Sydney Olympic FC: resilient, rebuilding and ready for the Australian Championship

SBS Australia

8 hours ago

In an interview long in the making, Olympic's president, Damon Hanlin came to our headquarters in Sydney's Artarmon for an in-depth conversation on the club's journey, the challenges and triumphs along the way, and what lies ahead.
A personal story rooted in the Greek community Though his surname might not immediately reveal it, Damon Hanlin proudly claims his Greek heritage — a fact that links him deeply to the club's historical and cultural identity. A successful businessman, Damon Hatzimanolis (as is his Greek surname) got involved with Sydney Olympic out of both passion and commitment, acknowledging that while the financial toll has been significant, the drive to preserve and grow this iconic club remains stronger than ever. 'I'm here because I believe in what this club represents — not just for football, but for the Greek-Australian community,' Mr Hanlin said.
Challenges, change and ambition The president spoke candidly about the challenges the club currently faces — from administrative and financial pressures to infrastructure constraints. But he was also clear about the club's focus on youth development, long-term sustainability, and its efforts to modernize. 'We are always working to engage the next generation — young Greek-Australians who can carry the torch forward', Mr Hanlin noted, adding that while the club's traditional supporter base is ageing, steps are being taken to involve families, schools, and young talent at every level. He also added: 'We're always exploring ways to strengthen community engagement. That includes finding mechanisms for further strengthening financial membership, beyond just season tickets holders.'
Source: Instagram / Sydney Olympic FC
Where are the fans? One of the more sensitive issues discussed was the decline in fan attendance — a noticeable shift since the disbanding of the NSL. With games now held at venues like Belmore Sports Ground and Kogarah (Jubilee Stadium), longtime fans often express nostalgia for the golden days. 'We know we need to do more to bring the fans back,' Mr Hanlin admitted. 'The move to the National Second Tier is part of that effort. We want to give our community — especially the younger generations — a reason to feel inspired again. Also, whilst we embrace wholeheartedly our traditional Greek-origin fanbase, we want to be more be inclusive by embracing the enhanced multicultural mosaic of our region'. On-field performance and what's next On the pitch, Sydney Olympic currently sits in 7th place after 21 rounds in the 2025 NPL NSW season, with hopes still alive for a finals berth. Mr Hanlin remains optimistic: 'We have a solid squad, committed coaching staff, and we're building towards something bigger.' That 'something bigger' is the Australian Championship. Mr Hanlin confirmed that Sydney Olympic's inclusion in the so-called B-League is locked in, and that it came after tireless advocacy — and personal investment — on his part. 'This was never going to be handed to us. We had to fight for it. But we're ready.' A bridge to the future? The new national competition aims to bridge the gap between the NPL and the A-League, and Hanlin believes it could reinvigorate the domestic football scene. Whether it leads to promotion and relegation remains to be seen, but for Sydney Olympic, the opportunity is real. 'We're not just participating — we're preparing to be competitive from day one,' Mr Hanlin said. 'That means upgrading our squad, refining our operations, and engaging at every level.'
As for the club's continued involvement in the NPL NSW, Mr Hanlin suggests there will be evolution — not abandonment. 'This isn't the end of one chapter. It's the beginning of a broader story and the NPL can only become stronger from the new competition'.
A message to the fans Mr Hanlin's final message was clear: 'To all our supporters — old and new — this is your club. Sydney Olympic is here because of you, and it will thrive with your passion and support. Come with us on this journey. The best is yet to come.
Source: Instagram / Sydney Olympic FC