Founded in accordance with Arsenal's guidelines for Official Supporters Clubs.
The first meeting: Manchester United – Arsenal 1-2 | FA Cup
It all started on March 9, 2015. That Monday, we gathered for the first time to watch our team play against Manchester United in the FA Cup. A match that would become memorable for both Arsenal and us, the Greek fans. At that meeting, the foundations were laid for the establishment of the second major recognized Arsenal fan community in our country. We were no longer just talking through Facebook groups...
Six Months Later...
Things progressed very quickly as we realized the potential, and the excitement among us was unstoppable. Six months later, in September 2015, the process for establishing an association began with the Thessaloniki courts. After nearly a year from the first meeting, in April 2016, we received the much-anticipated recognition from Arsenal. The association met all the requirements, allowing the club to recognize that there was a large and active group of Gooners in Thessaloniki, who would have access to tickets and more!
During this brief period, Mr. Lakis Papaioannou, former Technical Director of Arsenal Soccer Schools in Greece, Cyprus, and the Balkans, contributed significantly to all the above efforts and played a crucial role in the community's cohesion. The first major trip was to Piraeus, where 26 members traveled to watch the victorious Champions League match against Olympiacos.
In January 2016, 18 members of the Club traveled to Bulgaria to participate in the International Gathering of Arsenal Supporters' Clubs in Sofia, alongside organized Gunners fans from Bulgaria, Skopje, Romania, and Hungary. The Club took part in a football tournament and a quiz night with beers and a projector showing highlights of the team. This was followed by a city tour, and the two-day event concluded with watching the match against Chelsea. These two significant trips strengthened the bonds between us and provided a boost towards achieving our goals: establishing the club and gaining recognition from Arsenal. Weekly meetings to watch matches became a given, and everything was set on the path to fulfilling our dream: renting a space that would become a home/pub/café for every Gunner!
IDENTITY
In a country where there is a need for healthy engagement with sports, the Arsenal Supporters Club in Thessaloniki was established based on European standards for an association, guided by the advice and rules set by Arsenal itself. The primary goals of the Club include promoting the values and ideals of Arsenal’s DNA. The club has created a dedicated department for communication, oversight, and connection with all recognized supporters' clubs.
The Club’s activities initially include meetings for EVERY match of the team, as well as comprehensive efforts to secure the necessary tickets for members. Additionally, trips and events are organized whenever possible, and social actions and participation in local sports events, such as the 5×5 football tournament for foreign team clubs, are an integral part of the Club’s outreach.
The Club is naturally non-profit, funded solely by its members, with all revenues dedicated to the maintenance and development of the Clubhouse at 8, Mpaltadorou Street. Revenue sources include membership fees, merchandise sales, and the makeshift bar, which help cover expenses such as rent, utility bills, cleaning products, general maintenance and decoration, as well as technical upgrades (e.g., televisions). Donations of any kind are also welcome from those who wish to support the Club’s home in the center of Thessaloniki.
Elected Board of Directors
CHAIRMAN & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER: Stantzos George
VICE CHAIRMAN & TICKETS MANAGER: Matsarides Amiran
TREASURER: Kakoulides Yiannis
SECRETARY: Roumeliotes Andreas
MEMBER: Chatzimichailides George
ALTERNATE MEMBER: Evangelopoulos Vasilis
