Yeronga’s Goodwin Park hosted the first Aegean Cup, a new community event combining a competitive football tournament with cultural activities intended to encourage younger Greek Australians to engage with their heritage.
Read: Yeronga to Bring Eight Greek and Cypriot Communities Together for Inaugural Aegean Cup
Created by Kos Club QLD co-founders Thomas Tellis and Jono Hazidavis, the event attracted more than 2,000 attendees throughout the day, bringing together Brisbane’s Greek and Cypriot communities for football, music, food and family entertainment.
The tournament was developed to encourage younger Greek Australians to take a more active role in their cultural communities while strengthening connections between Brisbane’s different Greek associations. Eight teams took part in the inaugural competition, representing Kos, Rhodes, Cyprus, Kastellorizo, Crete, The Spartans, Kythera, and Macedonia.
Rhodes claims inaugural Aegean Cup title
Rhodes became the first team to win the Aegean Cup after defeating The Spartans 2-0 in the grand final at Goodwin Park. Emmanuel Polichronis and Michael Konstantinou shared the Golden Boot after scoring five goals each during the tournament, while Zac Laskaris received the grand final man of the match award.
Away from the pitch, the day featured Greek music, cultural performances, food and entertainment for families. The event brought together supporters representing different communities, with people from various associations mingling throughout the day.
The organisers intended the event to extend beyond football, using cultural activities to encourage connections between Brisbane’s Greek community associations. They also wanted the tournament to encourage younger Greek Australians to become more involved in community associations and maintain connections with their heritage.
Building connections across generations
Tellis and Hazidavis established the Aegean Cup through Kos Club QLD to create an event that would appeal to younger Greek Australians while maintaining links with community organisations built by previous generations.
The inaugural tournament was supported by participating associations, local businesses, sponsors, volunteers, officials and members of Brisbane’s wider Greek community. The attendance included young people, parents, grandparents, children and supporters from different parts of Brisbane’s Greek community, according to the event’s published report.
The organisers hope the event will encourage more young people to become involved in their community associations, develop friendships across community groups and find their own ways to maintain connections with their families’ cultural backgrounds.
Read: Yeronga State High School Athlete Selected For World Youth Championships In Singapore
Planning is already under way for the 2027 Aegean Cup, with organisers aiming to make the next tournament larger while maintaining its focus on football, Greek culture and community participation.
Tellis and Hazidavis hope the competition will eventually become an annual fixture on Brisbane’s Greek community calendar, creating an event that future generations can help shape and continue.
Published 12-October-2026
