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Olympiacos Melbourne Football Philanthropy has the pleasure to announce the first female senior Euro pro player signed via the Olympiacos Melbourne Scouting Process.

Tiffany Eliades, who previously played for Melbourne Victory, was identified by our football scouting process and has now successfully signed at Portuguese Division 1 Club, Atletico Ouriense.

Olympiacos Melbourne described the news as a historic moment for their scouting process. It will be difficult to forget that they managed to get a woman playing in a Division 1 team in Portugal. Olympiacos Melbourne managed to achieve this in such a short period of time and look forward to continuing to help other women turn their dreams into a reality.

Following her departure on Saturday 2 September to Portugal, Tiffany was given the opportunity to showcase her experience at a women’s Portuguese Division 1 club, Altletico Ouriense, who have since welcomed her on board and have placed her in their starting 11. At 28 years of age, Olympiacos Melbourne’s Euro Pro scouting process has helped her career get the boost it rightly deserves. She will now be playing in the Portuguese National Women’s Competition, a national Division 1 league. She will be playing in stadiums against other women’s clubs such as Benfica, Braga and Sporting Portugal.

Tiffany was found via the Olympiacos Melbourne European pro scouting process, that seeks females who are on the fringe of making to it National teams, A-league teams and NPL clubs and are seeking to further ignite their career. Through the women’s network that Olympiacos Melbourne has now established in Europe, Olympiacos Melbourne can now assist women get an opportunity to showcase their skills in pursuit of playing professionally overseas.

Olympiacos Melbourne Football Philanthropy wishes to announce the appointment of our European representative.

Sergei Kundik, is a retired professional European football player with an extensive European playing history. Originally from Russia, Sergei played at a Russian soccer tournament where he was identified as the best player in the tournament. Here, he was awarded a professional contract at the age of 9 with FC Porto in Portugal. Sergei’s family were offered a place to live, as well as a work arrangement for his parents. Sergei and his family accepted the offer and they all moved to Portugal.

Sergei continued to train and play at FC Porto’s and Bragas academy teams for a number of years, where he played alongside team mates such as Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United, Portuguese National Team) and Jose Sa (Wolverhampton, Portuguese National Team).

From there, Sergei continued to play with clubs such as Rangers FC, Anagennisi Deryneia FC and Doxa Katokopias FC in Cyprus, APS Zakynthos and Panegialios Greece and Laval United in Dubai.

Plagued by a number of injuries, Sergei was unable to retain the long career he wished he could have. Through the network he built, and the strong reputation he has as a player assessor, as well as his integrity, he has now made it his aim to assist the next generation of players.

Sergei was first introduced to Cristhian Garcia, where he noticed how talented he was, even at his current age. Sergei admired his skill, combined with his work ethic to retain himself at an elite level. He then made contact with Olympiacos Melbourne, where he obtained a greater understanding of our organisation.

Sergei learned about the football philanthropy, including how we help struggling families to get their kids back into sport. He admired how we are still actively looking to further reduce our costs to also help homeless families also. He understood that, as a philanthropic endeavour, we are here to help the kids first and foremost. After creating a place of refuge for the kids, the skills of the players improves to the extend that they themselves decide to pursue a higher level of soccer.

After seeing the consistency of results created by this football philanthropy, Sergei decided to become our European representative.

Sergey is a valuable addition to the senior Euro pro pathway, managing to get our three senior players into pro Euro football, all of whom are now classed as pro Euro players.

As the Australian most playing biographies in Australia are not recognised in Europe, Sergei is willing to work with players based on their merit, not on their biography. He is willing to work with them to show European clubs that there is an Australian program that consistently shows results.

Our accurate assessment is what Sergei appreciated, knowing that there is a solid Australian location where he can get accurate information he can rely on.

We look forward to working with Sergei for years to come, and continue to look forward to continue to sharing news on how we have helped kids in Melbourne to also get an equal opportunity that all kids deserve.

Watch the interview here.

It is with great pleasure, that 3 of our players that went overseas for international trials, have all commenced their pro Euro careers.

Located in Lithuania 2nd division, Cristian Garcia (31), is now playing at FK Minija. He is currently training with the team as he prepares to play his first game.

At 31 years of age, Cristhian achieved what most people considered to be unachievable. Hi initially came to the Helping Kids Football Centre, a place of peace and comfort, that encouraged him to never give up on himself. There, he was surrounded by coaches and teammates who helped him develop as a person before focusing on his football.

Jack Yosif (24) and Ahmed Almajidy (22) are both playing for FK Tauras, a Lithuanian 3rd division side. They are also currently training in preparation for their first game.

Jack and Ahmed both started at the Helping Kids Football Centre to find a place of peace, where they can still enjoy the sport, but also receive the comfort to know they find their own peace.

Upon completion of the Helping Kids Football Centre, all 3 players proceeded to the Football Improvement Centre where they improved their skills to play better for their respective teams. At this centre, their skills continued to improve and their game time noticeably increased.

Their passion continued to grow where they became committed to playing professional football in Europe. Their skills were then brought to an elite level at our ID schools, prior to the completion of the Olympiacos Melbourne Annual Mens Euro pro pathway.

“It’s the best thing I could’ve done”, said Ahmed, before departing Melbourne to embark on the start of his pro Euro journey.

We also interviewed Jack prior to his departure who told us “It’s given me the opportunity that I couldn’t get elsewhere”.

As parents and families wish them all well, all were hopeful for the success off not only their own family member, but also for their teammates. Little did they know that all 3 were going to be successful in their trials.

We will continue to post news about the journey of these men, including matches and other club news.

Further to the exciting news we have been able to share about Cristina Garcia, we would like to announce that FK Tauras of Lithuania has agreed to accept Ahmed Almajidy into their team.

FK Tauras, who play professionally in 3rd division Lithuania, were informed of the recent arrival of our Olympiacos Melbourne player, Cristhian to FK Minija. Following the positive impression he gave them, FK Tauras were also willing to also trial a player from Olympiacos Melbourne. As an Australian player, it has been clear that obtaining a pro Euro contract has been extremely difficult, as the strength of the Australian player biography is quite weak. Cristhian’s signing at FK Minija greatly assisted the opportunity for Ahmed and other Olympiacos Melbourne players to trial.

Ahmed started at our Helping Kids Football Centre, a place of refuge and peace, where he was able to find a place to belong. He continued through our initiatives until completing our Euro pro mens pathway, that gave him the opportunity for his professional profile to be created and to be seen by our European counterparts in a competitive situation.

During his professional European trial, Ahmed put to display all that he has learned at Olympiacos Melbourne. The coach and his team were impressed by his performance and chose to make him a part of their team.

Ahmed is now training with the team in preparation of this first match.

“It’s the best thing I could’ve done”, said Ahmed as we interviewed him prior to his departure from Melbourne. Ahmed retained his composure from departure all the way through to his trial, where he made every effort to contain his nerves, that would jeopardise this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Ahmed continues to praise the Olympiacos Melbourne football philanthropy, acknowledging that he would not have been able to afford this opportunity via traditional means.

We are honoured and thrilled to assist Ahmed in his journey and look forward to seeing him live playing his first match.

To watch Ahmed’s games, please like and follow our Olympiacos Melbourne Facebook page.

In addition to the news we were honoured to share about Ahmed Almajidy, it brings us great pleasure to also share the wonderful news that Jack Yosif has also been selected to play for FK Minija.

In this very rare occasion, Jack and Ahmed have managed to remain as teammates as they’ve transitioned from being Australian players to now being recognised as pro Euro players. This has given us a unique opportunity to display to Europe that Olympiacos Melbourne is able to help many players and are able to bring out the best of everyone.

Jack started at the Olympiacos Melbourne Helping Kids Football Centre, a judgement free zone that allowed him find his identity and get into a healthy lifestyle. From this, he went through our initiatives until he completed the men’s Euro pro pathway, which inevitably led to this success story.

Jack completed our mens Euro pro pathway. This allowed his skills to be completed. Our pathway also gave him the opportunity to be watched overseas by Euro agents and further motivated him to improve for a professional European career.

Jack is another presentation of the Olympiacos Melbourne program to our European counterparts. His display and performance has also given us more credibility in Europe, allowing us to make it easier to transfer players to Europe.

We wish Jack all the best in the start of his European career. To follow Jack and games of other Olympiacos Melbourne players in Europe, please like and follow our Olympiacos Melbourne Facebook page.

We’d like to officially announce that Cristhian Garcia is now playing for Euro Pro div 2 club in Lithuania, FK Minija.

Cristhian Garcia was part of the Olympiacos Melbourne football philanthropies for over 6 years

We are all astounded with the results Cristhian has achieved and congratulate him on his success.

Prior to becoming part of the FK Minija team, Cristhian trialled at numerous pro Euro clubs. Coming from Australian football playing background, his playing history was not recognised at the clubs he was invited to trial, thus was always falling short to other players, not by merit of his skill, but due to the superior player biography the other players had.

He has now found home at FK Minija who have assessed and accepted him due to how well he plays. This is a record breaking achievement to know that a 31 year old Australian player is now recognised as a European professional player.

Cristhian continues to train with the team and is scheduled to play in their next game.

All of Cristhian’s games will be live streamed on Mondays 8PM on the Olympiacos Melbourne Live Videos on Facebook. They will also be available to watch at a later date.

Cristhian came to the Olympiacos Melbourne – Helping Kids Football Centre 6 years ago, after migrating to Melbourne from overseas. He found a place of refuge, surrounded by coaches and teammates who cared for him as a person. This allowed him to grow as a person as well as proceed through our initiatives and improve his skill.

On completion of the Helping Kids Football Centre, through all our initiatives, including the mens Euro pro pathway, which gave him the opportunity to be seen by our European counterparts.

His passion continued to grow where he became committed to playing professional football in Europe.

“Thank you Olympiacos Melbourne, I could not have done it without your help”, stated Cristhian.

We wish Cristhian all the best in his medical and look forward to seeing him realise his professional dream.

Following Cristhian agreement to start his Euro pro career and the positive reviews heard about Cristhian, there were some staff in the club that decided not to sign Cristhian. We completely respect the clubs decision, and have also instructed Cristhian to also remain respectful to the clubs decision also. Whilst this is a factor that it is out of control, the clubs decision must be respected unconditionally.

Following this decision, we remain thankful of Cristhian Garcia who remained firm under the pressure of European trials. He decided to continue to trial at other clubs to be able have a chance at a Euro pro career.

Being associated with multiple agents who have access to multiple European clubs, we are in a unique position that we are able to find additional opportunities for Cristhian to trial. Cristhian’s ability to complete his skills at our Men’s pro pathway allowed his skill levels to be completed where he can be prepared for the pro Euro pathway he is currently on.

Despite the trials and tribulations of working with clubs to obtain a Euro pro contract, Cristhian has remained dedicated to work with us to find another suitable club in pursuit of achieving his target of getting a pro Euro contract.

We thank Olympias Lympia for his opportunity and the review we received from him.

Following Cristhian agreement to start his Euro pro career and the positive reviews heard about Cristhian, there were some staff in the club that decided not to sign Cristhian. We completely respect the clubs decision, and have also instructed Cristhian to also remain respectful to the clubs decision also. Whilst this is a factor that it is out of control, the clubs decision must be respected unconditionally.

Following this decision, we remain thankful of Cristhian Garcia who remained firm under the pressure of European trials. He decided to continue to trial at other clubs to be able have a chance at a Euro pro career.

Being associated with multiple agents who have access to multiple European clubs, we are in a unique position that we are able to find additional opportunities for Cristhian to trial. Cristhian’s ability to complete his skills at our Men’s pro pathway allowed his skill levels to be completed where he can be prepared for the pro Euro pathway he is currently on.

Despite the trials and tribulations of working with clubs to obtain a Euro pro contract, Cristhian has remained dedicated to work with us to find another suitable club in pursuit of achieving his target of getting a pro Euro contract.

We thank Olympias Lympia for his opportunity and the review we received from him.

It is with great pleasure that Olympiacos Melbourne announce that our player, who completed our annual pro men’s pathway, have made their first international signing.

Cristhian Garcia was identified by our Euro agents after completing our 2022 annual pro men’s pathway. Cristhian played against professional teams in Senegal, where the games were televised to our Euro Agents.

Our Euro Agents saw his completed skill level, identified him, and proceeded to seek a suitable club for him to begin his career.

Cristhian has now signed with Cypriot professional club, Olympias Lympia. He will now proceed to completing his medical before he begins his first game.

All staff and teammates are beyond delighted with the results achieved. His commitment to being helped allowed him to progress through our different initiatives, and ultimately achieve this outcome.

Cristhian will now be playing for the Cypriot 2^nd division professional club where he can begin his professional European journey.

CEO Steve Papadopoulos said “We are over the moon with the results from Cristhian. At 31 years of age, and with a young family, he remained committed and wanted to achieve his dream. We aim to help anyone that comes to our centre, no matter their age or circumstance. It’s the equal opportunity we give to everyone that’s what matters to us”.

Cristhian came to the Olympiacos Melbourne – Helping Kids Football Centre after migrating to Melbourne from overseas. He found a place of refuge, surrounded by coaches and teammates who cared for him as a person. This allowed him to grow as a person as well as proceed through our initiatives and improve his skill.

On completion of the Helping Kids Football Centre, Cristhian proceeded to our Football Improvement Centre where he improved his skills to play better for his team.

His passion continued to grow where he became committed to playing professional football in Europe. Cristhian joined the Olympiacos Melbourne Annual Euro pro men’s pathway that saw this dream come true.

“Thank you Olympiacos Melbourne, I could not have done it without your help”, stated Cristhian.

We wish Cristhian all the best in his medical and look forward to seeing him realise his professional dream.

We will keep you informed of his progress as we follow Cristhian on his pro journey.

The time has arrived where Cristhian is boarding a plane and heading off to his pro Euro trials. Here, we’ve interviewed him to discuss how his nerves are.

Cristhian was surrounded by staff, teammates and family who were all present to wish him safe travels and the best of luck in his trials.

Cristhian will be greeted on arrival by our Euro agents who will take him to his accommodation and transfer him to training sessions.

The club has asked for trial location and club names to remain unmentioned until further news arrives.

Watch the interview here.

From Olympiacos Melbourne, we wish him the best of luck and will keep you posted as news arises.