Our story
Before 1981, the school Scotch College had enjoyed considerable success through several teams at the highest school level over a number of years. After leaving school, many 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 to 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 grassroots 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 club’s first real supporters, Tony and Joan Keep. As a result, two teams (Firsts and Reserves) joined the Victorian Amateur Soccer Federation in 1982.
We are a club for everyone
Although OSSC started for past students of Scotch College, it was never intended to be exclusively for them. OSSC exists for everyone who enjoys playing or watching the game and also enjoys a true club environment.
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 ensuring the best experience and opportunities for all players and supporters. Our culture is one of inclusion and enjoyment of the game, and it provides our players with the opportunity to play at a high level or at a social level, as they wish.
OSSC is home to 7 senior teams & a junior academy
44 years later, in 2026, OSSC fields five Men’s teams (Seniors and Reserves in FV State League 1 South-East, and three teams in FV Metropolitan Leagues), a Senior Women’s team in FV State League 7 South-East, and, as of this year, a Reserves Women’s team in Metropolitan South-East. OSSC has also recently partnered with S4S Academy to field full-time academy teams.
Coterie
It has been said by many club members that once you join OSSC, no one leaves. With that in mind, and with several past players reaching an age where playing any longer would be “dangerous” or “ill-advised”, on many 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.