Vale John Dimtsis

Staff Writer

Former Heidelberg United Club President John Dimtsis sadly passed away last night after a long battle with illness.   

John became President of HUFC in 2013.  An important juncture in the history of the Club as it was trying to gain promotion from State League 1 back to the Premier League at the same time that the inaugural NPL competition was about to commence in the following season. He realised the important role that promotion would have in Heidelberg being included in the inaugural competition in 2014. 

However, John’s contribution to the Alexander Soccer Club (HUFC) and to football in general dates back to the late 1960’s. 

He quickly established himself as a valued member of the Clubs Board, serving as its Treasurer for a number of years.  

It was not long however before his skills were noticed by the Victorian Soccer Federation (VSF) and he joined their Board in 1972 and became its treasurer in 1973, while still retaining his role as treasurer of Fitzroy United Alexander. 

In 1980, he succeeded Theo Marmaras as President of the VSF and held the position until 1991.

In that time he responded to criticism that the VSF was too Melbourne-centred and among other initiatives commenced ‘state of origin’ matches between Sunraysia and the equivalent region in South Australia. 

He, along with Vito Cilauro and George Wallace, introduced the restructured top tier, the Victorian Premier League in 1991. 

While retaining his role as President of the VSF he became Treasurer of the Australian Soccer Federation (ASF) and Deputy Chairman under John Constantine following the implementation of the Bradley Report. 

At the ASF he had responsibility for referees, juniors, indoor soccer and women. 

He helped negotiate the merger between the men’s and women’s organisations and the latter’s entry into Olympic competition. 

Earlier at the VSF he had presided over the World Indoor Cup tournament held in Melbourne in 1988 when futsal was under the control of the Federation International de Football de Salon (FIFUSA). 

He was acting chairman of the ASF briefly in 1995 following the departure of Constantine and before David Hill took over.  

After five years following his period at the ASF John returned home to his beloved Heidelberg United as he felt he still had something to offer.  That he certainly did. 

In 2016, John was made an Honorary Life Member of HUFC.  

In 2017 and in recognition of his lifetime contribution to Victorian Football, he was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2017. 

John was a much valued member and contributor of our Club.  His contribution will never be forgotten.  Up until his final days John’s thoughts were often with his beloved Club wanting to know ‘how things were going’. 

Our sincere condolences to John’s family at this time. 

He will be sadly missed but never forgotten. 

May you Rest in Peace JD. 

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Football NSW announce price freeze for junior and youth players

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Image Credit: Football NSW

Football NSW has announced a fee freeze for junior and youth community players in 2027, continuing its pledge to keep the game accessible for everyone across the state. 

In addition, senior players aged 19 and above will see their registration fee increase by just $1.50. Both junior and youth player fees will remain the same at $54.43, whilst senior members will pay $107.50.

The fee freeze highlights Football NSW’s commitment to keeping the game financially convenient for both players and families. 

Football NSW CEO, John Tsatsimas, said via Football NSW, “Football is the game of the people, and we recognise the importance of keeping participation accessible for families across our state. By freezing our registration fees for junior and youth players in 2027, we are continuing to support the next generation of footballers and help ensure that cost is not an unnecessary barrier to participation.”

The decision comes following similar price freezes at Football Queensland and Northern NSW Football in 2025. 

Despite the governing bodies acting separately, their unity on maintaining affordability throughout the game is a welcome sign. Managing to keep fees at an fair rate for families is a key component in sustaining grassroots football across the country.

“We have worked hard to manage the pressures facing the game, particularly around insurance, while ensuring Football NSW can continue to deliver the services and support our clubs, associations and participants expect,” said Tsatsimas. 

Despite the cost of living crisis, it is important that the game remains accessible for everyone. Football NSW have identified that even during tougher financial times, they can keep it that way. 

Through diligent financial handling, especially with care surrounding insurance and inflation (more of which can be read here), they are prioritising the game long-term over a short financial gain.

This fee freeze will directly impact the senior players and the families of younger members, too. The decision makes football not only more accessible, but provides more opportunities for players to strive for the highest levels of the game. 

Football Victoria demands more Victorian Government support amid grassroots boom

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Marlborough Street Reserve. Credit Football Victoria

Football Victoria is targeting Victorian Government funding for Glen Eira FC, in order to improve the club’s facilities and accommodate a recent surge in participation.

The interest and demand in football across Melbourne is ever growing, and Glen Eira FC is one such example.

Located in Melbourne’s inner south-east, the club has more than 1,100 players with nearly 95% of them aged 18 or under. In the suburb of Bentleigh alone, football participation has increased 18% alongside female engagement growing 76% in recent years.

However, at Marlborough Street Reserve, the conditions of the pitch – specifically during winter – can curb accessibility. Wet weather, non-stop usage and limited capacity make it difficult to accommodate all club members. This results in restricted training and playing opportunities.

Lachlan Cole, Football Victoria’s Head of Government Relations & Facilities, said via Football Victoria: “The story at Glen Eira FC is one we are seeing right across Victoria and specifically in Metropolitan Melbourne. Participation is growing, particularly among juniors, women and girls, but the infrastructure needed to support that growth is buckling under the weight of demand.”

To tackle this, both Football Victoria and Glen Eira FC want to convert the existing pitch to a synthetic surface and provide improved lighting for the ground. This would create a more reliable environment for players and support the growing demand for football in that community.

Speaking to Football Victoria, Glen Eira FC President Odilia Wijburg said, “A new sporting precinct with a synthetic pitch would be a game changer, providing year-round access, supporting participation growth and creating a lasting community asset that will benefit local families for generations.”

These issues are not exclusive to just Victoria, but are instead seen nation-wide. Football NSW recently pledged over AUD 200,000 to three amateur clubs to help upgrade their facilities and support the local communities.

Despite the increased interest in the game, the lack of reliable infrastructure, especially in grassroots football, leaves not only local areas without proper facilities, but creates a complicated road for young players hoping to navigate to the top of the game. 

Without the support of the Victorian Government, grassroots football could suffer an underwhelming fate. If the game is not supported from the bottom, the top might not reap the rewards of the next generation. And if that happens, alongside local communities, both the domestic leagues and the international team may suffer.

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