Humble beginnings for soccer in Sebastopol

BY DAVID BREHAUT
04 Jul, 2012 11:59 PM

SEBASTOPOL Vikings Soccer Club has come a long way since one under-12 junior team marked its beginnings in 1972.

The Vikings came into being with a formation meeting on August 22 of that year.

Fred Maggi was elected president and the Vikings were up and running.

Sebastopol now has 150 players on its books, making up three senior men’s, a senior women’s and an array of junior teams in the BDSA.

The journey will be the topic of many varied discussions at a 40th anniversary celebration at the club’s home, St George’s Reserve, on Saturday night.

Organiser Rod Oppenhuis said about 150 people were expected at the function, with past players travelling from interstate and across Victoria to catch up with former teammates.

He said anyone who had not booked could still attend by getting in touch with Fred Maggi (5335 7239).

Club life member, former player and councillor Des Hudson will be guest speaker.

Oppenhuis said the club had never been in a stronger position, with upgraded clubrooms, lighting which made regular night matches possible and being financially strong.

The Vikings have tasted recent success, having won five BDSA senior championships and four cups since 1998.

http://www.thecourier.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/humble-beginnings-for-soccer-in-sebastopol/2614167.aspx