After a successful inaugural event last year, the Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria has announced the Greek Community Cup will return in 2024.
The tournament is set to run from January 12 to February 4, with all matches to be played at Heatherton United Soccer Club in Springvale South.
Included will be NPL teams South Melbourne Hellas, Heidelberg Alexander FC and Oakleigh Cannons FC as well as other Greek Clubs.
South Melbourne were the champions last year and will be looking to defend their title.
A women’s tournament is said to be announced soon.
Greek Community President Bill Papastergiadis says the tournament is a significant way of engaging with the community and fans can expect much more this year.
“We at the Community as so proud to host this tournament as it’s a way of engaging with our younger generation and as we know, through sports, people become united,” he said in a press release.
“Following last year’s successful tournament, we look forward to bigger and better things this year. I encourage as many people as possible to come along and support the teams as it will truly be an entertaining and spectacular event for our community.”
Michael Karamitos, Vice President of the Greek Community also can’t wait for the tournament to begin.
“As a football lover, I’m excited to once again be a part of the Greek Community Cup and following last year’s successful inaugural tournament, I’m confident that 2024 will be as exciting as what it was last year.”
“We have some great rivals participating against one another and we look forward to some great matches. I wish all the teams the best of luck for the tournament.”
The format of the tournament sees each team play in group games, with the top teams in each group progressing to the Cup Finals.
Each team will play at least three games, with games consisting of two 35-minute halves. This will increase to 45-mintues for the finals.
The winner will receive not only a trophy and medallions for the players, but a $3000 prize. The runner up will receive $1000.
Some of the competing clubs are already keen to get started, and applauded the community on organising the event.
Steve Tsalikidis, President of Heidelberg United FC the initiative said they look forward to the pre-season tournament with one aspect being they get to trial new players ahead of the regular season.
Oakleigh Cannons FC’s Aki Ionnas also applauded the community and shared his club’s excitement.
Kon Tangalakis, coach of Kingston FC said it’s a “unique opportunity for clubs like Kingston to challenge themselves against higher clubs like South Melbourne Hellas, Heidelberg and Oakleigh and we so look forward to the challenge.”
Finally, Andrew Mesourouni from South Melbourne says they ae “proud to once again enter a team in the Cup” and the looks forward to defending last year’s title win.
Fixtures will be released very shortly and for all tournament information, you can visit www.greekcup.com.au
