The 2019 Northern NSW Club of the Year is reconnecting with its heritage by reverting to its original name –NEWCASTLE OLYMPICFC–for the 2020 season and beyond.
“The level of football in which our club participates is no longer merely a local state league. The National premier Leagues is the second tier of football in Australia. The broadcasting of the NPL and the FFA Cup has created a broader national exposure for NPL clubs across the country. We felt that our name needed to reflect this -that we needed to return to being known as Newcastle Olympic” said Club President George Sofianos.
Newcastle Olympic was established in 1976 starting the old 4thDivision. After a meteoric rise in the late 1980s the club was promoted to the then NNSW State League in 1992at which time the club was directed to adopt a suburban name –Hamilton Olympic.2020 marks the 29thconsecutive season for Olympic in the top level of football in the region–one of only three (3) local clubs for such a length of time.
“Only 15% of our players live in Hamilton itself, but 80% live in the broader City of Newcastle area. This is also the case with our supporter and sponsor base. We have always had a broad appeal and we need to reconnect with a name which reflected this position.” said Mr.Sofianos.
“Every capital city and major regional city in Australiah as an NPL clubs which carries their name. It was glaring that “Newcastle” was missing. As the 7thlargest city in Australia, this needed to be fixed. We are grateful for the active support of all Newcastle political leaders in doing so –Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes, State Member, Tim Crakanthorp, and Federal Member, Sharon Claydon.” said Mr.Sofianos.
source: Tom Tsamouras
George Tsamouras Football Journey 