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CONTENTS HISTORY 4-5 CLUB OVERVIEW World Class Facilities Coaching and Management Achievements Support 8-13 14-15 16-17 18-19 VISION Mission Board Representation Equal Access to Facilities Central Catchment South Melbourne Academy of Excellence Grass Roots Investment Industry Support Spreading the Word 20-23 24-25 26-27 28-29 30-31 32-33 34-35 36-37 3
HISTORY South Melbourne Football Club (SMFC) and the associated South Melbourne Women s Football Club (SMWFC) have a long and proud history and are considered one of the most successful clubs in Australia. For over five decades they have collectively supplied more A-grade players to the top national and international leagues than any other club in Australia. 09 10 03 04 08 11 12 1959 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2016 01 02 05 06 07 13 5 KEY MILESTONES 01 1959 Establishment of the SMFC through the merging of the Hellenic, Yarra Park and South Melbourne United clubs. 07 08 2010 SMFC Awarded the Oceania Club of the Century (IFFHS) 2010-2015 SMWFC played in 4 grand finals and won 3 02 03 04 05 06 1960 SMFC wins the Victorian First division championship and is promoted to the Victorian State League First Division. 1977 Formation of the SMWFC 1990 Consistent growth in female teams 1995 SMFC moves to its new home at Lakeside Stadium 2000 Representation in the FIFA Club World Cup held in Brazil 09 10 11 12 13 Including back to back premierships in 14 and 15 2014 The first female President of the SMWFC was elected Gabrielle Giuliano 2014 SMWFC Employed a Technical Director to administrate the coaching curriculum 2014 SMWFC Under 16 s State 2 Champions for season 2015 SMWFC Under 12 Runner up 2016 Establishment of the SMFC Super Club through the merging of the men s and women s clubs. 4 5
CLUB OVERVIEW SMFC and SMWFC have demonstrated sustained commitment to football excellence and have had the financial stability to invest heavily in the best possible coaching staff and training facilities which has in turn delivered outstanding club and player performance and has generated a significant following of supporters. In fact, SMFC is the most professional football club operational structure outside of the A-League. 7
WORLD CLASS FACILITIES With access to four training and match venues, international standard facilities and equipment, associated administration amenities and function spaces, the South Melbourne clubs provide their teams with the best possible foundations for excellence. FACILITIES A Class Facility: 15,000 Stadium Capacity Disability access throughout Stadium 1 x Senior Pitch Gym area 2 Grandstands, South & North Club Offices Broadcasting quality lighting for night games 2 x Coaches Boxes LAKESIDE STADIUM Broadcasting Suite with High Definition Electronic Scoreboard 6 Corporate Suites Protected Players Race 3 Female and 3 Male Public Toilets 4 x Full Size Change Rooms 500 Car Parking spaces Partnership with Kieser Training Access to World Class Sports Science Physiotherapy services and facilities Access to Gym equipment with 24 hour access Modern, furnished change rooms Catering for a capacity of 15,000 people, Lakeside Stadium is the clubs primary club house and match venue for both the men s and women s premier league and reserve teams for training and games. This is an A class facility which is also home to Athletics Victoria and was the original home ground of the VFL s South Melbourne Swans. It incorporates two grandstands to seat 6,000 spectators, six corporate suites, broadcast quality lighting and electronic scoreboard, coaching boxes, futsal centre, fully equipped gymnasium, offices, 500 car parks and full disability access throughout. 4 x Unisex Showers per Change Room 1 x First Aid Room 1 x Referees Room 2 x Dedicated Disabled Toilets Access to Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre Facilities Access to Victorian Institute of Sport Recovery Pools and Ice Baths 8 9
WORLD CLASS FACILITIES FUTSAL SOCIAL CLUB AND OFFICES CAULFIELD CAMPUS Facilities available in 2016 Administration offices Grand foyer entrance SMFC Museum Fully operational club bar 300 seater bistro/restaurant World Class Futsal court and café Sports / Merchandise Store Predominantly utilitised for our junior teams, the training facility incorporates three sub junior grass pitches and a senior grass pitch, all lit. The pavilion style club house has four full sized change rooms, a canteen, a social club room, a first aid room and referee room. Single Storey Pavilion Training lights across all facility 1 x Senior Grass Pitch (105m x 65m) 3 x Sub Junior grass fields Commercial kitchen 4 x Full Size Change Rooms 4 x Unisex Showers per Change Room 1 x First Aid Room 1 x Referees Room 1 x Dedicated Disabled Toilet Canteen 10 11
WORLD CLASS FACILITIES ALBERT PARK CAMPUS ALMA PARK CAMPUS The Albert Park Campus consists of several facilities including: Henry Scott Oval 1x mini Oval The Pit building A fully equipped gym Toilets 4 x Change Rooms First aid Referee room Training lights The other 18 and 19 pitches also include: A Two storey Pavilion Training lights across all facility 2 x Senior Grass Pitch (105m x 65m) 4 x Full Size Change Rooms 4 x Unisex Showers per Change Room 1 x First Aid Room 1 x Referees Room 1 x Dedicated Disabled Toilet Canteen Social Club Room A new state of the art facility is currently under construction for all players at our St.Kilda venue. Used predominantly for the junior and state womens teams, Alma Park will be expanded to deliver upgraded change room, toilets, administration and club house facilities. 12 13
COACHING AND MANAGEMENT South Melbourne is committed to developing and attracting the highest level of coaching and management staff to support our teams at all levels and with a fundamental focus on delivering excellence in both player skills and personal development. As a club we will assist at least two female coaches each year to obtain their C-licence further adding to the pool of coaching talent within Australia. THE KEY TO THE FUNDAMENTAL TRANSFORMATION OF OUR GAME Coaches at all levels play a vital role in ensuring football is an enjoyable sport for all. They are the cornerstone of the game as they not only coach, but also develop the next generation of footballers. Having the highest quality coaches especially at a youth level is a fundamental non-negotiable to SMFC as we are committed continuing to create a strong foundation for the future of football in Australia. To quote Han Berger (the previous FFA National Technical Director) After all, only a strong and broad foundation will create quality at the top. CURRENT SMFC COACHES Regarded as one of the finest coaches in Victorian football, SMFC Senior Technical Director Chirs Taylor has implemented a number of frameworks to measure performance and improve of skill levels in the youth team. These systems in combination with under 20 s coach Sasa Kolman, have created a direct pathway of player development from youth to senior football. CURRENT SMWFC COACHES Committed to be at the forefront of Women s Football through our actions, core values, beliefs and performance, SMWFC has all 11 Coaches following the FFA curriculum. We also employ a technical director who oversees the coaching curriculum. We currently have one female senior coach and four female assistant coaches. TOGETHER AS ONE CLUB As a club we will assist at least two female coaches each year to obtain their C-licence further adding to the pool of coaching talent within Australia. Aligned with the FFA national curriculum and all necessary training guidelines the united SMFC believe in their formula for success with its training methodologies. Representing both male and female approaches of coaching and leadership the united SMFC aims to transform the way football is played from a grassroots level while continuing to deliver elite footballers to represent Australian in the world game. SMFC is dedicated to the education of our staff. 15
ACHIEVEMENTS Our clubs are proud of the role they have played in developing Australian football over the last 50 years. SMFC and SMWFC have produced many talented and entertaining players who have gone on to achieve excellence at an international level. We are also dedicated to assisting our national team by regularly hosting training sessions at Lakeside Stadium when the squad is in Melbourne for Asian Cup and World Cup qualifier preparations. SOCCEROOS AND MATILDAS SMFC and SMWFC are proud of producing 53 players who have gone on to represent Australia playing for the Socceroos and the Matildas. A-LEAGUE & W-LEAGUE The national A-League and W-League showcases the best of Australia s talent in sport. SMFC and SMWFC have produced many players who have progressed to these leagues playing not just for Melbourne teams but for a variety of interstate teams, promoting excellence within the sport in Australia. 16 17
SUPPORT The club has enjoyed significant levels of engagement with the football community through regular high levels of game day attendance, generous corporate sponsorships as well as via social media interaction, SMFC TV, radio programs and the club website. CHEER SQUAD Record crowd attendance of 14,850 in 1998 against Carlton Soccer Club SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWERS Social Media followers -70,000+ Website traffic -700,000+ pages per year TV STATION AND YOU TUBE CHANNEL SMFC TV audience - 40,000+ per week You Tube channel audience -1.3M views to date MAJOR SPONSORS & CONTRIBUTORS Corporate sponsors - 36 18 19
ONE VISION ONE PASSION ONE CLUB THE JOINING TOGETHER OF SMFC AND SMWFC WILL BRING TO THE LEAGUE A CLUB WITH THE BEST FACILITIES, THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF COACHING AND AN INTERNATIONAL STANDARD TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM. UNDER A UNITED SOUTH MELBOURNE FOOTBALL CLUB BANNER WE ARE FOCUSED ON DELIVERING EQUALITY FOR FEMALES IN AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL. COMBINED WITH A SUBSTANTIAL FINANCIAL CAPACITY WE WILL BROADCAST THIS MESSAGE ACROSS THE NATION AND SPEARHEAD POSITIVE CHANGE WITHIN THE SPORT. 21
MISSION To help achieve equality for women s football in Australia, the united South Melbourne Football Club is committed to the following: BOARD REPRESENTATION Achieve 50% female representation on our united club board by 2020 with dedicated portfolios for female integration and development. We will have two female board members from 2016, rising to a minimum of three in 2017. INDUSTRY SUPPORT Building strong and positive connections with the community through unique and marketable charity events with a specific focus on women s health and equality. EQUAL ACCESS TO FACILITIES Implementing double headers at Lakeside Stadium as the new standard with full access to all club facilities by all female players. GRASS ROOTS INVESTMENT Establishing the South Melbourne Academy of Excellence for industry leading support programs including personal development, school clinics and holiday programs with equal opportunities at both participant, coaching and management levels. CENTRAL CATCHMENT Providing an inclusive and high quality club for Melbourne Metro residents enabling families with male and female players, easy access to a high calibre local club. SPREADING THE WORD Being an active voice to promote women s rights both within the football industry and in the greater community by utilising the power of television and social media. 22 23
EQUALITY FROM BOARD LEVEL DOWN THERE ARE MANY FACTORS AT PLAY WITHIN THE SPORT SECTOR ITSELF WHICH CAN HAMPER THE PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN - FOR INSTANCE THE LACK OF COACHES WHICH CREATE A GENDER FRIENDLY AND SAFE SPORT ENVIRONMENT, NO INTEREST FROM DECISION MAKING BOARDS, OFTEN DOMINATED BY MEN, FOR SUSTAINABLE GENDER EQUALITY POLICIES LEADING TO CONCRETE CHANGES EUROPEAN COMMISSION, GENDER EQUALITY IN SPORT 2014-2020. By 2020 the united South Melbourne Football Club is committed to achieving a 50/50 male to female ratio of board members as agreed by both clubs and signed in the M.O.U. In addition to this, the club will change the constitution to mandate female membership on the board. We will have two female board members from 2016, rising to a minimum of three in 2017. This will have a positive impact across both male and female players, members and supporters within the club and on the sport as a whole. In addition, portfolios with a specific focus on opportunities, integration and skill progression for women will be included within our corporate governance structure to ensure true representation for all female players, club members and contributors. EQUAL LEADERSHIP AND RECOGNITION Statistics compiled by the New South Wales Department of Sport and Recreation has revealed that women only make up 33% of board positions of sporting organisations. This means that the decisions of women have only a limited impact on the sports industry as a whole. To become a leader in the world of football the united SMFC propose not only to have a 50/50 ratio of board members but also to have dedicated portfolios for each member. This ensures not only a female s perspective of the club can be heard at a senior level but that female mentors can set an example for other women within the organisation. CURRENT SMFC BOARD President: Leo Athanasakis Chairman: Nick Galatas Secretary: Mario Vinaccia Treasurer: Peter Parthimos Football and Corporate Sales: Nick Maikousis Youth Development: Andrew Mesourouni Legal: Bill Papastergiadis General Business: Tom Kalas Merchandise and General Business: Tony Margaritis One female board members will commence in November 2015 A further female board member will commence in 2016 10 8 6 4 2 BOARD LEVEL EQUALITY FORECAST 2016 2018 2020 CURRENT SMWFC BOARD President: Gabrielle Giuliano Chairman/Football Operations Director: Bulent Yilmaz Secretary/Team Managers: Teena Lynch Treasurer: Arthur Liacopoulos Head Coach/Technical Director: Socrates Nicolaidis Legal: Dean Anthony General Member: Christina Semple General Member: Sandra Laszczak 25
EQUAL ACCESS TO FACILITIES From 2016 all women and girls teams within SMFC will have equal access to the best sporting facilities, coaching structures and curricula currently available in this country. Up until now, this has mostly been the sole privilege of the men s club. In 2016 both clubs will have full access to these facilities as agreed and signed in the M.O.U. At the same time, double header matches for our senior women s and men s teams will commence at Lakeside Stadium. THE IMPORTANCE OF SPORT IN OUR DAILY LIFE CANNOT BE OVERSTATED. IT CONTRIBUTES SIGNIFICANTLY TO FITNESS, HEALTH, THE ECONOMY AND SELF-DEVELOPMENT, TEACHING US VALUES AND SKILLS LIKE DISCIPLINE, TEAMWORK, RESPECT AND PERSEVERANCE. IT IS ALL THE MORE REGRETTABLE, THEREFORE, THAT THE SPORT WORLD SHOULD STILL BE PLAGUED BY INEQUALITIES BETWEEN WOMEN AND MEN. EUROPEAN COMMISSION, GENDER EQUALITY IN SPORT 2014-2020. 26
CENTRAL CATCHMENT FOR MOST CHILDREN PARENTS NEED TO PROVIDE DIRECT ASSISTANCE FOR THEIR PARTICIPATION IN ORGANISED SPORTS INCLUDING; TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM THE VENUES. THE RANGE OF ORGANISED SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY MAY ALSO INFLUENCE PARENTS DECISIONS ON WHETHER TO PERMIT THEIR CHILDREN TO PARTICIPATE. PARENTAL PERCEPTIONS OF BARRIERS TO CHILDREN S PARTICIPATION IN ORGANISED SPORT IN AUSTRALIA - JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH VOL.46 APRIL 2010. South Melbourne Football Clubs convenient location allows players of all ages who live within inner Melbourne the opportunity to easily access a premium club that is close to home, giving them not only a proven pathway to playing at an international level but creating the flow on effect of increased sporting participation in childhood and higher levels of health and wellbeing. SMFC CENTRAL CATCHMENT AREA At the time of the 2011 Census, The City of Melbourne had a relatively large population of residents aged 15 to 24 years, representing more than one quarter (28%) of the overall residential population at that time. The combination of the many schools and the ease of public transport in this area make a premium co-education club necessary to families who want to provide their children with extracurricular activities. Being a club of choice is important to the united SMFC as it will offer young children in the central metro area the opportunity to play sport whether they be male or female. 5 29
ACADEMY OF EXCELLENCE To keep our leading position and move even higher up in the world ranking, FFA and all member federations have to continue developing women s football in all aspects (Grassroots activities, talent identification, talent development, competitions, elite development pathway, coach education etc.) The development of the game, and the growing numbers of girls and women playing football, will help drive our National Teams to succeed at an international level. - Hesterine de Reus, Matildas Head Coach SOUTH MELBOURNE ACADEMY OF EXCELLENCE The united SMFC is determined to promote gender equality in sport and also to use the potential of football for equality in its broadest sense. A genderfriendly climate should become a standard feature of all football institutions and we have no doubt that the sporting world will be the first to reap the benefits. At SMFC not only do we want to create great opportunities for our players to enjoy sport but also possibilities for our players to develop and become leaders within the football community. It is with this in mind that we would like to launch an initiative like no other in the football community. We are pleased to announce the establishment of the South Melbourne Academy of Excellence. This unique training academy will provide ongoing support to our aspiring female players both on and off the field by providing access to high performance coaches, esteemed industry speakers and health, nutrition and wellbeing specialists. The academy s goals are to provide meaningful personal development opportunities for individual players, build club unity, equality and pride whilst assisting players to balance their sporting ambitions with career and family commitments. United SMFC will achieve this by: Implementing a professional mentoring program encompassing senior women and junior girls by regularly bringing into the club guest speakers to facilitate leadership coaching within our teams. Focusing on female health and fitness through a professional program for high performance strength and conditioning sessions. Retaining and maximizing high level female participation and achievement though and ongoing community support system SMWFC PROMOTING LEADERSHIP IN WOMENS SOCCER Sporting clubs can play a major role in assisting women to become better leaders. The research conducted by Sue Brown from the University of Ballarat into how women lead identified several key points to creating success for women in sport. This includes, receiving recognition, goal setting, having mentors and a large network. Creating this sort of environment has been paramount for SMWFC and has resulted in a 20% expansion of club over the last six years. In late 2015 one of the speakers included Tracey Gaudy an international cycling champion, Chief Executive Officer at Amy Gillett Foundation, President at Oceania Cycling Confederation and Vice President at Union Cycliste Internationale. Talking from experience her insights into her sporting career enthused many club members. Furthermore SMWFC has implemented personal development and motivational seminars to the curriculum not only to teach skills but also to inspire players on and off the field. 30 31
GRASS ROOTS INVESTMENT A study conducted by the Physical Activity, Nutrition and Obesity Research Group at the University of Sydney identified that almost one million Australian children aged from 5-14 years do not participate in organised sporting activities. For children, participation in organised sports at school, clubs and associations is an important part of their total physical activity and their social development. SMWFC SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM Australia has very few females as coaches and I believe it is important for young girls to have female role models. I was very excited about the idea of running the SMWFC School Holiday Program, it was a great opportunity for me to get the know the girls and encourage them to chase their dreams and never give up. Natalie Martineau, SMWFC Player and Coach SMWFC has run very successful school holiday camps over 2015 that focused on 4 main core skills sets set buy the FFA SAP and the National Curriculum. Young women aged between group levels of U9-U14 & U15-U20 were invited to participate in team building exercises, football drills and were coached on technical skill, training and performance. SMFC YOUTH INITIATIVES We assess the suitability of our players as they develop and look to provide opportunities at different levels. This could mean exposure to different coaches, specialist sessions or advancement to the next age group. Once the players reach the Under 15s we are looking to position them to be ready for the Under 20s as early as possible. We map their individual playing style, technique and capability to identify the best development opportunity for them. Matthew Borowicz, SMFC Youth Coordinator South Melbourne Football Club invests in sporting participation at a grass roots level, starting with our aspiring stars of the future. Our innovative youth development program, holiday program and school clinics have been created to closely monitor individual players throughout and beyond the playing season and challenge them to perform at their peak. SMFC YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM ORGANISED SPORTS OFFER CHILDREN AN OPPORTUNITY TO ACQUIRE NEW SKILLS, INTERACT WITH OTHERS, MEET CHALLENGES, DEVELOP TEAM SKILLS, AND POTENTIALLY IMPROVE SELF-ESTEEM AND SELF-CONFIDENCE. FURTHERMORE CHILDREN WHO PARTICIPATE IN ORGANISED COMMUNITY OR SCHOOL BASED SPORTS ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE ACTIVE AND TO PARTICIPATE IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AS ADULTS. PARENTAL PERCEPTIONS OF BARRIERS TO CHILDREN S PARTICIPATION IN ORGANISED SPORT IN AUSTRALIA - JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH VOL.46 APRIL 2010. As a united SMFC we wish to run further youth development programs, holiday programs and school clinics integrated for both women and men, girls and boys further promoting equality within the sport. 32
INDUSTRY SUPPORT WE HAVE SEEN THE COPPEROOS PLAY AGAINST THE SOCCEROOS IN THE PAST AND IT IS ALWAYS GOOD-NATURED AND FUN. THERE IS A SERIOUSNESS TO THE GAME THOUGH AND THAT IS TO RAISE AWARENESS AND HONOUR FOR SENIOR CONSTABLE TONY CLARKE, WHO SADLY LOST HIS LIFE WHILE DOING HIS JOB. -SMFC PRESIDENT LEO ATHANASAKIS. South Melbourne Football Club is a not for profit, members based club with a proud tradition for volunteering time and resources in assisting and driving major charity initiatives in Melbourne. Our work has benefitted such organisations as the Blue Ribbon Foundation, Footys4all Foundation, Living Without Limits Foundation, MS Australia, Down Syndrome Victoria, Tread Safely Week, the Leukaemia Foundation and Fatality Free Friday. A selection of initiatives include: THE CHALLENGE GROUP SMFC run an annual football clinic and matches for The Challenge Group. This organisation provides kids with cancer and their brothers and sisters an opportunity to have some time-out from cancer treatment and the rigours of hospital visits. TONY CLARKE SHIELD TOURNAMENT Once a year, SMFC holds the Tony Clarke Shield tournament where our senior men s team plays against a team made up of Victorian Police Officers, raising vital funds for their work within Melbourne. In 2016, SMFC will extend this tournament to include a women s game as well. BREAST CANCER RESEARCH In 2015, both SMFC and SMWFC launched a new initiative at Lakeside Stadium to raise funds and awareness for the Breast Cancer Network Australia. This included local business sponsorship through products and pledges as well as facilitating crowd donations. 35
SPREADING THE WORD South Melbourne Football Club is one of very few clubs outside the A-league that enters into arrangements with media outlets and has a regular TV presence. FOXTEL & SMFC TV Established in 2010, the Club s TV program SMFC TV has grown in popularity amongst the Australian football community. In 2015, the club has been screening its program to a national audience via Foxtel s Aurora Channel, which is part of the Foxtel s basic package, allowing every viewer access to watch and record the show. In 2015, the TV show is watched by over 40,000 unique viewers per week providing our teams and corporate supporters with excellence exposure and promotion. From 2016, we will harness this powerful medium as a united club. TOWARDS A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD: SPORT AND GENDER IN AUSTRALIAN MEDIA REPORT COMPILED FOR THE ASC REVEALED THAT THE COVERAGE OF MALE SPORT MADE UP 81% OF TELEVISION SPORTS AND NEWS COVERAGE COMPARED TO THE STARK AMOUNT OF AIR TIME WOMEN SPORTS RECEIVED OF 8.7%. SMFC TV WILL CHANGE THAT STATISTIC BY GIVING WOMEN SOCCER MORE EXPOSURE WITHIN THEIR NETWORK. 36
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