About us
Prior to 1981, the school Scotch College had enjoyed considerable success through a number of teams at the highest school level over a number of years. After leaving school, a number of past students were playing at other clubs and were not really experiencing the enjoyment they had reached while playing with their mates at school.
It became obvious for a few of those past students that there was room for a soccer club that offered enjoyment of playing with mates at a good standard. So, in 1981, John Bennetts (80), Dave Polmear (80) and Ian Savage (a History Teacher and later Vice Principal) from Scotch College, started the ball rolling. Help from the school was critical and also grass roots involvement from James (Jim) Keep (77), Mick Bannister (80), Rick Fleming (80), Phil Keep (80), and importantly ex School Captain of Hockey, Rod Ferres (80). On the soccer side, Scotch College teacher and first OSSC coach, Andy Tait, was instrumental in inspiring the ex-students and also contacting players from previous years from school via the Old Scotch Collegians Association (OSCA). Owen Davies (77) was appointed the first club Captain and OSSC was born with a little bit of help from the clubs first real supporters, Tony and Joan Keep. As a result, two teams (Firsts and Reserves) joined the Victorian Amateur Soccer Federation in 1982.
Although OSSC started out mainly for past students of Scotch College, it was never intended to be exclusively for past students. OSSC exists for everyone who enjoys playing or watching the game and also enjoys a true club environment.
42 years later in 2024, OSSC fields six Men’s teams (Seniors and Reserves in FV State League 1 South-East, two teams in FV Metropolitan Leagues, and one Over 35s team in a Bayside FV League), a Senior Women’s team in FV State League 5 North, and 9 juniors (boys and girls) teams.
OSSC’s home ground is across the road from Scotch College at H A Smith Reserve. Everyone is welcome to join OSSC as a player or supporter. At the core of OSSC is to ensure the best experience and opportunities for all of its players and supporters. Our club culture is one of inclusion and enjoyment of the game but also primarily an opportunity for our players to play at a high level through to a social level, as they wish.
It has been said by many club members that once you join OSSC, no one leaves. With that in mind and with a number of past players reaching an age where playing any longer would be “dangerous” or “ill advised”, on a number of levels, in 2017 a coterie group was formed to aid with support and sponsorship. Further, social memberships are available for recently retired players and past club members under the age of 50.
Old Scotch Soccer Club is truly a community club.
For further details regarding teams and training times and the coterie group please contact: committee@ossc.com.au