South Melbourne FC

Category: News

  • SMFC & SMH AGM Confirmed

    SMFC & SMH AGM Confirmed

    Annual General Meeting : South Melbourne Hellas Ltd

    Dear Member,

    RE: Annual General Meeting

    It is advised that the Annual General Meeting of South Melbourne Hellas Club Ltd will be held as follows:

    Date: Friday January 30th, 2026
    Time: 7pm
    Location: 1959 Bar And Grill, Lakeside Stadium
    25 Albert Road Drive, Albert Park VIC 3206

    The agenda shall include the following:

    1. Confirmation of Minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting;
    2. Finance Report and presentation of Audited Accounts of the Club;
    3. Presidents Report;
    4. Appointment of Auditors and determination of their remuneration;
    5. Any other business of which due notice shall have been given;

    A printed and electronic copy of the Annual Report including the Audited Financial Accounts will be made available 14 Days prior to the commencement of the AGM where you will be able to download a copy from our website www.smfc.com.au/documents-resources/ .

    Admission to the AGM will be strictly limited to those financial members of the Club whom are eligible to vote. To confirm your eligibility to vote you can contact by emailing admin@smfc.com.au or calling (03) 9645 9797.

    Kind Regards

    South Melbourne FC Board

    Annual General Meeting : South Melbourne FC Pty Ltd

    Dear Member,

    RE: Annual General Meeting

    It is advised that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of South Melbourne Football Club Ltd will be held as follows:

    Date: Friday January 30th, 2026
    Time: 6.30pm
    Location: 1959 Bar And Grill, Lakeside Stadium
    25 Albert Road Drive, Albert Park VIC 3206

    The agenda shall include the following:

    1. Confirmation of Minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting;
    2. Finance Report and presentation of Audited Accounts of the Club;
    3. Presidents Report;
    4. Appointment of Auditors and determination of their remuneration;
    5. Any other business of which due notice shall have been given;

    A printed and electronic copy of the Annual Report including the Audited Financial Accounts will be made available 14 Days prior to the commencement of the AGM where you will be able to download a copy from our website www.smfc.com.au/documents-resources.

    Admission to the AGM will be strictly limited to those financial members of the Club whom are eligible to vote. To confirm your eligibility to vote you can contact by emailing admin@smfc.com.au or calling (03) 9645 9797.

    Kind Regards

    South Melbourne FC Board

    SMFC AGM Documentation

  • South Melbourne FC attends Oceania Professional League launch in Auckland

    South Melbourne FC attends Oceania Professional League launch in Auckland

    Auckland, 30 October 2025 – South Melbourne FC proudly attended the official launch of the Oceania Professional League in Auckland on Wednesday, marking another defining moment in the club’s long and distinguished history.

    The inaugural season of the competition will commence in January 2026, featuring eight founding clubs from seven nations. The league will adopt a circuit series format, with matches played across key Pacific venues before concluding with finals later in the year.

    South Melbourne FC has been confirmed as Australia’s representative and the only club competing outside of the Oceania confederation, reaffirming its standing as one of the region’s most iconic and respected football institutions.

    General Manager Strati Xynas said:

    “This is a proud and historic moment for our club and supporters. To once again represent Australia on the international stage is an incredible honour. The Oceania Professional League provides a platform to showcase the professionalism and passion that has always defined us, while also building stronger relationships with our neighbours across the Pacific.”

    Head Coach Sinisa Cohadzic added:

    “This competition is about more than football. It’s about creating pathways for players, coaches and staff to operate in a professional environment. It’s an opportunity to test ourselves, to learn, and to grow as part of an exciting new era for the game across Oceania.”

    Co-President Bill Papastergiadis said:

    “Representing Australia and bringing together the very best of football from across the Oceania region is something we are immensely proud of. This competition connects deeply with our history and our identity. We are excited to contribute to a new professional landscape that will benefit clubs, players and administrators throughout the region. Our football product will expand beyond our national border and will now have an international footprint. This is fitting for a club that was awarded by FIFA as the Oceania Club of the Century. This international stage will unite all football supporters behind our club as we represent our nation. We are keen to embrace all of the people from the Pacific who live in Australia as our immigrant origins reflect the broad fabric of our multicultural society.”

    Co-President Andrew Mesourouni said:

    “Football is in my DNA as it is with South Melbourne. We deserve to be on the international stage and we are deeply excited by this new competition. Professionalism is at the core of our values and the club is now ready to compete at the highest levels.”

    The Auckland event brought together representatives from all eight founding clubs, along with OFC officials and federation delegates, highlighting the collective commitment to developing a sustainable and competitive professional league for the Pacific.

    As part of the 2026 calendar, South Melbourne FC will host a hub in Melbourne, welcoming all competing clubs to Australia. This hub will include a cultural festival of football, showcasing the unity and diversity of Oceania both on and off the pitch.

    Why it matters

    The establishment of the Oceania Professional League represents a milestone for the growth of football across the region. It creates:

    • Professional opportunities for players to compete in a full-time environment

    • Player pathways for emerging Australian and Pacific footballers to reach higher levels of competition

    • Career development for administrators, analysts, coaches and operational staff to work within a professional structure

    • Regional collaboration between nations that share deep historical and cultural football connections

     

    For South Melbourne FC, recognised by the OFC as the Oceania Club of the Century, participation in this league signifies a return to a region that has been central to its history and success. It reinforces the club’s ambition to be part of professional football once again, while continuing to create clear pathways from youth to senior levels for players and staff alike.

    Further announcements regarding fixtures, travel schedules and fan engagement opportunities will be made in the coming weeks.

  • South Melbourne Hellas – New Board Structure + Presidents Announced

    South Melbourne Hellas – New Board Structure + Presidents Announced

    As South Melbourne Hellas enters a new chapter in its proud history, the Club is also evolving its governance structure.

    We are pleased to confirm that the Club will now be led by two Co-Presidents, Andrew Mesourouni and Bill Papastergiadis.

    With a senior football program now running year-round across three major competitions, the Australian Championship (National Second Tier) beginning in less than two weeks, the FIFA Oceania Professional League in January, and the NPL season commencing soon after, the demands on leadership, player rosters, administrative staff and stadium management have never been greater. This new approach reflects our commitment to meeting these responsibilities at the highest level.

    Both Andrew and Bill bring over a decade of service to the Club, having held senior positions including Football Director (Andrew) and Head of Legal and Chairman (Bill). Their experience and dedication will help guide the Club through this exciting era.

    Andrew Mesourouni said:
    “It’s time. Hellas must truly unite behind the strength of its badge and proud history. For the first time in our history, unity will be on display with two Presidents sharing responsibility alongside a passionate Board of Directors. This is not about any individual but about one Club coming together, members and fans, young and old, united by love and respect for our great Club. Together, we will rise, both in football and in community values, as a home for all.”

    Bill Papastergiadis said:
    “It is a privilege to serve at this historic Club, whose record of history and success in Australian football is unmatched. We must respect the contributions of all who came before us, including Nick Maikousis. Alongside Andrew, our focus will be to deliver the best possible football product for our supporters. Football in Australia is undergoing significant change, and we want Hellas to be at the forefront of this new era.”

    The Board structure otherwise remains unchanged and continues to include Peter Kokotis, Tass Roufos, Tony Margaritis, Mario Vinaccia, Nicole Jacobs, Ashley Maikousis, Theo Chronis, Andrew Mesourouni, Bill Papastergiadis, Bill Panayotou, Steve Kyriazis and Nathan McLean

  • Manny Aguek returns home

    Manny Aguek returns home

    South Melbourne FC is excited to announce that star striker Manny Aguek has signed for the club for the upcoming Australian Championship and for the 2026 season.

    Manny is a name well known across both Victorian and Australian football. He is currently the leading goalscorer in the Hahn Australia Cup, netting 25 goals across all competitions in 2025, as well as being named in the NPL Victoria Team of the Year.

    Fast, direct and a proven goalscorer, Manny has also represented his native South Sudan at international level.

    Most importantly, Manny is no stranger to Lakeside, having made his senior debut with the club after progressing through our Under 20s system. We are proud to welcome back someone we regard as one of our own.

    𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗞𝗼𝗸𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗮𝗶𝗱:
    “Manny is one of the most exciting forwards in the country and a proven goalscorer at every level he has played. For us to bring him back home to South is a huge moment for the club and our supporters. He knows what it means to wear the shirt, and we cannot wait to see him leading the line at Lakeside Stadium once again.”

    We look forward to seeing Manny return on October 10 against Sydney Olympic at Lakeside

  • South Melbourne sign Yuki Uchida

    South Melbourne sign Yuki Uchida

    South Melbourne FC is excited to announce the signing of Japanese attacker 𝗬𝘂𝗸𝗶 𝗨𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗱𝗮 for the upcoming Australian Championship and the next two seasons at Lakeside Stadium.

    Yuki arrives after a stunning campaign at Dandenong Thunder, where he scored 12 goals and played a key role in guiding the club to their first finals appearance in over a decade. He had previously featured at Northcote City in the VPL upon his arrival in Australia.

    Fast and creative, Yuki is set to light up Lakeside with his ability to take on defenders, score goals, and provide assists.
    Senior Football Director Peter Kokotis said:

    “We are delighted to welcome Yuki to South Melbourne. He is a dynamic player who brings flair and attacking intent, which we know our supporters will enjoy watching. After an outstanding year at Thunder, we are confident Yuki will make an immediate impact and help drive our ambitions in the Australian Championship.”

  • Thank you Yuzo Iwakami

    Thank you Yuzo Iwakami

    South Melbourne FC would like to thank Yuzo Iwakami for his time at the club, with the Japanese veteran now returning home in our first key move ahead of the Australian Championship.
     
    Yuzo joined during the mid-season window and made an immediate impact, delivering a man of the match performance in the Dockerty Cup Semi Final against Avondale. He followed that up with another standout display in the Dockerty Cup Final as we lifted the trophy against Heidelberg United.
     
    A calm presence who guided us through some tough moments, Yuzo embraced his short spell at Lakeside with professionalism and class. He will forever be remembered as a South cult hero.
     
    𝘚𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘳 𝘍𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘋𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘗𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘒𝘰𝘬𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥:
    “Yuzo brought a wealth of experience and composure to our squad in a very important part of the season. His quality was evident from the moment he stepped onto the pitch and he made a genuine difference in our Dockerty Cup run. Beyond his ability, he was a true professional and a wonderful character to have around the club. We wish him all the very best back home.”
  • Club Statement: Nicholas Maikousis

    Club Statement: Nicholas Maikousis

    South Melbourne FC can confirm that Nicholas Maikousis has today stepped down as a Director and President effective immediately, in order to focus on his personal business.

    Bill Papastergiadis will be overseeing the operation of the Board as Chairman until the upcoming AGM. South Melbourne FC remains focused on the upcoming inaugural season of the Championship and its recent inclusion in the Oceania Professional League.

    South Melbourne FC thanks Nicholas for his contribution to the club over many years.

  • South Melbourne FC Accepted into the Newly Formulated Oceania Professional League

    South Melbourne FC Accepted into the Newly Formulated Oceania Professional League

    South Melbourne FC is delighted to announce that the club has been awarded a new licence to compete in the newly formulated Oceania Professional League, commencing in January 2026.

    Over the past few months, the club has worked tirelessly on its bid, ensuring it was in the strongest possible position to be selected.

    South Melbourne has long held strong ties with the region, having been honoured as the Oceania Club of the Century and producing and attracting football talent across Oceania for decades.

    This new licence provides the opportunity for South Melbourne to continue to operate as a professional football club, delivering pathway opportunities for players through the Oceania Professional League, the soon-to-be-launched Australian Championship, and the National Premier Leagues.

    Lakeside Stadium will play an important role as the hub for the Australian component of the competition. The state-of-the-art venue will not only showcase world-class football to our local community but also provide a platform for professional football to thrive across Oceania.

    General Manager Strati Xynas said:
    “This is a landmark moment for our club. To once again represent South Melbourne and Australia in an international competition is something we are incredibly proud of. Our participation in this newly formulated league will strengthen our ties with the region, and Lakeside Stadium will be a focal point for this exciting journey. Our impact will be felt both locally and across Oceania, and we are overjoyed by today’s news as we continue to be a point of difference in Australian football.”

    Further details will be announced in due course.

    Media enquiries can be directed to:
    George Kouroumalis
    multimedia@smfc.com.au

  • South Melbourne FC welcomes SCS Group as Official Cleaning Partner

    South Melbourne FC welcomes SCS Group as Official Cleaning Partner

    South Melbourne FC is proud to announce a new partnership with SCS Group, who join the club as the Official Commercial Cleaning Partner for SMFC Exclusive Areas at Lakeside Stadium.

    SCS Group is not only supporting the club as a principal partner but will also play a key role in assisting our All Abilities program, further strengthening their commitment to the South Melbourne community.

    As one of Australia’s leading commercial cleaning and soft services suppliers, SCS Group is driven by consistency, transparency, and clear communication. With a strong focus on quality customer service, safety, and environmental standards, their operations are built around measurable outcomes, ensuring clients receive exceptional results that exceed expectations.

    South Melbourne FC General Manager, Strati Xynas, said:

    “It’s great to have Nicholas and his team at SCS Group part of our club. They have already made a big impact through their work in maintaining our facilities and now have a wonderful opportunity to connect with the entire South family. We encourage anyone looking for a trusted commercial cleaning & integrated services provider to reach out to the team and ask about their service offerings and their generous referral program.”

    SCS Group CEO, Nicholas Pastras, added:

    “This partnership means a lot to me personally and professionally. My family has strong ties to South Melbourne, and being able to give back to the club and community in this way is something we are very proud of. Through SCS Group, we look forward to supporting not only the club and its members, but also the wider community, including important programs such as All Abilities. South Melbourne is a family club, and we’re excited to be part of that family.”

    More on SCS Group and their services can be found at: www.scsgroup.com.au

  • 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗲𝗹𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲 𝗙𝗖 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗮𝘂𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗼𝘆𝘀 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲

    𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗲𝗹𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲 𝗙𝗖 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗮𝘂𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗼𝘆𝘀 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲

    South Melbourne Football Club is proud to announce its successful qualification for the inaugural Boys Victorian Youth Premier League, the highest tier in the junior boys’ football pyramid in Victoria.

    Tass Roufos, Youth Football Director at South Melbourne FC, stated: “Our football programs have delivered outstanding outcomes throughout 2025. Securing Division 1 status across all levels, from Miniroos and Pre-NPL to JBNPL and Senior Men’s football, positions us uniquely to offer a genuine development pathway for our homegrown talent into senior football.”

    The announcement comes as Football Victoria prepares to launch a restructured junior competition model in 2026, replacing the current JBNPL with a tiered system designed to unify club development, enhance technical standards, and optimise resource and facility use.

    Senior Football Director Peter Kokotis added: “With the Australian Championship kicking off in October, this news arrives at a truly exciting time for South Melbourne as a National Football Club.

    South Melbourne FC extends its congratulations to Technical Director Rinichi Mikami, the coaching staff, players, and volunteers whose dedication and commitment have made this achievement possible.

    The new competition format aligns with Football Victoria’s strategic vision to strengthen development pathways, remove barriers to participation, and nurture emerging talent across the state.

    Mr Mikami commented: “Next year we will have the platform to compete weekly against the best youth teams in Victoria and continue building on the hard work and progress made this year.”

    “We now look forward to having 3 of our 4 JBNPL teams competing in the Finals Series, and a further congratulations to our U/16 team who went undefeated in their championship year.

    Finally, The South Melbourne FC Board and Club President proudly acknowledge and congratulate Tass and Rinichi for their leadership and contribution to this milestone achievement.

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