Scotch football group to kick on

In its inaugural year, the Scotch College Football Support Group has made an impressive start.

The group consists of current parents and staff, with well known football identity Malcolm Brown as its President. Its aim is to capture and harness the spirit of 1858 by promoting, developing and financially assisting Australian Rules football within the broader Scotch College community.

The main fund raising activity was the 1858 Dinner Dance at the Camberwell Civic Centre, to celebrate the anniversary of the first match of Australian Rules Football between Scotch and Melbourne Grammar. Over 400 parents, Old Boys, members of the Scotch Family and friends attended the night.

Media personality Ernie Sigley was the compere and many Scotch football identities were present, including Doug Heywood, Ian Law, Colin Youren and David Polkinghorne.

A highlight of the evening was the introduction of the 1997 1st XVIII by Terry Wheeler, Director of Football Coaching at Scotch. Another feature was the memorabilia display, with exhibits from the school Archives, and a display of Scotch 1st XVIII premiership teams. The evening raised $14,000 and the success of the function was due to the hard work of Andrew Oliver and his committee which included Jenny Oliver and Libby Downing.

Other successful fundraisers were the 1st XVIII jumper sponsorships and several sausage sizzles held at Scotch. Sophie Ross and her committee are to be congratulated for their efforts.

Activities instigated by the group include the presentation of the 1st XVIII jumpers by North Melbourne coach Denis Pagan; a trophy presentation ceremony in the Memorial Hall for all open and under-age teams; liaison and communication with the VSFL and the Old Scotch Football Club in regard to coaching support for both the staff and boys.

Funds raised have been spent on the purchase of 1st XVIII jumpers and the football trophies. Funding has also been committed for next year's U16 tour to the Northern Territory, and the group is keen to support a major capital project in conjunction with the school.

Following a meeting with the Principal and the Bursar to discuss the aims and the future role of the group, it was agreed that it should become a member of the Scotch Family Association.

The proposed name for the group is 'The 1858 Club'.