Category: News

Wednesday, 25 January 2012 5:56 PM

SMFC welcomes the appointment of Daniel Santomil as our club’s Technical Director effective 1st Feb 2012.

Daniel will be implementing an Advanced Training Curriculum at SMFC that will incorporate:

• Coaching the Coaches,
• A ‘Developmental’ Training curriculum for U7-U13s,
• A ‘Specific’ Training curriculum for U14-U18s,

Daniel is a fully qualified Physical Education teacher who has majored in Coaching and sport Psychology. He has had over 12 years experience in teaching at Australian schools. Daniel initially received a Scholarship at the Buenos Aires Institute of Sport, where he lived and studied for 4 years. In Australia he has been a Level 3 Coach and State instructor with FFV until 2003.

Daniel is well known in the Victorian football community as a dedicated junior and youth coach who has helped and developed many players who have succeeded in playing overseas, NSL, A league, VPL and Australian representative sides at all levels. He brings strong linkages with “CA River Plate” Argentina, the largest club in South America and SMFC is looking forward to building upon this relationship further.

Daniel has had great success as the Head Coach of the South Eastern Piranhas FC and with the inclusion of his work with the River Plate Football Academy, he has managed to build a strong reputation for driving a disciplined, technical, program that marries our national curriculum with that of the flair, skillful and tenacious style of the South Americas.

More details of the SMFC Advanced Training Curriculum will be distributed to club members on the 30th of January.

Wednesday, 11 January 2012 12:46 AM

South Melbourne FC would like to announce that it will be holding a school holiday juniors skills clinic.

These clinics will provide young players invaluable training to improve their skill set and further improve their technique. Specialist coaching will be provided by South Melbourne FC stars Fernando De Moraes (Australian Futsalroo representative), Jason Trifiro (FFV 2011 Gold Medal Player of the Year), and Glan Trifiro (Australian Youth International)

Details of the clinics are as follows:

Dates
23rd & 24th Jan for the U9-U12s
10am – 2.30pm

30th-31st Jan for U13 plus
10am-2.30pm

Venue
Albert Park

Cost
$190 for both days or $100 per day

To Register
Call Nick on (03) 9645 9797

Friday, 23 December 2011 2:43 PM

South Melbourne FC would like to wish all its members, corporate partners, media, supporters and volunteers a happy festive season, and a safe and prosperous new year.

SMFC looks forward to seeing you all in 2012 at our new home Lakeside Stadium, where the club will look to win it’s 9th State League title.

Tuesday, 20 December 2011 11:21 AM

The entire South Melbourne FC family wishes to extend its deepest condolences to the Bedford family on the passing of club legend and Hall of Fame and Team of the Century member John Bedford.

Mr. Bedford was an outstanding defender throughout his 14 seasons with South Melbourne FC. He was a member of South’s first ever championship team in 1960 that went undefeated in the Metropolitan League 1 North division which secured promotion into the State League Division One. During his playing career with the Club, Mr. Bedford played in the 1962, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1972 and 1974 State League championship sides. Bedford also represented Victoria on 28 occasions.

He was regarded as one of the greatest defenders ever to play for South, with his blistering pace and powerful left foot also seeing him push into the midfield on many occasions. He will also be regarded as one of the most clever players ever to pull a South shirt on, as well as a natural leader on the park who would never be defeated until the final whistle.

John Bedford is survived by his wife, Margaret, his two sons, Darren and Andrew and four sisters, Anita, Sue, Catherine and Julie. His funeral is in Wodonga on Thursday, 22 December.

South Melbourne FC President Leo Athanasakis, speaking to smfc.com.au, remarked that “the passing of Mr. Bedford represented the passing of a true Club legend. I wish to pass on my condolences on behalf of everyone at South Melbourne FC to the Bedford family. John played during the Club’s formative years that helped cement the Club as Victoria’s most successful football club.”

Photo

John Bedford of South Melbourne Hellas jumps above Eddie Sacco of George Cross: Photo: Uwe Kuessner, Victorian Soccer Federation Yearbook, 1968, front cover. The photograph was taken at Olympic Park on 12 May 1962 and appeared in Soccer Weekly on 17 May 1962 on page one. The crowd for that game was given as 12,000. Provided by Roy Hay.

smfcTV Interview

John Bedford returned to the club in 2010 to celebrate his beloved South Melbourne FC being named Oceania Club of the Century. As part of the night with the Team of the Century members, Mr Bedford spoke to smfcTV about his time with the club. Check out the video below

Monday, 12 December 2011 6:27 PM

Football finally returned to Lakeside Stadium on Sunday afternoon when South Melbourne FC were defeated 3-2 by New South Wales Premier League champions Sydney Olympic in an exhibition match in front of over 4,000 spectators. Whilst the final result was disappointing, the more important aspect of the day was showcasing the new facilities and all aspects of the Club to supporters and the wider Victorian football community.

Coach Peter Tsolakis could not have wished for a better start when the home side went 1-0 up in the first 32 seconds of the game through a wonderfully taken shot by Jason Trifiro on his debut for the Club. Fellow debutant Trent Rixon almost put South 2-0 up after being sent through on goal but he put his shot narrowly wide of the target. Olympic equalised on 22 minutes following some good lead-up play on the left side which culminated in the ball being cut-back for a tap-in. Olympic then took the lead on 32 minutes with a header from a corner. In the second half, Rixon scored past Olympic goalkeeper Paul Henderson scoring his first goal for South before Olympic won the match on 78 minutes following a well-taken free kick from just outside the area.

The result was not ideal but it was highly ironic for two reasons. The first reason was that Sydney Olympic had failed to defeat South in many contests between the two sides over the years at Lakeside Stadium. The second reason was that in the first ever match played at Lakeside (on 26 November 1995) Frank Arok’s South Melbourne side also lost 3-2, on that occasion to West Adelaide Hellas. Coach Tsolakis would not have been worried about the result as the side performed well despite not having had many training sessions together as a squad prior to the game. In addition, senior players such as Fernando De Moraes, Rhodri Payne and Marinos Gasparis did not play, with many younger players including goalkeeper George Malliaras being given the opportunity to showcase their talent. The players will now rest over Christmas and the New Year and will begin pre-season training early in 2012.

Saturday, 10 December 2011 4:34 PM

South Melbourne FC is delighted to announce the signings of both Glen and Jason Trifiro for the 2012 Victorian Premier League season.

The Trifiro brothers arrive at Lakeside Stadium from Northcote City, where they both enjoyed a superb Victorian Premier League debut season after deciding to move from Sydney at the end of 2010. Both of the brothers played a big part in Northcote’s solid season that saw it win the inaugural Mirabella Cup (following a 2-0 win over the Melbourne Knights in the final) and only just miss the finals series by a solitary point. Jason was recognised for his outstanding year when he won the FFV Gold Medal for player of the season, whilst Glen was awarded the Billy Vojtek Medal as the best player afield in the Mirabella Cup final.

South Melbourne FC welcomes both Glen and Jason Trifiro to Lakeside Stadium and wishes every success for the season.

Check our the smfcTV interview below

Thursday, 8 December 2011 9:51 AM

South Melbourne FC is delighted to announce that the Commonwealth Bank is the major sponsor of the Lakeside Stadium launch event on Sunday 11 December.

The Commonwealth Bank is an active supporter of community events, contributing and assisting a number of different community groups across Australia.

South Melbourne FC will host NSW Premier League Champions Sydney Olympic in an exhibition match as part of the festivities to launch the refurbished Lakeside Stadium. This will be the first football match played at Lakeside since the renovations commenced in 2010. Furthermore, fans will have the opportunity to purchase their 2012 SMFC membership from the membership tent located near the main grandstand. Memberships can also be purchased online as well (smfc.com.au/membership). As part of the occasion, South Melbourne FC will also be selling commemorative limited edition t shirts of the launch event. There are only 50 commemorative tshirts available, so get in quick to secure your tshirt, which can be picked up on the day as well (smfc.com.au/merchandise).

In addition, there will be a jumping castle and face painting activities for young children as well.

The itinerary for the day’s activities are as follows:

1.00pm – 1.50pm
SMFC U12A vs. U12B

2.00pm – 2.50pm
SMFC U13A vs. U13B

3.00pm – 3.50pm
SMFC U14/15A vs. U15B

4.00pm – 4.50pm
SMFC U14A vs. U14B

5.00pm – 5.20pm
SMFC U11 vs. U10A
SMFC U10B vs. U10C
SMFC U9A vs. U9B

5.20pm  
Official launch by the Honourable Member for Albert Park, Mr. Martin Foley

5.30pm
South Melbourne FC vs. Sydney Olympic FC
(Half Time – SMFC Girls U10A vs. U10B)

7.30pm – 9.30pm
SMFC U21 vs. U18

It promises to be an exciting day, as South returns to its football home.

Wednesday, 7 December 2011 6:07 PM

 South Melbourne FC is delighted to announce the signing of Luke Byles from Heidelberg United for the 2012 Victorian Premier League season.

Byles arrives at Lakeside Stadium having spent a few seasons at Heidelberg United. Originally from the United Kingdom, Byles has played in midfield, in defence as a centre-half as well as left-back. Byles had played as high as Southampton’s reserve side at the beginning of the 2003/04 English Premier Reserve League season before being released. He came to Melbourne and spent a few seasons at the Bergers and has a reputation for being good in the air and strong in the tackle. His versatility in being able to play multiple defensive positions was no doubt a big factor in the coaching staff’s decision to sign him.

Speaking to smfc.com.au, SMFC President Leo Athanasakis said “we are excited to see Luke at the Club, and are confident he will be a great acquisition”.

South Melbourne FC welcomes Luke Byles to Lakeside Stadium and wishes him all the best for season 2012.

Check out Luke’s exclusive interview with smfcTV

Friday, 2 December 2011 12:05 PM

South Melbourne FC is pleased to announce the appointment of Irene Stamatopoulos as the Head of Women’s Football. An ex-footballer who represented South Melbourne from 1994 until 1997, Irene has been involved in coaching since 2003 at all levels – from junior through to senior.

Irene joins SMFC from Oakleigh Cannons Soccer Club. Her accreditation includes a Youth Licence with a completed advance pass and she has also completed Certificate 1 in her Senior Licence.

Irene was awarded the FFV Female Coach of the Year Award in 2009 for her outstanding work in developing not only her own team but for her efforts in advancing women’s football.

We’d like to welcome Irene to the South family, and we wish her all the best.

SMFC Women’s Football:

Skills to Play Soccer – Friendships For Life

SMFC needs you. We are looking for girls of all ages to come and join our club. From junior (age 5 and up) through to senior level, beginners to those with experience. Come and unite with us as we work towards becoming the number 1 women’s football club in Melbourne in a nurturing, team orientated environment.

Pre-season training commences February 2012. More information to come.

Contact Irene Stamatopoulos on 0403 857 090 or at womens@smfc.com.au to register your interest.

Thursday, 1 December 2011 12:21 AM

South Melbourne FC would like to advise that commemorative tshirts to mark the launch of Lakeside Stadium are available for sale.

These commemorative t shirts are available to be purchased online or on the launch event day.

December 11 marks the official return of South Melbourne FC back to its newly refurbished home. A number of activities are planned for the day, with the festivities culminating in the exhibition match between South Melbourne FC and Sydney Olympic. Please note that memberships will be available to be purchased on the day, as well online (smfc.com.au/membership).

There are only 50 commemorative tshirts available, so get in quick to secure your tshirt, which can be picked up on the day as well.