HISTORY

 

 

Florina is a city in the northern Greece situated approximately 600 km's from the capital Athens. During the 1950's and 60's a large majority of people from the Florina area emmigrated to South Australia, with many settling in the northern suburbs of Adelaide.

In 1962 the Greek Macedonian Social Club of S.A "FLORINA" was formed and within 8 years created the Salisbury Florina Soccer Club. Florina entered teams in Division 3 of the South Australian Amateur Soccer League in 1971.

1972 saw Florina gain promotion to the 2nd Division by becoming runners-up while the reserves won the league. The talents of P. Georgiadis, L. Stefandis and the goal scoring ability of C. Georgopoulos and A. Papas were the significant contributors to the clubs early success. While the 1st team remained competitive during the mid 1970's the reserves tasted more success by also winning the league in 1973 (Div.2).

1975 saw players such as S Petkidis, K Stomos (who won the Division 2 Best and Fairest Award), C Kartsonis and H Leverink, along with other players mentioned earlier, gained promotion to Division 1, while the reserves went on to win their 3rd league title in four years, that year also saw the club make it to the final of the Coca-Cola Cup, losing 2-1 to Parafield Gardens.

Throughout the mid to late 1970'2 Florina remained competitive in the 1st Division with season 1979 being the club's most successful year by finishing 4th under coach Ray Firth.

The 1980 season saw the club move to its present homeground at Underdown Park, Nangari Drive, Salisbury North, after spending a few seasons in Smithfield and Parafield.

The Club returned back to Division 2 in 1981 where it became the mainstay during the 1980's. During this time players such as H. Leverick, N. Gazeas, T. Rapassanis, L. Stefandis, B. Stefandis, J. Panos, J. Dalakis, C. Dalakis, M.Mitsopoulos, C. Minopoulos, S. Tassopoulos, A. Alfred, G. Cotsios, G. Robson, N. Nedelcev, to name a few who where regulars in the first team.

1987 saw the club again make it to the Coca-Cola Cup Final under coach Micky Dye, losing 1-0 in extra time. The club also played in its first Alex Cichanowski Shield again losing to Croydon Park (1-1 Fulltime, 5-3 penalties). The early to mid 1990's saw the club continue to play in Division 2 which saw playing contributions from the brilliant M. Lopes, S. Simegnakis, D. Leverick, T. Georgiadis, M. Leverick, P. Georgiadis, A. Georgiadis, N. Nedelcev, L. Stefandis, T. Antoniou, T. Dimitriadis, J. Banelis and C. Gloufsis.

Season 1997 saw the club return back to the 3rd Division for the first time in 25 years, only to again win promotion (Division 3 Runners Up). In 1998 under coach John McCormack, the late 1990's saw the club remain competitive with both A's and Reserves finishing mid table.

2001 was the beginning of major off field development for the club with the building of new change rooms, complete renovation of club rooms and the installation of new training lights.

Again 2002 saw the club return back to Division 3 only to again be promoted that same year (Division 3 Runner Up) under coach George Cairns. Season 2003 the club continued to rebuild by finishing 4th and reserves (Divison 2 Runners Up). During this time players such as J. McCormack, D. Breton, B. Stenner, M. Clarke, A. Georgiadis, M. Dow, C. Higgins, I. Cole, S.Cooney (2002 Div 3 Best and Fairest Winner), P. Nicholson, E. Dimitriadis, J. McCormack, T. Elliott (2002, 2003 top goal scorer), M. Howard, M. Cotton, F. Marron to name a few have made contributions to the club.

The club would like to give special mention to Loui Stefandis who began his playing career at Florina in 1971, playing over 400 games before retiring in 2001. Loui has also served on the committee for several years.

2005 saw the rise of Florina with a great year with promotion to Division One by taking out the Division 2 league title and runners up in the Coca Cola Challange Cup Final. The reserves topped the season off with winning back to back league titles in division 2 with an impressive season winning all 16 games played.

In 2006 Florina continues to be supported by hard working committee members which include, Peter Aforozis, James Doungas, George Koufalas, Paul Aforozis, Jim Georgiadis, Stephen Georgiadis, Peter Gazeas, Graham Tipping, Arthur Georgiadis, Paul Gatzopolous, Jim Gazeas and Con Vasilis.