Club History


Our Story

Founding & Early Years 

(2011–2014)

The Inverloch Stars Soccer Club was officially formed in 2011, originally under the name South Coast Stars Soccer Club. The club’s initial name was chosen to attract members from across the South Coast region, as the team could not yet play in Inverloch — Thompson Reserve was unavailable in those early years.

In the club’s inaugural season, 28 junior players took part in weekly sessions at Outtrim Recreation Reserve, marking the humble but enthusiastic beginning of what would become a thriving community club. The club colours — red and yellow — were chosen to reflect Inverloch’s coastal identity and the colours of local lifesaving clubs, symbolising energy, community, and spirit. The name “Stars” came from a creative competition for children, who were asked to help design the club’s jersey and name.

The founding committee consisted of:

This small but passionate group worked tirelessly to establish and grow the club. Other key contributors in the club’s first year included Simon and Mel Gibson-Goldsmith, who were named Volunteers of the Year, as well as Angela Toomey, Paul Plenkovich, Terry Close, and Roger Thorrowgood.

By 2012, the Stars had expanded to field several junior teams along with both Men’s and Women’s senior teams. The club’s positive energy and competitive spirit were quickly recognised — that same year, the Stars were named “Team of the Year” in the Gippsland Soccer League (South Division). The club regularly featured in local press and had become a talking point across the region.

Key early supporters such as Paul Escreet, James Bremner, Leonie Gilbert, Vaughan Gleeson, Kirsty Parini, Alan Starkey, and Kylie and Andrew Kempster were instrumental in helping the club grow during these formative years.


Early Challenges and Determination

The club’s first major challenge was the inability to play matches in Inverloch for the first four seasons. Thompson Reserve could not host winter sport until the completion of a $130,000 drainage project. To help make this happen, the club launched major fundraising efforts and secured vital local and state government support. The Inverloch Bendigo Community Bank became a cornerstone sponsor, providing a five-year partnership, while the club raised an additional $30,000 through community events and donations.

Training also proved difficult. Without floodlights at Outtrim, sessions were held at various venues — including Inverloch Primary School, the Inverloch Hub, and Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve when lighting was available. Despite these challenges, the club’s shared struggle helped forge a strong sense of community and resilience that remains central to its identity today.


Milestones and Achievements

By 2015, after four seasons at Outtrim and a year at McMahons Reserve in Wonthaggi, the Stars finally came home — the drainage project at Thompson Reserve was complete, and the club was renamed the Inverloch Stars Soccer Club.

The club’s development continued with the “Light Up the Stars” campaign, a monumental fundraising effort to install floodlights at Thompson Reserve. The total project cost was $220,000, with the club contributing $75,000 through grants, raffles, crowdfunding, social events, markets, and donations. This campaign remains one of the defining moments in the club’s history, demonstrating the power of community unity and commitment.

Another major milestone came with the announcement of funding for a new clubhouse at Thompson Reserve in 2025, ensuring the club’s future is supported by high-quality facilities.

Key Trophies and Titles


Notable Players and Contributors

The original 28 junior players from 2011 — affectionately known as the “Original 28” — hold a special place in club history. Many went on to play senior football and even representative soccer.

Original 28:
 Quinn Brookes Page, Travis Christall, Ben Clements, Elliot Clements, Matilda Close, Ruben Close, Tristan Donohue, Ebony Donohue, Oscar Gibson-Goldsmith, Harry Gibson-Goldsmith, James Gilbert, Riley Harris, Chloe Harris, Tiffany Blossom Matheson, Maverick Matheson, Nicholas Matheson, Malachy O’Flynn, Ella O’Flynn, Archie O’Neil, Gabriel Orr, Rex Parini, Oscar Plenkovich, Keian Sloan, Ryan Taylor, Zack Thorrowgood, Sebastian Toomey, Eamonn Toomey, and Oscar Ward.

Notably, Eamonn Toomey now coaches the club’s Under 17s, while Chloe Harris is a current Senior Women’s player — a testament to the club’s strong player development and loyalty.

Players to have played over 100 matches include:
 Joe Licciardi, Gene Parini, Simon Gibson-Goldsmith, Alan Starkey, Eddie Halaijian, James Bremner, San Oo, Julian Ambrose, Stu Hutchinson, Annette Spinks, Fiona Richardson, Sarah Cantwell, Jasper Kempster, Oscar Gibson-Goldsmith, Finn Gleeson, and Jack Farmer.


Coaches, Managers and Leaders

Key coaches who have shaped the club’s success over the years include Paul Plenkovich, Terry Close, Gene Parini, Michael Chizzoniti, Kathy Lagoudis, Roger Thorrowgood, Pat and Leonie Gilbert, Joe Licciardi, and Denis Laundron.
 In more recent times, Lindsey Ritchie and Michael McClean have led the senior teams with distinction, while Jordan Bond has made a strong contribution in the junior ranks.

Notable long-term committee members include Lucy Simnett, the club’s first and only female President; Angela Toomey, a foundation member and long-time Vice President; Sarah Cantwell, long-serving Treasurer; and Al Starkey, James Bremner, and Julian Ambrose, who have all given many years of committee service.