Ross Papadakis 
Hume City President Ersan Gulum. Photo: Brad Gallagher
Football has long been a cornerstone of Australia’s migrant experience. From fostering cultural exchange and community building to talent development, it has served as a powerful force for integration and a symbol of the nation’s multicultural heritage.
One of the clubs that has most prominently embodied this spirit is that of Hume City FC and its connection with the Turkish community of Melbourne.
Founded in 1959, Hume City has provided a home for generations of Turkish-Australians, offering a space to connect with their heritage, celebrate their culture, and participate in a beloved sport. Beyond its social role, the club has also achieved significant success on the pitch, competing at a high level in the NPL Victoria.
Though a premiership title has eluded them, an historic 1-0 victory against Melbourne Knights in 2016 to claim the Dockerty Cup remains a symbolic triumph, showcasing their resilience and determination.
Their matchup against Melbourne Srbija on Tuesday in the Australia Cup Round of 16 is another example of how Hume are making a name for themselves on the national stage.
A name that has become synonymous with Hume City and the Turkish-Australian community of Melbourne is former Turkish International and current Club President, Ersan Gülüm.
A local product of Hume City’s youth ranks, Gülüm’s journey from local player to international star is a testament to the club’s impact.
At 18 years old, Gülüm earned a move to Turkish Super Lig side Manisaspor in 2005, a move he attributes to both his parents and his mentor Ezel Hikmet. Gülüm says his parents didn’t hesitate to pack up their bags to support him, which highlights the importance of parental support for any athlete at the youth level.
Following a season utilised mainly as a backup defender, Gülüm made the move to second-division side, Elazigspor, where he managed to play every game and then earn another move to Adanaspor, eventually being named as the competition’s best central defender in the 2008/09 season.
In 2010, despite being heavily linked with Galatasaray, Gülüm transferred to Istanbul rivals, Besiktas, for €4 million.
In his six-year stint at the club, he went on to win back-to-back SuperLig titles (2015/16, 2016/17) and a Turkish Cup (2010/11), playing in front of those fans is something he will never forget.
“You could have a downer of a day, your motivation could be so low and the minute you step into that stadium and as soon as you see the fans, that’s it you’re on, you can’t beat that, it’s just unbelievable,” Gülüm said.
“That club … I’m very lucky and fortunate to play where I did.”
Following his prolonged career in Turkey, Gülüm spent two seasons at Chinese Super League side, Hebei China Fortune while spending a season-long loan at A-League side, Adelaide United in 2017.
Gülüm’s decision to return to Australia was heavily influenced by his desire to provide a better life for his family, one that allows them to choose their own path.
“I turned to Australia because my wife is from Australia and Australia’s the best country to bring up my kids,” he said.
“I never wanted my kids to grow under the shadow of their father.”
“I want them to choose their right path and whatever that is, I will support them.”
Despite being eligible for Australia by birth and being capped at U23 level, Gülüm represented the Turkish national team on seven occasions.
Nowadays, Gülüm is President of the club that started it all, Hume City FC – a real full circle moment where he’s already started to make a difference.
He’s only been in the role since June, but the club that was responsible for producing the likes of Aziz Behich, Jason Davidson and Ersan Gülüm now has a full-time youth academy – a key feature in the growth of the football club.
“It’s more than just football, it’s about building a future, developing skills and becoming a champion on and off the pitch,” Gülüm said.
“It’s exciting times at Hume City, I’m at the club nearly 24/7 trying to work out the best pathway for these kids.”
Hume City provides their youth academy members with top-tier coaching and training facilities, personalised video analysis sessions and a heavy focus on individual player development as well as game-day strategies and pre-match preparations.
“I’m a big advocate for players to go to the A-League setups because I would be proud as a person, who am I to stop them from their dreams,” he said.
“What can I do, how can I help them to reach their goals, their dreams?
“Well, I can create a program where they’re ready to step into an A-League or a professional environment based on Hume City’s plans and based on our program.”
A spot in Australia’s National Second Tier is a realistic goal that both the club and Gülüm are determined to achieve through continued hard work and dedication.
Their victory against Heidelberg United in an elimination final on the weekend leaves them in the final four of NPL Victoria, a semi-final clash against South Melbourne on Friday awaits.
Before that however, Tuesday’s clash against VPL2 side Melbourne Srbija in the Australia Cup offers an opportunity to go one better than their semi-final appearance in 2015, and the hope of becoming the first member-fed side to lift the Australia Cup.