Bentleigh Greens Verified listing

In mid 1986, a small group of former members of Melbourne Cyprus Community’s Soccer Club, Central City, met at 15 17 Heffernan Lane. They shared a vision of establishing a strong Greek Cypriot based soccer team in Melbourne.

This followed two earlier unsuccessful attempts: one in the mid 1950s and another with Central City, which operated under the Cyprus Community of Melbourne and Victoria from 1977 to 1980 and ran until 1983. The “Founders” present at this initial meeting were Michael Christopher, Ray Georgiou, Andrew Nicolaou, Michael Ioannou, Harry Theocharous, Phillip Philippou, Tony Antoniou, and Harry Constantinou.

Through significant fundraising efforts and the support of 150 foundation members, the group was able to acquire Greensborough and relocate it to Victory Park in the then City of Moorabbin. The club was subsequently renamed Bentleigh Greens.

In the 1987 season, the club competed in the First Division of the Provisional League, finishing as runners up to Chelsea on goal difference.

At the club’s November 1992 AGM, it was recommended that a community and cultural committee be established to broaden the club’s appeal and increase Cypriot participation in soccer and related sports, health and community care, senior citizen activities, performing arts, and youth programs.

Since its founding, the club has achieved five promotions over nine seasons in 1987, 1989, 1990, 1993, and 1995, along with a VicHealth Youth Championship in 1993 94.