The Beginnings
Sacred Heart began its existence in 1897 as Sacred Heart High School at Port Adelaide. It moved to the Esplanade at Semaphore in 1902 (when the name was changed to Sacred Heart College), then to Largs Bay, and finally to Brighton Road in 1914.
A Marist Brothers Old Boys team played between 1917 & 1921 at the Victoria Park Racecourse.
A New Life
Then in the ‘60s, the Sacred Heart Collegians Old Scholars Association discussed the formation of a football team, but could not obtain the use of a suitable ground.
Many of its members at that time were playing football with the Christian Brothers F. C. Club. However, with the acquisition of Pennington Reserve the Club was formed in 1968, and steady progress was made in the ‘70s under the guidance of Coach and President Roger Orchard until A1 was achieved in 1984.
History Makers – Almost!
The Club then nearly pulled off the not inconsiderable feat of ranking with Kingswood (1913), West Adelaide United (1936), and Woodville (1941) as the only SAAFL clubs to win the flag in their first season of promotion to A1 football. It ended the minor round in second place, then led Riverside in the Second Semi by 13 points with only minutes to play. Unfortunately, the game ended in a draw and S.H.O.C. lost the replay and then the Preliminary Final to finish third. Had it won the Second Semi it would have joined St. Peters O.C. and Prince Alfred O.C. as the only scholars clubs to play in an A1 Grand Final.
The Club then stayed in A1 until 1989, returning briefly in 1994 and 1988, and except for a brief visit to Division 3 in 2001, has become a fixture in Division 2. The record holder for games played is A. Whennan with 401.
The Modern Era
In 2008 the club had 4 senior sides in Division 2 & Div 2 Reserves, and Division 7 & Div 7 Reserves. In 2007 the club also formed an over 35’s team to play under the SHOC FC banner in the 16 team SA Master competition. With over 150 registered players the club is enjoying its highest level of participation ever, and is at the point when it may consider the option of entering a fifth side in the amateur league in the future.
The Football Club enjoys a very productive association with the Sacred Heart Community and has worked hard to strengthen relationships with both the Sacred Heart Senior, and Sacred Heart Middle schools, who we would like to acknowledge for their support over the journey.
The SHOC FC strives to provide a rewarding sporting environment for the old scholars to enjoy that will afford a positive impact on their lives for many years to come.
We would like to thank all those members past and present who have contributed to the success of the SHOC FC and making this club a great one. You should all be proud of the tradition you have created over the past 40+ years.
