VPSC

30/03/2024

Another huge VPSC day at the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal, raising $9,265.50, to bring the Club's total donations since 2005 to more than $183,000. Well done to all the volunteers, giving up their Good Friday for such a great cause!

04/12/2023

VPSC were again welcomed by St Albans Saints Dinamo at the annual Family Day, playing Veterans and Women's friendly games.

Both games were graced by 'Plays of Year' contenders, adding to the spectacle of the day. The Veteran's game was evenly matched for the first 14 minutes, before Erman smashed a stunning goal into the top corner from fully 30+ metres. Dinamo worked their way back into the game and equalised in the 27th minute before Puts (just back from a World Tour of OZ) put VPSC back in front. At the other end of the pitch, Luca got into the action, pulling off a wonder save that made Gordon Banks' effort in the 1970 WC look like picking up a back-pass! Erman bagged another before Mo curled a peach into the top corner, with St Albans scoring a consolation goal late in the game.

A much depleted VPSC Women's team, led (very vocally!) by Brenda, then put up a massive effort against a young and well staffed Dinamo team. In a high scoring match, Rachel bagged a hat-trick (much like Ronnie's against Western Suburbs in the Premier League), including a stunning shot from the halfway line! There was considerable banter with the ref, mostly from the VPSC players, actively encouraged by a raucous crowd, resulting in a number of questionable (but humorous) yellow cards.

Post-matches, VPSC players and supporters were treated to the usual Dinamo hospitality, where plans for the 2024 match were already locked in.

Thank you to all involved, with special mention to members who attended and played straight off night shift.

02/12/2023

In the lead up to International Day of People with a Disability, Victoria Police Soccer Club played the Victorian Special Olympics team in a practice match. The crowd was treated to a magnificent end-to-end match, with plenty of goals, thrills, spills and a few controversies. The SO team got off to a great start and at half time we're leading 5-2. VPSC were much improved in the second half and young Brae Morgan brought scores level at 6-6, then 7-7. Despite some heroics by Eugene in goals, the SO team snatched victory in the final minute, when Daniel scored a penalty kick, foolishly give away when Tony tripped his faster opponent.

The Special Olympics team were gracious in victory and everyone enjoyed sharing a post-match barbecue.

Many thanks to Melbourne Victory FC for supplying scarves for all the SO team - they were a huge hit!

22/09/2023

22/09/2023

The 2023 Blue-Ribbon Cup between Victoria Police Soccer Club and Melbourne City FC Development Squad was played at Narre Warren College last week. After having lost the cup in 2022 after a thrilling game that ended 6-5 to Melbourne City FC, the VPSC squad was extremely keen to win back the silverware. The VPSC squad was made up of stalwarts (oldies) of the Club, playing alongside several young-bloods making their VPSC debuts, included, Police, PSO, PCO and VPS members.

The game got off to a frantic start, with both teams playing very direct before the older heads from VPSC managed to take some control and begin to play the ball around, making the younger Melbourne City FC squad work hard. This possession play lead to a great goal by Erman, who knocked it in from close range after a great cross in from the left, quickly followed up by a smashing 35(?) yard bullet into the top corner from Gee. The Melbourne City team fought back into the game and their striker curled one around VPSC goalkeeper Jason, who until then looked like he was never going to be beaten, having made several fantastic saves. VPSC went into the sheds at half time 2-1 up.

The second half began with Melbourne City FC putting on the pressure, however sharp defending by Gencarelli, Tayla, Matharu, Narinderpal, Thapa and Deepak ensured VPSC did not concede again. At this point, Morgs, the self-appointed VPSC coach (aka VicPol's Sir Alex) aired his disapproval of the playing style with a typical head-dryer spray, to which the fearful VPSC squad quickly responded, settling back into a rhythm of holding onto the ball and knocking it around. A third goal soon followed - clean quick passing leading to the ball being bundled in at the far post - it remains a matter of hot debate whether Bethany or Stu Puts got the final touch - VAR was unable to resolve this argument, so each was awarded half a goal.

The game ended 3-1, with the VPSC taking home the spoils this year. The bigger picture of the day however was the success off the park, providing the opportunity for members to spend time with students, teachers and staff from the school, alongside local police members, council reps and State MPs. The 175 Victoria Police members who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty were remembered by all taking part in the event. During the after-match ceremony, two Blue Ribbon medals were awarded to the Melbourne City FC development squad members who best embraced the spirit of the game.

The Vic Pol Air Wing conducted a fly over of the game, much to the appreciation and awe of the school students watching on.

A very sincere thank you to all the members that took time out of their own busy lives to come and play or support the 2023 Blue Ribbon Cup!

07/09/2023

Victoria Police Soccer Club hosted their first 'Female Futsal Day' on 4th September, 2023. Teams were split up in accordance with the recently concluded Women's World Cup - 19 players attended and 4 teams competed in a social round robin with Team Spain taking out the chockie frogs! Teams were comprised of sworn and unsworn members, as well as family and friends. Several new members made their debut on the day and will be sure to star in future events. A massive thank you to the Women's VPSC Manager Brittany Smith, for her solo effort on bringing this women's event to fruition - the Club is sure this will be the first of many.

VPSC are always looking for new members of any gender to join the Club. VPSC is inclusive and has a focus on supporting various community-based initiatives, to create meaningful connections between Vic Pol members and the people we serve. The Club caters to players of all skills, ages and backgrounds and if you haven't already, we encourage you to get in touch and get on board future events.

Well done, Britt, and thank you to all the players for being a part of our great Club!

04/09/2023

Congratulations to VPSC members, Jake and Marcus, on South Melbourne FC’s 2-1 victory in the National Premier League Preliminary Final. 2 goals from Marcus, including a 91st minute winner sent Lakeside Stadium into rapture! Best wishes for the NPL Grand Final against Avondale, to be played at Olympic Village, Heidelberg at 3pm on Sunday.

17/05/2023

The 2023 Tony Clarke Memorial Day was held on Sunday 14th May at Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park. The curtain-raiser NPL match saw South Melbourne FC (featuring VPSC members Marcus Schroen & Jake Marshall) retain the Tony Clarke Trophy with a 2-1 win over North Geelong Warriors.

While the SMFC game was a nail-biter, the main game, VPSC v South Australia Police, was one for the ages! VPSC shot out of the blocks to a 3-0 lead, with Gee, Rocky and Sunny running the SAPol defence all over the shop and Euie rolling back the years to marshal the defence with Giets, Jules and Andrew. Manny and Randi were extremely passionate (and highly vocal) defenders, while Jess and Emma went about their game in a far calmer manner. SAPol clawed one back to make it 3-1, then both teams scored to make it 4-2 at half time. Britt and Morgs’ half time team talk must have been on-point, as SAPol dominated the second half, making the score at full time 4-4, so it was off to the dreaded penalties. Luca channelled his inner-Rick and saved the first 3 SAPol penalties, then the first of their sudden-death penalties, leaving it to Pearcey to nervelessly aim top right and accidently dispatch his penalty bottom left, for a 3-2 win to VPSC.

Both teams, officials, supporters and Tony’s family adjourned to the SMFC Social Club for a feed, a few refreshments, exaggerated stories and fantastic camaraderie. SAPol presented Tina with a memento of the day, before Connor presented the Tony Clarke Shield to VPSC Captain, Tash.

A big shout-out to Britt, Gee and Morgs for pulling a great team together in the face of schedule changes and Mothers’ Day commitments, to Pete for his support on the night, to the SAPol members, who played hard, but fair and conducted themselves in an exemplary fashion (except when they yelled at the ref!) and to all at South Melbourne FC for being such awesome hosts. Everyone unanimously declared the day a huge success!

12/04/2023

On Thursday 9 th March 2023, more than 300 youth from St. Christophers Primary School Airport West, participatedin the Sports COPPS Program.Sports COPPS Prog...

12/04/2023

https://youtu.be/yrEbPtLjDLI

On Thursday 9 th March 2023, more than 300 youth from St. Christophers Primary School Airport West, participated
in the Sports COPPS Program.
Sports COPPS Program (Choices, Opportunities, Partnerships, Participation = Success) is an early prevention model,
designed to introduce Victoria Police members, to children and adolescents, as positive role models and mentors,
into the community. This unique Program promotes healthy lifestyles and positive engagement between local
youth, communities and Victoria Police.
The smiles and cheers of at least 300 kids playing sport, in perfect conditions and on a pristine surface - made it all
the worthwhile.
This was complimented by a visit from the local Avondale Heights Divisional Van, by S/Constables Chris & Courtney,
who not only showed their silky soccer skills with the boys and girls from Grades 4 & 5 from St. Christopher’s Primary
School, but also engaged firsthand with some eager & intriguing youth. Two perfect examples of community spirited
junior members interacting with young people, at the grassroots level of sport! This all took place under the watchful
eye of the Police Helicopter, who undertook a flyover of St. Christopher’s Primary School, whilst keeping the
residents of Airport West and surrounds, safe & sound.
A heartfelt thanks to our magnificent group of volunteers, who continue to be the backbone by helping assist in
delivering the Program, whilst representing the following organisations:
- Staff and Students - St. Christopher’s Primary School;
- Parents & Friend Committee - St. Christopher’s Primary School;
- Volunteer Parents from St. Christopher’s Primary School;
- Victoria Police Soccer Club;
- Football Victoria;
- Football Australia;
- Bully Zero Foundation;
- Western United Football Club.
D/Sgt. Vincent MANNO from Professional Standards Command, delivered an educational component to
participating school children, explaining not only the purpose of the Program, but covering topics of personal safety
& assistance, reporting such aspects to a ‘responsible adult’, protocols in ringing 000, bullying & understanding social
media harms. This was closely followed by a variety of interactive sports coaching clinics/stations, on the day.
There is no doubt the inquisitive children will have fond memories of the day for many years to come, whilst being
impressed by the personal interactions, with some of Victoria Police’s finest.
Run since 2001, SPORTS COPPS has reached out to more than 14,300 young people across the metropolitan and
regional areas of Victoria and further, provided many sporting & educational giveaways to participants.
The SPORTS COPPS Program brings together young people through a common passion of sport, providing them with
an opportunity to connect with their community, and build their self-esteem.
Having positive relationships with young people is important to Victoria Police as it helps us establish trust, break
down barriers and build strong relationships.
The SPORTS COPPS Program recognises the importance of positive engagement with young people, providing a
sense of purpose and prosocial networks, with a view of reducing risk taking or criminal behaviour - which ultimately
benefits the entire community. Sports COPPS effectively provides life skills through sport.
Sports COPPS is open to all female, male, sworn & unsworn Victoria Police employees. Enquires about the Program
to can be made to Det. Sgt. Vincent MANNO via email on [email protected]

On Thursday 9 th March 2023, more than 300 youth from St. Christophers Primary School Airport West, participatedin the Sports COPPS Program.Sports COPPS Prog...