OLD SCOTCH SOCCER CLUB
FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER
March 2014
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
February 2014 marked the dawn of a new era for the Old Scotch Soccer Club as it finally received access to the brand new
H.A. Smith Reserve Pavilion to accompany the re-laid pitches at H.A. Smith Reserve. Not long thereafter followed the demolition of
the old H.A. Smith Reserve Pavilion. While many were happy to see its crumbled walls fall, I’m sure it will always hold a fond place
in the hearts of many past players and coaches.
Feedback on the new pavilion is overwhelmingly positive, and it is great to finally be able to offer our supporters quality facilities
from which to enjoy our games. Such is the scale of the new facility, OSSC has now sought to employ a Facilities Manager, who will
be responsible for ensuring its smooth operation on match days.
On the field, there is plenty more to be excited about in 2014. After commencing pre-season in early January 2014, OSSC is setting
itself for a strong tilt at promotion this year and is expecting to field six teams - a feat not achieved for several years.
With the re-shuffle of the Football Federation Victoria leagues this year and the introduction of the National Premier League, OSSC
now finds itself in State League 2 South-East, with a real chance of promotion to State League 1 South-East.
It all starts with the Seniors and Reserves kicking-off their season away to Nunawading City FC on Saturday 29 March at
1:00PM (Reserves) and 3:00PM (Seniors).
The following week will mark the official opening of the new H.A. Smith Reserve Pavilion. Plans are well underway to make this a
memorable event, with representatives from Scotch College and the City of Boroondara Council expected to be in attendance, along
with many past and present players and associates of the club. There will be plenty to look forward to on the day, with the Seniors
and Reserves taking on Seaford United SC in their first home game of the season, a formal luncheon to mark the occasion, as well
as a number of other activities to be held on the day, including the inaugural ‘OSSC Flyer’ and a ‘Legends Game’ for past players.
Please refer to the invitation for further details.
With so much going on at the Club, there has never been a better time to get involved in the club. With a revamped sponsorship
campaign there are a number of packages available to suit all levels of support. Contact us to find out the benefits of partnering
with OSSC in 2014. The OSSC Foundation also offers a great way for all ex-players, club associates and families to pledge their
support to the Club by signing up for an annual membership.
Please contact [email protected] if you would like to request a copy of the Sponsorship Package or a form to sign up to the
OSSC Foundation.
Further information can also be found on our website at www.ossc.com.au.
James Doidge (’05) President - OSSC
OLD SCOTCH SOCCER CLUB
FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER
A HUGE PRESEASON SETS UP OSSC FOR AN HISTORIC YEAR IN 2014
SENIORS – Eamonn Beamish (’79) & Andrew Alford (’86)
Pre season for the senior squad has brought plenty of surprises, some welcome, some not.
Unfortunately, we have lost no less than nine players from last year’s squad, many of which have been unexpected. Giesh and Steve
have retired. Stu has departed. Hugh and Hack are both off overseas for the second half of the year and have elected to take the
season off to save for their trips. Chris is out for year with his knee injury, Jimmy is lost to the DJ world at this stage, Foxy is playing
Sunday football and Lats has other commitments for the year. What other club loses so many players in these circumstances and
not to other clubs?
Nevertheless, we have been fortunate to pick up some excellent recruits in Kev, Jonny, Ross, James, Jo Jo, and Mory. I would like
to wholeheartedly welcome these players to our club. We really are now a very multi -national bunch with more than a hint of the
Irish combined with a bunch of ex- Scotchies.
Its also pleasing to see so many knew faces at the club this year with record numbers turning up to training over pre-season.
The feeling around the club is very positive, with the players and coaching staff eagerly anticipating our first game against Seaford
on the new HA Smith surface and the new clubrooms – which look magnificent.
As a result of landing some new players and having a second year under our belt with the players we picked up last year, I believe
that the senior squad is in better position than at the same stage of pre season in 2013. Pre-season performances and recent
Dockerty Cup results have shown continuous improvement and we are playing well, ironing out a few issues and reenforcing our
game plan. The squad is bonding well, especially after our training camp held at Phillip Island for the second consecutive year.
I am very confident that we will be in good stead once the season proper commences.
This year sees us compete in State 2 South East, a jump up from State 3 after the league re-structure as a result of the launch of
the National Premier League Victoria. This places us in a unique situation. As we would be very unlikely to ever apply for the NPLV,
if we were to achieve promotion, we would be in the top community club division in Victoria.
What an achievement that would be for this club and it is within reach and a realistic target.
Work hard, push hard, take the next step.
OLD SCOTCH SOCCER CLUB
RESERVES – George Tidd (‘89)
FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER
After a successful campaign last year winning the Reserves Championship with weeks to spare, nearly 50 players pulling on the
Reserves strip, a tonne of goals and a very stingy defence I had to sit down and ponder what we could do in 2014.
The only answer was more of the same and the possibility of a
season undefeated.
During pre-season we have again seen a vast influx of new faces at
the club which has kept competition high as they push for spots
against some seasoned campaigners from last year.
A strengthened Firsts/Reserves squad went down to Rhyll during
February for a weekend of fitness and teamwork (both on the track
and in the local pub). The lads completed a 30 minute orienteering
course craftily designed by Alfie, the new goal keeping coach
Geish ran the lads ragged in the soft sand of Woolamai beach,
I took a boxing session combined with more sprint work in the
sand and we ended up with a tournament which was hotly
contested. Overall it was a fantastic weekend.
We have played a number of practice games along with an entry in the Eastern Lions tournament and have been very competitive in
all games, even when playing higher standard teams. As yet we haven't settled on a team, so again the competition for spots is
immense.
I’m looking forward to the opening round of the year away against Nunawading on 29 March.
I’m sure the club is ready for another excellent season.
THE REDS, ROYALS and GOLDS – Joe Reed
An exciting season beckons for all the Sunday (Metropolitan League) teams at OSSC.
The Reds head into the top Metropolitan League Division following their Division Two Metropolitan League Championship in 2013.
Excellent attendance at pre-season training shows just how keen
the lads are to build on the success of last season and make sure
that we are again vying for the title. With up to 40 players at times
on training nights it has been a challenge to accommodate all but it’s fantastic for the club to see so many players at training with
a positive mind set.
There is clearly a great desire and commitment amongst the players.
Some strong potential recruits have been strutting their stuff down
at training and competition for places will be fierce this year.
The culture of closeness and success looks set to continue across
all Sunday teams. The Reds, Royals and Golds should all show
improvement this year.
The addition of a ‘Veterans’ side is another exciting development
at the club, bringing back a number of OSSC legends, who have
defied their age and returned to the club to form a fourth Sunday team. It’s added to the great feeling and camaraderie around the
club seeing some old faces at training.
The buzz of excitement is building as the season gets closer and practice matches will give all squads a good chance to blow out
the final summer cobwebs. The new pavilion and ground at HA Smith will give us first class facilities – both on and off the ground.
If you want top quality Sunday football this season and a great social environment then look no further than OSSC.
There is a team for all levels, ages and abilities. Please contact the club if you are interested in playing with us in 2014.
OSSC PLAYER AND PARTNER PROFILES Here are the first of a regular feature in the OSSC Foundation newsletter. It’s a great opportunity to get to know some of our players
and their partners. The first couple to reveal all is Michael Stobbs and Dee Wyer. Thanks for sharing!
OLD SCOTCH SOCCER CLUB
Name: Dee Wyer
Who is your partner, husband or boyfriend at OSSC?
Michael Thomas Yacomine (yes this is his confirmation name!) Stobbs
How did you meet each other and what did you do on your first official date?
We met at a friend’s birthday party and for our first date (in true Scottish fashion)
we split a burrito at the Victoria Market.
What in your view is his best asset(s)? His hair!!
If you could change one thing about him…what would it be?
His ability to book flights for the right dates and times!
Does he have any really bad habits?
Takes his smelly socks off after work and leaves them around the house
When he is not playing football, what is your favourite thing to do with him?
Watch a good movie with a nice bottle of wine. (Keeps him quiet!!)
If you two could have dinner with a celebrity couple, who would they be?
Kate and Wills (and George)
What is the most embarrassing thing he has ever done?
After just moving in to his new place in Richmond, after a night out with OSSC,
he woke up to find out he had peed all over the kitchen. His housemates sat there and watched him mop it up!!
What was the single nicest thing he has ever done for you? He stole a dress from my wardrobe and got the broken zip repaired for me
When he does the wrong thing or hurts your feelings, how does he apologise to you? Hugs and tries to make me laugh a lot.
What would he cook you for a romantic meal? Baked camembert with breadcrumbs, steak, mash, corn on the cob
Does he have any strange pre match habits the night before a game? None while I’m still awake anyway!
What is his mood like after OSSC lose a game? Not good!
Does he have any hidden talents he probably wouldn’t want his team mates to know about? He is one hell of an ironer! Loves laundry day!
FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER
What is your name and nickname: Michael Stobbs (Stobbsie)
What year did you join OSSC? End of 2012 season
What was your previous club? AC Kelvingrove (Glasgow - Scotland)
Where did you play junior football? Forfar (Scotland – think opening scene of Braveheart)
What position do you play? Centre half
Who of the following personifies you as a footballer best and why –
U Roy Keane
U Other – Mike Williamson –
U Luiz Suarez
U Lionel Messi
U Steve Gerrard
U Cristiano Ronaldo U John Terry
U Wayne Rooney
U Diego Maradona
if you’ve ever seen either of us play you’ll
know what I mean
What is your most memorable moment/greatest achievement in your football career?
I picked up my first (Reserves) league title last year with Scotch. I scored a double when I was about 12 at a Scottish Cup tournament.
What makes OSSC unique and a great club to be a part of?
Very professional set up regarding administration, training and match days mixed with the social side of a pub team.
The growing British contingent at an Australian club is fun too.
What do you have for dinner on Friday night prior to a game?KFC, McDonalds, Nandos or Burger King – I like to keep the body guessing.
What is your pre-game routine – do you have any rituals or superstitions?I’m not sure it’s a ritual but I’ve been wearing a t-shirt
with a picture of my dearly departed Grandmother on it. The plan was that when I score I can, after kissing the badge, whip off the
jersey and dedicate the goal to her in a gesture so moving that it will bring a tear to the eye of every spectator.
She’s been dead for 6 years but I haven’t had the chance to do it yet…
Can you tell us something people probably don’t know about one of your OSSC team mates? Last year one of our striker’s goal
scoring form was so bad that it was causing him issues scoring at home…if you know what I mean. He now plays in central defence.
Which 5 famous people would you have at a dinner party?Josef Fritzel, Hitler, Osama Bin Laden, Fred West, Jose Morinho..I’m a terrible cook
What is your favourite book? The Shoot annual 1994
If you could travel anywhere in the world for two weeks…where would you go and what would you do there? World Cup in Brazil
– I’d probably go and watch the football
What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you on a football field? In the my final game for my old club,
before I left for Australia, we won a penalty and in order to send me off in style the boys told me take it. Attempt 1 went so high and
wide – it was awful. Fortunately the referee ordered a retake due to players moving prior to the kick and I hammered the retake up
the middle David Beckham vs Argentina style.
What is the single best piece of advice you have received from a coach at OSSC? ‘Stobbsie, I never ever, ever want to see you
dribble with the ball in your own half’ - Eamonn Beamish
If you were ship wrecked on a desert island with one other player from OSSC, who would you prefer and why? Giesh – he seems to
get on famously with my Mrs so If he was there with me it would be at least one thing less I’d have to worry about while we were stuck.
B OROONDARA
City of Harmony
H A Smith Reserve
Pavilion Grand Opening
All OSSC past and present players, members, friends and families
are invited to join us for the
historic unveiling of our magnificent new pavilion
Saturday 5th April 2014
12 noon - OSSC Legends Game
12.45pm - Official Pavilion Opening Ceremony
1pm - Luncheon & OSSC Reserves Game
3.15pm - OSSC Seniors Game - FFV State League Two - Round Two
Half time entertainment and other surprises for all ages on the day
Dress: Smart casual
Cost: $40 per person includes luncheon and drinks served from 1-2pm
(children free)
Please pre-pay to club account
Old Scotch Soccer Club
BSB: 633-000 Acct: 142348812
Desc: Name+Pav
For catering purposes please RSVP by
Monday 24th March 2014 to
[email protected]
*Please advise of any special dietary requirements
* Expressions of interest from past players to participate in the OSSC Legends Game
should be directed to James Doidge at [email protected]
This OSSC event is supported by Football Chaos