Football Victoria’s own Jimmy Soufis has been honoured with the prestigious Leasexpress Coach of the Year award at the 2024 Victorian Sport Awards (VSAs), recognising his outstanding contribution to futsal coaching and the development of the sport.
The VSAs, presented by the State Government of Victoria and Vicsport, celebrate excellence across the Victorian sport and active recreation sector. The awards, held on Wednesday, May 14 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, recognised individuals and teams for their achievements during the 2024 calendar year across 19 categories.
Reflecting on the night, Soufis shared he was “shocked” when his name was called out.
“I didn’t expect to take home the award. I’m truly honoured and humbled to receive this recognition,” he said.
“While it’s incredibly rewarding to have the work acknowledged, what matters most to me is the broader impact—promoting the growth and development of futsal.”
The award acknowledges not only his impressive coaching record but also his visionary leadership in expanding the futsal landscape in Victoria. In 2024, identifying a critical gap in the female player pathway, he spearheaded the creation of a Women’s Development League, establishing a second division women’s futsal competition.
This initiative has opened new pathways for players and coaches alike, nurturing talent and creating career progression opportunities essential to growing the sport.
On the field, Soufis’ men’s teams finished the Series Futsal League 2024.1 and 2024.2 seasons undefeated, while both his men’s and women’s teams secured victories in the F-League tournament. His coaching success was further highlighted by two male players earning national selection with the Futsalroos, and a female player chosen for Australia’s inaugural Women’s Futsal National Team.
“My teams have enjoyed a great deal of success on the pitch, but I’m equally proud of our role in helping to establish a second division women’s futsal league,” he said.
“This initiative has created valuable opportunities for players who are serious about the sport, providing a clear pathway into competitive futsal.”
The humble coach also expressed his gratitude to those who supported him along the journey.
“There are so many people I’d like to thank. First and foremost, my players—their hard work, commitment, and dedication make everything I do possible,” he said.
“I’m also incredibly grateful to Natalie Pafralis for her ongoing support, as well as to Series Futsal, Peter Parthimos, Football Victoria, and Dan Birrell for providing a platform to showcase the incredible sport of futsal.”
Jimmy also outlined the core reasons behind his success in 2024 and shared his vision for the future.
“My goal is to leave the game in a better place than when I first became involved. That means helping to build a strong structural framework for futsal in Victoria, supporting club growth, establishing well-organised competitions, and investing in the development of coaches and referees,” he said.
“Most importantly, I’m committed to striving for equal participation, with the aim of achieving a 50/50 balance between male and female players. By doing so, we can continue creating more meaningful opportunities for women and girls in the sport.”
Find out all of the ways you can get involved in futsal across Victoria now.
Full list of football related finalists
- Gallagher Community Coach of the Year - Madelaine Braekspear*
- Bunnings Trade Local Government Initiative of the Year - Maribyrnong City Council GO Family
- Love the Game Community Sporting Club of the Year - Fitzroy Lions Football Club
- My Sport Live Community Sporting Event of the Year - VCON
- Polytan Peter Norman Inclusion Award - Big Issue Community Street Soccer
- revolutioniseSPORT Victorian Sports Administrator of the Year – Eunice Gill Award - Natalie Pafralis
*Won - Read the full story