The annual Harmony Cup, run by Australian Football International (AFI), returns to Melbourne on March 30, and organisers are looking for players to represent Team Greece.

The event will be held at Royal Park North, near the Carlton Football Club.

The Harmony Cup has been held 17 times, with Ireland and Lebanon the most successful teams with four championships each. It features teams drawn from Melbourne’s many communities, including Greeks.

The aim of the event is to celebrate Melbourne’s multicultural diversity and harmony, and to use the power of sport to break down cultural and ethnic barriers.

“It will be a sensational day of multicultural footy,” AFI CEO Brian Clarke told Neos Kosmos. “We may come from many different backgrounds, but we are all Australians.”

Twelve teams will compete in both the Men’s and Women’s Divisions in 2025, including Australia, Ireland, Nauru, Fiji, India and New Zealand.

This year will mark the first time that Team Greece is aiming to field teams in both the Men’s and Women’s Divisions.

Some of the members of the inaugural World 9’s Women’s Greek International Team in 2022. Photo: Supplied

“It’s an exciting opportunity to represent Greece, wearing the fantastic Greek footy jumper,” Clarke said.

Team Greece manager Chris Zois told Neos Kosmos that 26 people are interested in playing for the men’s team, with half having signed up, but they would really like to see a Greek women’s side.

However he shared it’s been difficult because some clubs won’t allow their players to go play for another team.

“There are a lot of girls inquiring from my understanding, but they’re finding difficult to get released for that day to be able to play,” he said.

“So we are looking for as many girls as we can get. All this would be great so we can get the girls to represent Greece as well.

“If you want to represent your country or your parents’ country or heritage, it’ll be a great day.”

If you have Greek heritage and are keen to play for Team Greece, you can contact Chris Zois on 0419 519 161 or Brian Clarke on 0435 092 987.

You can also register via the online link below:

www.aflinternational.com/harmony-cup/greece-player-registration