The Tsalikidis family will contribute $50,000 to the fundraising campaign for the construction of Heidelberg United’s new Club, which is estimated to cost $2 million.
“Alexandros” is aspiring to create the club for the entire Greek community of Melbourne, particularly the northern suburbs.
Heidelberg President Stathis Tsalikidis told Neos Kosmos the club will have a capacity of 400 people and will be created at the team’s facilities at the Olympic Village in Heidelberg.
“I want to stress from the beginning that this club will not only be for the team but for the entire community of the whole local area.
“There is no one space for Hellenism in the northern suburbs. I hope that our Club will fill this void,” Mr Tsalikidis said while adding that the plans have been made and permits given.
“And in fact, all these were worth $150,000 but that did not burden us because it was an offer to our team from our supporters,” added Mr Tsalikidis.
He noted that the team hopes that the effort will also be supported by the federal government.
“Soon, the fundraising campaign through the Australian Sports Foundation will start and those who make donations will be able to claim it back from the tax office,” Mr Tsalikidis told Neos Kosmos.
Heidelberg’s President also made reference to the Club’s recent Gala Ball celebrating its 65th anniversary which was held last Saturday.
It was there wherein he announced that his family will put up $50,000 towards the fundraising campaign for the Club’s construction estimated to cost $2 million.
Official announcements with the details will be released soon.
Among the many guests at the Ball held at La Belle Venues were Consul General of Greece in Melbourne Emmanuel Kakavelakis, State Senator Lee Tarlamis OAM, Deputy Mayor of Banyule City Council Alida McKern, Football Victoria President Antonella Care,
Football Victoria CEO Kimon Taliadoros, former goalkeeper Jeff Olver, coach George Katsakis, Rita Mankowska (Heidelberg player and Head of Player Development at Professional Footballers Australia), Heidelberg United Chairperson Arthur Evriniadis and the President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, Bill Papastergiadis.
