16 April 2021 8:56am
Defender Zoe Haractsis is buzzing like never before for the new season of the NPLW after a mind-blowing first round game, whereby South Melbourne’s women’s team obliterated Bulleen 7-1.
The 21-year-old psychology student joined the team in 2017 and has been making great strides ever since and keeping on top of the ball even when the game was shut down during COVID.
“You couldn’t go out and see the girls and be surrounded by good energy, it’s definitely mentally taxing. Trying to stay fit and doing the running programs the club was sending us and it was quite hard but as soon as we got back out there it was a quick switch and I was back to normal,” Haractsis told
Matthew Loutrakis may be part of the furniture at South Melbourne FC after nine years with the club, but is a new exciting fixture on the men’s senior team.
The 20-year-old midfielder has been playing soccer earlier than he could string his first sentence together, with his family by his side encouraging him all the way through.
“My dad pushed me and helped me become the footballer I am and the man I am and growing up to be,” Loutrakis told
Neos Kosmos.
Of course after so many years on the pitch, its common for some youngsters to lose their love and drive for the game, or even be tempted to hitting the town for the night rather than hitting the pillow before game day.