Melbourne has a large selection of amateur and professional soccer clubs, which is not unusual given how sports mad the city is. The following are the top five soccer clubs in the Melbourne area that you should think about if you want to support a non-professional team:
Melbourne Knights FC is a semi-professional soccer team with a long history that is based in the Sunshine region. The club, which was established in 1953 by Croatian immigrants, has a devoted following and a rich cultural history. The Knights have achieved a great deal of success, winning the National Soccer League Championship in 1995 and the Victorian Premier League championship in 1993. Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak and Croatian international Josip Skoko are two well-known ex-players.
Another semi-professional team with a long history is Heidelberg United FC, which is based in the Heidelberg district. The club, which was established in 1958, has received a number of awards, including the Dockerty Cup in 2016 and the Victorian Premier League championship in 2014. Socceroos striker Archie Thompson and former Melbourne Victory captain Kevin Muscat are two well-known ex-players.
South Melbourne FC is a semi-professional team with a storied past that is based in the Albert Park neighbourhood of Melbourne. Since its inception in 1959, the club has garnered many accolades, including four National Soccer League titles and two Dockerty Cups. Socceroos striker John Aloisi and former Melbourne Victory captain Grant Brebner are two well-known ex-players.
Dandenong Thunder SC: A semi-professional team with a sizable local fanbase, Dandenong Thunder SC is situated in the suburb of Dandenong. The club, which was established in 1971, has received a number of awards, including the Dockerty Cup in 2007 and the Victorian Premier League championship in 2006. Former Melbourne Victory striker Danny Allsopp and former Adelaide United midfielder Travis Dodd are two well-known ex-players.
Pascoe Vale SC is a semi-professional team with a long history that is based in the neighbourhood of Pascoe Vale. The club, which was established in 1960, has received a number of awards, including the Dockerty Cup in 2014 and the Victorian Premier League championship in 2012. Archie Thompson, a former striker for Melbourne Victory, and Fabian Barbiero, a former midfielder for Adelaide United, are two notable ex-players.
These are just a few of the numerous amateur soccer teams in Melbourne that are deserving of your support. Each club offers the ability to enjoy the beautiful game in a dedicated and encouraging environment and has its own distinct history, accolades, and famous former players. These clubs are worth checking out whether you're a devoted supporter or just looking to become involved in the local soccer scene.
