As we stand at the crossroads of a new era for South Melbourne Football Club, we are compelled to reflect on our remarkable journey and the indelible legacy that we have carved in the annals of Australian football.

Our history is not just a chronicle of victories and achievements but a tapestry woven with passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the beautiful game.

Since our inception in 1959, South Melbourne FC has been a beacon of excellence and a symbol of footballing pride in Australia. Our journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the pre-eminent football clubs in the nation is a testament to the dedication of our players, coaches, staff, and the unwavering support of our fans.

Each victory, each trophy, and each milestone has been a collective triumph, resonating with the spirit and tenacity that define our club.

On the field, our successes have been monumental. With four national championships, numerous state league titles in both male and female football, and a cherished place in the history books as Oceania Club Champions, our achievements stand as a testament to our prowess and determination.

However, our journey has not been without its challenges. Our attempts to join the A-League have been met with disappointment on three occasions, despite our rich history and undeniable contribution to Australian football. These setbacks have not been due to a lack of capability or vision but rather biases against our storied background and flawed expansion strategies that overlooked the essence of what makes a football club truly great.

We watched as newer clubs like Melbourne Heart, sustained primarily by foreign investment, and Western United, which has struggled to capture the imagination of the Victorian public, were given opportunities that we believe rightfully belonged to us. Yet, these challenges have only strengthened our resolve. Last week, we again demonstrated our enduring spirit by defeating the A-League outfit Wellington Phoenix in the Round of 32 of the Australia Cup at our picturesque Lakeside Stadium.

In front of over 4,000 passionate fans, we showcased the magic of South Melbourne FC, proving once again that we belong on the national stage. Our club has been the nurturing ground for dozens of Socceroos and contributed to great coaching stories such as Ange Postecoglou, Joe Montemurro, Mike Valkanis, Patrick Kisnorbo, Kevin Muscat and more. These individuals have not only brought glory to South Melbourne but have also significantly contributed to the broader landscape of Australian and international football. Their journeys began with us, and their successes are a testament to the strong foundation and support that South Melbourne FC provides.

Additionally, many of our administrators have gone on to achieve prominence at the highest levels of the game, both domestically and internationally. Their contributions have helped shape the strategic direction and governance of football, ensuring that the principles of integrity and excellence that define South Melbourne FC are echoed throughout the sport. Now, more than ever, it is South Melbourne’s time to shine.

We continue to advocate for the commencement of the National Second Tier in 2025, a platform where our historic club can once again showcase its prowess and contribute to the growth of Australian football. Our place is at the forefront, driving forward with the same passion and commitment that has defined us for almost seven decades.

South Melbourne FC along with the other NST Foundation Clubs went through an extensive RFP & submission process, as well as provide a $500,000 Bank Guarantee based on the understanding & assurances that we would be establishing a standalone home & away second division.

The Association of Australian Football Clubs (AAFC) representing over 300 clubs across Australia was established with a charter to establish a National Second Division. The FA Board & the Executive can choose to ignore the will of the majority of Community based clubs across Australia & continue to protect the interests of 12 private franchises.

The National Second Tier in 2025, is our opportunity to finally unify the game and complete the Football pyramid

It’s time for the Chairman & Board of Football Australia to be pioneers and lead our great game.

As we prepare for our Round of 16 clash in the Australia Cup, we call upon our loyal fans and the broader public to rally behind us. Your unwavering support has always been our greatest strength, and together, we can continue to achieve greatness. Join us in this journey, and let us celebrate our rich history, acknowledge our challenges, and look forward to a future where South Melbourne FC continues to shine brightly on the national stage. It’s Time, Our Time.

CF Capital unveiled as 2023 Major Partner

South Melbourne FC is pleased to unveil CF Capital as the club’s Major Partner for the 2023 NPL Victoria season.

CF Capital is one of the leading funds management firms in Australia with expertise in a range of asset classes including real estate development, equity, investment, and credit.

CF Capital will be at the forefront of a group of high calibre club sponsors from the finance and investment industries and will leverage the relationship with South Melbourne FC to further develop their network.

In 2022 CF Capital’s Investment Director Paul Chiodo committed to the club as our Major Principal Partner. The six-figure agreement represented trust in our organisation. Now in 2023, they have stepped up as the club’s Major Partner increasing their investment in South Melbourne providing further brand exposure around the club and Lakeside Stadium.

South Melbourne FC President Nicholas Maikousis welcomed the increased involvement in South Melbourne FC saying “Paul Chiodo and the CF Capital have proven to be tremendous partners of South Melbourne FC in their first year. Their increased investment in our club represents belief in our brand, its values and its approach to aspirational success and achievement. Paul and his leadership team have been impressed with our community diversity and engagement.”

The brand will continue to feature prominently around Lakeside Stadium as with signage featuring the logo for the livestream audience in front of the Clarendon Corner. As our Major Partner, CF Capital will also appear on the front of our playing jerseys club-wide in 2023.

CF Capital are committed to embracing diversity and inclusion and have pledged to directly support our All Abilities Programs. They are the major partners of the program and feature on the custom designed All Abilities program jersey for the 2022/23 season for our powerchair and blind footballers.

South Melbourne FC All Abilities Football Director Skip Fulton said “I’m really proud to announce CF Capital as South Melbourne’s Major Partner this weekend. We have just witnessed aspirational football at its best with the Socceroo’s making an historic performance at the World Cup. Additionally yesterday was International Day of People with Disability and Paul Chiodo with his team committed very early on to embracing our All Abilities program and their support will enable us to expand our plans in 2023 and share football with more members of our local community.”

“We worked with CF Capital and Kappa to design a playing jersey exclusively for our All Abilities program this year. It is a modern design with elements looking back to the club’s history, prominently displaying the logo whilst also meeting the needs of our program with the player numbers on the front.” Skip Fulton said.

South Melbourne FC will release its playing jersey for the Senior and Junior NPL season closer to the start of the season in January 2023.

You can read more about CF Capital by visiting their website here: https://www.cfcapital.com.au/

Online abuse of any kind is not acceptable.

The South Melbourne Football Club has been made aware of comments by individuals in the Victorian football community targeted at Football Victoria staff and officials in recent days.

The club condems all forms of abuse, discrimination and violence including comments made on social media.

South Melbourne FC endorses and embraces Football Victoria’s values of Respect, Integrity, Unity, Leadership and Inclusive.

The club is obligated to comply with the Football Victoria Grievance, Disciplinary and Tribunal ByLaws. The club is responsible for the actions of its players, officials, staff and supporters. Significant penalties for both the individual and the club can be applied, including misconduct charges for social media comments. These can include financial penalties as well as point deductions. The ByLaw also includes a positive obligation for our club to cooperate with any investigation directed by Football Victoria including the identification of players, offiicals, staff and supporters.

Penalties for this type of abuse may stretch beyond the game, with strict laws and criminal penalties for online harassment and intimidation and circumstances such as this may be referred to police.

We actively discourage any South Melbourne FC player, official, staff or supporter from engaging in such behaviour. Individuals making abusive, discriminatory or violent comments including on social media are not representative of the the South Melbourne Football Club.

We also take this opportunity to provide a reminder of the Spectator’s Code of Conduct for all those attending the Grand Final this weekend.

FOOTBALL VICTORIA SPECTATORS’ CODE OF CONDUCT

Football Victoria’s priority is to ensure all spectators are able to enjoy football in a safe and comfortable environment.

Accordingly, by entering this venue, you agree to be bound by the terms of this Spectator Code of Behaviour; the Venue Conditions of Entry and FV’s Member
Protection and Misconduct By-Laws. All persons present at an FV event shall:

1. Respect the decisions of the Match Officials;
2. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their race, colour, religion, language, ability, politics, sexual orientation, or national
   or ethnic origin;
3. Not engage in the use of violence in any form, whether it is by other Spectators, Team Officials (including coaches) or Players;
4. 4. Not engage in discrimination, harassment or abuse in any form, including but not limited to the use of obscene or offensive language or gestures, the incitement of hatred or violence, or indecent or racist chanting;
5. Comply with FV’s “Conditions of Entry” at all venues;
6. Not carry, light or throw flares or missiles (including on to the field of play or at other spectators);
7. Not enter the field of play or its surrounds without lawful authority; and 8. Conduct themselves in a manner that enhances, rather than injures, the
   reputation and goodwill of FV, Football Federation Australia (FFA) and football generally.

Any person who does not comply with this Code or who in the opinion of FV causes or attempts to cause a disturbance may be asked to leave and may be prohibited from attending future FV run events and/or programs. FV reserves the right to investigate any breaches of this Spectator Code of Conduct and may issue penalties in accordance with its rules and policies as appropriate, including sanctions as per the Grievance, Discipline and Tribunal (GDT) By-Law, and the deduction of match points to the respective team, and finals eligibility.

Club Statement – Senior Women’s Team