted Under 20s Golden Boot Winner Giordano Marafioti to the senior roster for the 2017 NPL Victoria season.

Marafioti had a break-out season in the club’s Under 20s team in 2016, scoring 14 times and proving to be one of the dangerous forwards in the league. His explosive speed and ability to find the back of the net throughout pre-season, has seen Chris Taylor promote him to be part of the senior squad for the season ahead.

Marafioti is also the seventh former South youth player to join the squad and will link up in the attacking third with former juniors Milos Lujic, Marcus Schroen and Stefan Zinni.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, Football Director Nicholas Maikousis was pleased with the elevation. “Giordano has worked extremely hard over pre-season and impressed the entire football department with his form over the summer. His ability to work hard and listen to his coaches and senior teammates has seen him earn the opportunity to be part of the senior squad. ”

We’d like to congratulate Marafioti on his elevation and look forward to seeing him a part of the senior squad in 2017.

January 23, 2017
Gavin De Niese joins club for 2017 season

South Melbourne FC is excited to announce the signing of Gavin De Niese for the 2017 NPL Victoria season.

The dynamic midfielder joins SMFC following a long spell at River Plate, playing in over 60 youth team matches and being a part of the senior squad at training.

Overall, De Niese was part of River Plate since he was 14 and spent six years at the Argentine giants before making the decision to return home to Australia and seek first team football. It was while trialling for Melbourne City, he ruptured his Anterior Cruciate Ligament and missed an opportunity to play in the A-League.

Fast forward and De Niese now finds himself at his new home, Lakeside Stadium, where he is ready to play a role for the club during the 2017 NPL season. He’s ability to play numerous roles throughout the midfield, allows for his inclusion to add more depth and versatility to Chris Taylor’s side.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, Football Director Nicholas Maikousis was excited with the inclusion of De Niese. “Gavin has spent a large part of the pre-season with the club and his attitude while coming back from injury has been outstanding. We believe that we are bringing in an extremely composed, experienced and creative midfielder who will compliment the players currently in the squad. Coming from a professional environment and big club in River Plate, we believe he is a perfect fit for us when fit and firing.”

We’d like to welcome Gavin for the 2017 season at Lakeside Stadium.

January 22, 2017
Positions Available : Join the SMFC Youth Program in 2017

South Melbourne FC is excited to announce that it has limited opportunities for boys and girls aged 5-11 available to join our Junior Program for the 2017 season.

The program offers all kids who are registered with specialised coaching from experienced accredited football coaches, as well as the ability to learn the game and have fun while doing so.

To register your interest, simply visit www.smfc.com.au/2017juniors today. Positions are limited and are available at a first in basis, so don’t miss out on your chance to be a part of one of Australia’s most successful youth development programs.

Sessions commence on Tuesday 24th of January at Field 18 in Albert Park. When you arrive at the ground, you will be able to check your name into our sub-junior coordinators Matthew or Jara, who will be taking the sessions.

Session times per week are below. You can attend any of these sessions to familiarise yourself with the club.

Tuesday: 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Thursday: 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am – 11:30am

Each player who registers their interest will also be eligible for a free training session with the club, prior to choosing whether to proceed for 2017.

January 18, 2017
Some amazing buildings

Minimalism and geometric.

When you are alone for days or weeks at a time, you eventually become drawn to people. Talking to randos is the norm. I’ll never forget the conversation with the aquarium fisherman, forest ranger, and women at the Thai market. It’s refreshing to compare notes on life with people from vastly different backgrounds.

When you meet fellow travelers, you’ll find they are also filled with a similar sense of adventure and curiosity about the world. Five days of friendship on the road is like five months of friendship at home. It’s the experiences that bond you together, not the place. A rule I followed that worked well: be the first to initiate conversation. I met some incredible people by simply being the first to talk.

Long term travel is different than a luxury vacation. The point is to see the world, not stay in a 5-star hotel. During the trip, I stayed on a strict budget. The goal was to spend no more than $33 per day on accommodations. After a year, I was able to spend only $26.15 per day by booking through HostelWorld and Airbnb. When I wanted to meet people, I’d stay in a shared room at a hostel. When I wanted to be alone, I’d book a private room with Airbnb.

Take the cost of your rent or mortgage + food per month and divide it by 30. This is how much it costs per day to live at home. You will find that it’s possible to travel the world for roughly the same amount. Or, if you live in an expensive city like San Francisco, far less.

An universal language.

I was surprised how many people spoke English (apparently 1.8 billion people worldwide). Places where English was less prevalent, I made an effort to learn a handful of words and phrases in the local language. Even though it’s passable, I do desire to learn another language fluently. You can only take the conversation so far when all you can say is: “¿Esto contiene gluten?”

It’s possible to communicate a lot without saying a word. For instance, I left my phone at a restaurant in Chile. I pointed at the table where I was sitting, put my hand to my ear like a phone, then shrugged — 2 minutes later, my phone had been retrieved.

January 18, 2017
Working from your home?

[vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”3″ bottom_padding=”3″ overlay_alpha=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ shift_y=”0″ row_height_use_pixel=””][vc_column column_width_use_pixel=”yes” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ zoom_width=”0″ zoom_height=”0″ column_width_pixel=”800″][vc_column_text]

01. Wake up at the same time every day.

Naturally, my first impression of these headphones is based off of the look of them. They have a classic over-the-ear style that is highlighted by a blue LED light that indicates the power for the noise canceling. The padding on the ear pieces seems adequate for extended usage periods.

They are wired headphones, but the 3.5mm stereo mini-plug cable is detachable. Something else I noticed right of the bat was the very nice carrying case that comes with them. It has a hard plastic exterior with a soft cloth interior that helps to protect the surface of the headphones from scratches. I never truly appreciated cases for headphones until I started carrying them from place-to-place. Now I can’t imagine not having a case.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”50″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”0″ back_color=”color-wayh” back_image=”19707″ back_position=”center top” parallax=”yes” overlay_color=”color-wayh” overlay_alpha=”70″ gutter_size=”3″ shift_y=”0″ row_height_use_pixel=””][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” override_padding=”yes” column_padding=”2″ style=”dark” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ zoom_width=”0″ zoom_height=”0″ width=”1/1″][vc_custom_heading heading_semantic=”h6″ text_size=”h1″ text_height=”fontheight-357766″ text_font=”font-134980″ text_weight=”300″ sub_lead=”yes” sub_reduced=”yes” text_uppercase=”” subheading=”Joelle Steiniger”]It’s funny — the thing I feared would take away my “freedom” is the one thing that has allowed me to have it.[/vc_custom_heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row unlock_row=”” row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”3″ bottom_padding=”3″ overlay_alpha=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ shift_y=”0″ row_height_use_pixel=””][vc_column column_width_use_pixel=”yes” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ zoom_width=”0″ zoom_height=”0″ column_width_pixel=”800″][vc_column_text]

02. Have a routine when you wake up.

Once I gave the headphones a thorough once-over exam, I tried them on. As I mentioned, they have a classic over-the-ear style and just looking at them, the padding on the ear pieces seem adequate and the peak of the headband seemed to be a bit lacking, but you don’t really know comfort unless you try on the product. So, I slipped the headphones on and found them to be exquisitely comfortable. In order to test how voices sounded, and the overall art of sound mixing, I pulled up Netflix on my iPad Air 2 and watched a few minutes of a movie to hear all the nuances of the film. None of them were lost. In fact, I ended up hearing sounds that I hadn’t heard before. Echoes…birds chirping…wind blowing through trees…breathing of the characters…it was very impressive what the headphones ended up bringing out for me.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row unlock_row=”” row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”0″ overlay_alpha=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ shift_y=”0″ row_height_use_pixel=””][vc_column column_width_use_pixel=”yes” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ zoom_width=”0″ zoom_height=”0″ width=”5/6″][vc_single_image media=”2286″ media_width_percent=”100″ media_ratio=”three-two” media_title_uppercase=””][/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ zoom_width=”0″ zoom_height=”0″ width=”1/6″][vc_column_text]I’d start my day by checking email, Twitter, Facebook. Reading the “news”. I’d look at my to-do list and start working on something.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row unlock_row=”” row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”3″ bottom_padding=”3″ overlay_alpha=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ shift_y=”0″ row_height_use_pixel=””][vc_column column_width_use_pixel=”yes” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ zoom_width=”0″ zoom_height=”0″ column_width_pixel=”800″][vc_column_text]

03. Plan your workout time — stick to it.

Now that I had the headphones on my head, I was finally ready to plug and play some music. I plugged the provided cable into the jack on the headphones and then the one on my iPhone 6. Then I called up Pandora. I tend to have a very eclectic music purview and have many stations set up for different moods. From John Williams to Fallout Boy, the sound quality of these headphones was remarkable. There is an amazing depth of sound and incredible highs and lows that make listening to music a truly breathtaking experience.

In order to test how voices sounded, and the overall art of sound mixing, I pulled up Netflix on my iPad Air 2 and watched a few minutes of a movie to hear all the nuances of the film. None of them were lost. In fact, I ended up hearing sounds that I hadn’t heard before. Echoes…birds chirping…wind blowing through trees…breathing of the characters…it was very impressive what the headphones ended up bringing out for me.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row unlock_row=”” row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”0″ overlay_alpha=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ shift_y=”0″ row_height_use_pixel=””][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ zoom_width=”0″ zoom_height=”0″ width=”1/6″][vc_column_text]Distractions aside, there was no real rhyme or reason to my workflow. The not-so-fun (but necessary) stuff kept getting neglected.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_width_use_pixel=”yes” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ zoom_width=”0″ zoom_height=”0″ width=”5/6″][vc_single_image media=”23199″ media_width_percent=”100″ media_ratio=”three-two” media_title_uppercase=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row unlock_row=”” row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”3″ bottom_padding=”3″ overlay_alpha=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ shift_y=”0″ row_height_use_pixel=””][vc_column column_width_use_pixel=”yes” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ zoom_width=”0″ zoom_height=”0″ column_width_pixel=”800″][vc_column_text]

04. Call it a night.

Now that I had the headphones on my head, I was finally ready to plug and play some music. I plugged the provided cable into the jack on the headphones and then the one on my iPhone 6. Then I called up Pandora. I tend to have a very eclectic music purview and have many stations set up for different moods. From John Williams to Fallout Boy, the sound quality of these headphones was remarkable. There is an amazing depth of sound and incredible highs and lows that make listening to music a truly breathtaking experience.

In order to test how voices sounded, and the overall art of sound mixing, I pulled up Netflix on my iPad Air 2 and watched a few minutes of a movie to hear all the nuances of the film. None of them were lost. In fact, I ended up hearing sounds that I hadn’t heard before. Echoes…birds chirping…wind blowing through trees…breathing of the characters…it was very impressive what the headphones ended up bringing out for me.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row unlock_row=”” row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”3″ overlay_alpha=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ shift_y=”0″ row_height_use_pixel=””][vc_column column_width_use_pixel=”yes” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ zoom_width=”0″ zoom_height=”0″ column_width_pixel=”800″][vc_single_image media=”15075″ media_width_percent=”100″ media_ratio=”three-two” media_title_uppercase=””][/vc_column][/vc_row]

January 14, 2017
South sign tough English Centre Back Piergianni

South Melbourne is excited to announce that it has signed English Central Defender Carl Piergianni for the 2017 NPL Victoria season.

Piergianni arrives in Australia following a wonderful spell with Boston United in England, where he became known for his uncompromising manner in defence and leadership on the park. Through this, he quickly became a fan favourite for the Pilgrims, while also winning the Vanarama Conference and Boston’s Player of the Year award.

His wonderful ability in the air and exceptional eye for goal, has seen Piergianni also find the net on 14 occasions in his time at Boston.

Piergianni’s Clean Sweep of awards during his time at Boston United.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, SMFC Football Director Nicholas Maikousis was excited to have Carl join the club. “We are excited to have someone of Carl’s ability and experience join us from aboard. His reputation with his previous club and their fan base speaks volumes of the type of player that he can be, so we are hoping we can see the tough and uncompromising nature of his football also while he wears a South shirt.”

Also speaking to smfc.com.au, Carl Piergianni was happy to settle in Australia. “I moved away from the UK, wanting a new adventure and to live for a little while in Australia. To have an opportunity to play here and to help the club in 2017 is very exciting for me.”

Carl made his SMFC debut in South’s 1-0 friendly win over Hume City on Wednesday night.

January 12, 2017
South’s men head to the Murray for double header

South Melbourne FC can confirm that it will play FFA Cup Semi-Finalists Canberra Olympic and NPL2 club Murray United in Wodonga later this month.

With the season fast approaching, Chris Taylor’s men will embark on a weekend training camp to Albury, where they will play two matches over the course of two days.

The opening match will be against Murray United on Friday January 20th at 7.30pm, while the second game against Canberra Olympic will be held on Saturday January 21st at 5.30pm. Both matches will be played at La Trobe University and are free to attend, with food and drink available to be purchased at the ground.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, SMFC Senior Coach Chris Taylor was looking forward to the weekend away. “Traditionally over the past few seasons we have prepared by going away for a few days and are pleased to be playing in Wodonga later this month. Murray United have been wonderful in assisting to organise the weekend for us, while we look forward to playing against Canberra Olympic who had a great run in last years FFA Cup competition.

It is also a great opportunity for our playing group, coaches and off-field staff to become familiar and bond with one another, which is also a highlight any time you go away as a group ”

We’d love to see as many South fans attend either match, so if possible head to Latrobe University in Wodonga and get a taste of the 2017 squad in action prior to the season starting.

January 9, 2017
Australian Youth International Medwin joins Club

South Melbourne FC is excited to announce the signing of Tasmanian Aimee Medwin for the 2017 NPL Victoria season.

Despite being only 17 Years Old, Medwin has already had a wealth of experience, representing Australia at Youth level and previously having experience playing in the Women’s Premier League with Boroondara Eagles. She has also represented Tasmania against our very own South Melbourne Women, as well as in the Bass Strait Cup against Victoria.

Medwin is a versatile left sided player, who has the capability of playing as a left sided winger, as well as also covering at left-back. Her pace and quick feet are two key components that she will be looking to add to the team in 2017.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, Medwin was excited to be joining the Club. “South Melbourne are a big club in Australian football and I am excited to be joining them for 2017. We have a strong squad, with some exciting players joining, so I look forward to the year ahead with a great group of girls”.

Head of Women’s Football Gabrielle Giuliano was also pleased. “Aimee is a young, quick and exciting talent and we are happy to have her part of the Club in 2017. With experience at international, representative and WPL level already, we are certain she will be fantastic for our senior team during the upcoming season.

We welcome Aimee to Lakeside and wish her all the best for 2017.

January 8, 2017