Jim Kourtis (born 14 February 1973) 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 (NSL), where he served as captain, was named the club's best player for the 1996âÂÂ97 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 (VPL Player of the Year) in 2002.
He also represented Australia at Schoolboys level in 1990 and played for Victoria between 1994 and 2001.
Kourtis began his youth career in Melbourne and represented Australia at the Schoolboys level in 1990.
Kourtis made his senior debut with Brunswick Pumas in the 1993âÂÂ94 NSL season, making 24 appearances. He continued with the club in 1994âÂÂ95, adding 17 appearances.
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 1997âÂÂ98 and was named the clubâÂÂs best player for 1996âÂÂ97 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.
He joined Sydney Olympic in the NSL, making 8 appearances in 1998âÂÂ99 and 4 appearances in 1999âÂÂ2000.
Kourtis played 25 Victorian Premier League games in 2001 and won the Bill Fleming Medal as the leagueâÂÂs 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.
He returned to Bentleigh Greens in 2002, making 24 appearances and winning the NPL Gold Medal as the leagueâÂÂs best player.
Kourtis was an Australian schoolboys representative, earning selection in 1990.
He made four Victorian representative appearances between 1994 and 2001