The Heidelberg United Football Club has triumphantly secured their first trophy of the 2025 season, returning home to Victoria with the Tora Finance Hellenic Cup.

The tournament, held at Brisbane Olympic FC’s Goodwin Park in Yeronga, Queensland, showcased the talents of four prominent Greek Australian clubs: Olympic FC, MA Olympic, Surfers Paradise Apollo, and Heidelberg United.

Despite being the sole Victorian contender, Heidelberg United emerged victorious, demonstrating their prowess and readiness for the upcoming NPL season.

The Ellinikes Fones Choir kicked things off with their rendition of the Greek and Australian National Anthem’s at the opening ceremony on Friday evening before Heidelberg and MA Olympic took to the pitch to officially commence the men’s tournament.

Under the astute guidance of coach John Anastasiadis, Heidelberg United launched their campaign with a resounding 6-0 victory over MA Olympic. Young guns Juach and Ali shone brightly, each netting a hat-trick and giving fans a taste of what’s to come this season.

Their winning streak continued with a solid 2-0 win against Surfers Paradise Apollo on the second day. Eoghan Stokes opened the scoring, followed by Juach Bul, who bagged his fourth goal of the tournament. Bul’s stellar performance at just twenty-five years old has certainly turned heads.

The tournament, held at Brisbane Olympic FC’s Goodwin Park in Yeronga, Queensland, showcased the talents of four prominent Greek Australian clubs: Olympic FC, MA Olympic, Surfers Paradise Apollo, and Heidelberg United.

The final showdown between Heidelberg United and Olympic FC ended in a 1-1 draw, but Heidelberg’s superior goal difference throughout the tournament secured them the coveted trophy.

From the opening whistle, the tension was palpable. Fumi Sono nearly caught the Heidelberg keeper off guard with a daring 40-yard strike in the opening minutes. Then, Hiroshi Miyazawa struck, connecting powerfully with a cross to give Olympic an early lead. Heidelberg responded with relentless pressure, and were it not for the exceptional goalkeeping of Matt Lugo, they might have levelled the score sooner. Olympic held on, however, entering the break with a 1-0 advantage.

The match between Brisbane Olympic and MA Olympic kept fans at the edge of their seats.

Heidelberg returned to the pitch after halftime with renewed determination. Five minutes in, Anthony Lesiotis unleashed a thunderous shot from the edge of the box, finding the top corner of the net. 1-1, and Heidelberg seized the momentum.

Both teams fought fiercely for the winning goal. Drama ensued when, with 25 minutes remaining, Heidelberg defender Mo Aidara received a red card for a challenge on Miyazawa, who was through on goal. Despite being down a man, Heidelberg’s resilience shone through.

This victory is a true testament to the club’s hard work and dedication, a source of pride for the Greek community in Melbourne.