After several months of discussions, South Melbourne FC would like to confirm that it has entered into a relationship with Yarraville Glory, with both clubs agreeing to a sister club relationship.

It’s an exciting development for both clubs and we are delighted to bring such a historic Victorian club into our extended family.

Apart from SMFC’s standard football programs in the National Premier League and soon to be launched all new National “B League” competitions, our club is amongst only a handful of Clubs across Australia that dedicates resources and invests significantly in the following programs:

• Inclusion & Diversity program
• All Abilities program
• Blind Football Team
• Powerchair / Wheelchair teams
• Girls & Women’s Football (both community & elite)
• Disabled Schools programs

Between these and our traditional football programs, we plan to support and add value to Yarraville through various initiatives such as:

• Coaching the Coaches
• Pathway programs
• Inter Club seminars
• Training guidance
• Technical development
• Assisting the growth of their women’s program
• Think Pink fundraising initiatives
• Administrative support & guidance
• Various other Club fundraising activities
• Multimedia, Digital and Media awareness.

We understand that with our vast resources and support YGFC will become a stronger, contemporary and diverse Club.

We are also offering each registered Yarraville player & member a complimentary season pass to attend our home matches in 2023 in the same manner as our own registered players.

SMFC is also exploring with YGFC & Maribyrnong Council, the potential of playing an NPL home and away match at McIvor Reserve during the FIFA Women’s World Cup period where Lakeside Stadium will be used as a training venue later in 2023.

Speaking to SMFC Media, SMFC President Nicholas Maikousis was excited by the newly formed relationship. “At South we are looking at ways of giving back to the community and are thrilled to link up with Yarraville. We have already hit the ground running on some of our initiatives and cannot wait to work with YGFC as the new year comes around.”

South Melbourne FC wishes to confirm that striker Harrison Sawyer has signed for an Indian Super League club.

Due to the timing of their transfer window, SMFC has agreed to release Harrison immediately to enable him to complete his move into professional football prior to the window shutting.

Whilst Harrison’s new club will be named shortly, SMFC confirms that an agreement has been reached whereby all parties are satisfied with the arrangement moving forward.

Harrison joined the club prior to the 2020 season and has established himself as the premier striker of the NPL Victoria competition. His outstanding form in 2022 has seen him lead the NPL Victoria Golden Boot and form a key part of our side reaching the top of the league ladder this season. In 42 overall matches for the club he has scored on 25 occasions.

An emotional Sawyer spoke to smfc.com.au about his move to India. “I’d like to take this time to express how grateful I am for the opportunity South Melbourne has provided for me.

I have truly enjoyed my time in what has been a terrific season for the club and it is a testament to the great people involved. I am thankful to the fans who have supported me throughout my tenure at the club.

I cannot speak highly enough of the President Nicholas, Football Director Andrew, Esteban and the technical staff and most of all my fellow teammates. I thank you all.”

Football Director Andrew Mesourouni also thanked Harrison for his time at Lakeside. “I’d like to congratulate Harrison for the past three years in blue and white. He will be remembered fondly as not only a hard-working striker but a game changer who scored crucial goals for us. As a club, we want the best for all of our players, and we are excited to see Harrison achieve his dream of playing professionally abroad once again. The door will always remain open whenever he is in Australia as SMFC is his home and he is part of our family.”

South Melbourne FC can confirm that long standing Director of Women’s Football Gabrielle Giuliano will be standing down from her position due to increased work and family commitments. She will continue to remain as the club’s Vice President and assist the club with its strategic objectives.

Gabrielle has been a pioneer of the club’s female football program and female game in this state. Her time at the club commenced while as the President of the South Melbourne Women’s Football Club and a long standing key sponsor of the club (PDG), before playing the leading role in both SMWFC and SMFC becoming one club again through the club’s One Club Policy. The One Club Policy enabled SMFC to be at the forefront for equality in football and sport, with all male and female footballers eventually playing in the newly formed National Premier League as the top teams in the state, as well as promotion of the club’s football programs to receive equal billing regardless of gender.

In the past 11 years, Gabrielle has focused on providing a strong caring and professional environment for the female footballers to thrive in. Delivering fully equipped facilities, high level programs both for physical and mental growth and high level coaching which has resulted in numerous championships over the years as well as many players reaching higher levels in their careers.

Gabrielle will be replaced by Theo Chronis, who has been a long term supporter and sponsor of the club (Fortigo Transport). Theo is an individual who is equally as passionate about growing the female game. He has been involved in football for the best part of three decades, including as a player, coach and most recently as President of East Bentleigh. As part of this role as President, he was able to work with the council to increase the club’s facilities, but also increased female participation in the sport.

Speaking to SMFC Media, Gabrielle Giuliano thanked the club for the opportunity to lead the women’s program. “It has been an absolute privilege to lead the women’s department over so many years. My passion has been to help the girls grow and reach their potential in a safe, caring and professional environment. I have so many wonderful memories that I will cherish forever. I am thrilled that Theo has come on board and I am very confident he will look after the women’s department well and grow it in preparation for the next level.”

We thank Gabrielle for her amazing commitment over such a long time and look forward to her continuing her role as the club’s Vice President. We would also like to wish Theo all the best for the new role, as we are all right behind him during this exciting time.

We can announce the dates for the 2021 Youth trials. Please note that only players that fill out and send in EOI can turn up on the day for trials, otherwise they will not be able to trial.
Players that have sent EOI should have received details below together with instructions of requirements on the day.

For more information or to clarify, please contact Technical Director Sinisa Cohadzic on email sikic10@hotmail.com. Also check your junk mail for any correspondence before contacting.

U21 players will be only invitation and be contacted once restrictions ease.

PART 1

Saturday 14th November
9:00am – 10:30am – U13 and (13/14/15) GK’s
11:00am – 12:30pm – U14
1:00pm – 2:30pm – U15

Sunday 15th November
9:00am – 10:30am – U16 and (16/17/19/21) GK’s
11:00am – 12:30pm – U17
1:00pm – 2:30pm – U19

PART 2 

Saturday 21st November
9:00am – 10:00am – U13 and all age groups GK’s
10:15am – 11:30am – U14
11:45pm – 1:00pm – U15
1:15pm – 2:30pm – U16
2:45pm – 4:00pm – U17
4:15pm 5:30pm -U19

PART 3

Sunday 22nd November
9:00am – 10:15am – U13 + GK’s
10:30am – 11:45am – U14 + GK’s
12:00pm – 1:15pm – U15 + GK’s
1:30pm – 2:45pm – U16 + GK’s
3:00pm – 4:15pm – U17 + GK’s
4:30pm – 5:45pm -U19 + 19/21 GK’s

South Melbourne FC is seeking Expressions of Interest for NPL coaches of all age groups to work in a new dynamic football program headed by Pro License Technical Director Sinisa Cohadzic.

We are seeking coaches with a minimum B License qualification and Australian residency.

Candidates must be ambitious and passionate in developing Junior players for pathways into high level football as the South Melbourne Football Club is seeking entry into the proposed new National Championship league.

The Club will offer industry leading development tools and resources to maximise potential as well as above market remuneration for successful candidates.

Please send all EOI to SMFC Technical Director, Sinisa Cohadzic on following email: sikic10@hotmail.com