Jim Kourtis


Jim Kourtis is an Australian former professional soccer player who played as a goalkeeper. He is best known for his time with the Gippsland Falcons in the National Soccer League, where he served as captain, was named the club's best player for the 1996–97 season, and was later included in the club's 'Team of the NSL Era'.
Kourtis also had stints with Brunswick Pumas and Sydney Olympic before returning to Victorian Premier League, winning the Bill Fleming Medal in 2001 and the Gold Medal in 2002.
He also represented Australia at Schoolboys level in 1990 and played for Victoria between 1994 and 2001.

Early years

Kourtis began his youth career in Melbourne and represented Australia at the Schoolboys level in 1990.

Club career

Brunswick Pumas (1993–1995)

Kourtis made his senior debut with Brunswick Pumas in the 1993–94 NSL season, making 24 appearances. He continued with the club in 1994–95, adding 17 appearances.

Gippsland Falcons (1995–1998)

Kourtis joined the Morwell Falcons in 1995 and remained with the club through its transition to Gippsland Falcons, making 78 NSL appearances across three seasons.
He captained the team in 1997–98 and was named the club’s best player for 1996–97 for his outstanding consistency.
For his renowned excellence during his time with the Latrobe Valley-based club, he was named in the Gippsland Falcons 'Team of the NSL Era' in 2011.
During the 1996 season, Kourtis spent time on loan at Port Melbourne Sharks, making 11 Victorian Premier League appearances.
He was loaned to Bentleigh Greens in 1997, playing 16 Victorian Premier League matches and demonstrating consistent performances between the posts.

Sydney Olympic (1998–2000)

He joined Sydney Olympic in the NSL, making 8 appearances in 1998–99 and 4 appearances in 1999–2000.

Heidelberg United (2001)

Kourtis played 25 Victorian Premier League games in 2001 and won the Bill Fleming Medal as the league’s best player.
Heidelberg United won the 2001 VPL Grand Final over Port Melbourne Sharks, where Kourtis had saved two kicks in the penalty shootout after the match finished 2-2.

Bentleigh Greens (2002)

He returned to Bentleigh Greens in 2002, making 24 appearances and winning the NPL Gold Medal as the league’s best player.

Representative career

Kourtis was an Australian schoolboys representative, earning selection in 1990.
He made four Victorian representative appearances between 1994 and 2001

Honours

  • Bill Fleming Medal: 2001, Heidelberg United
  • NPL Gold Medal: 2002, Bentleigh Greens
  • Gippsland Falcons: 'Team of the NSL Era'
  • Gippsland Falcons Player of the Year: 1996–97