Est. 1951

Our History & Heritage

From humble beginnings to a community powerhouse of over 2,000 members.

1951Year Formed

2,000+Active Members

David ThomasHome Ground

The Story of the Vale

1951: The Beginning

The club started life as Brookvale United Soccer Football Club, just four years after the governing Manly Warringah Football Association (MWFA) commenced. We are proud to be one of the longest surviving clubs still playing as an ‘individual’ entity in the competition.

1961: Becoming Manly Vale

After the departure of members to form Curl Curl, the remaining players—mostly Manly Vale residents—voted unanimously to rename the club.

“For years the lads of this quickly growing township had no ‘home town’ club to join… It was therefore decided unanimously at the commencement of the 1961 season to change the name of club to Manly Vale Soccer Club.”

— Bill Dudley, First Secretary (1961 Annual Report)

The Growth Years

From just 12 junior teams in 1961 playing on Millers Reserve (now David Thomas Reserve), the club rode the football boom of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. While not always the “biggest” club, our foundations were built on coaching excellence and the ethos of playing the game in the right spirit—the ‘Manly Vale Way’.

A Family Club

Our reputation is built on the dedication of families who have steered the club through the decades.

The Wainwrights

Starting in the Brookvale days, father Ted coached for years while 4 brothers played. John (President) and Keith (Premier League Coach/Player) have been instrumental in running the club, with Keith assuming the role of patron following Les Cratchley.

The Grecos

Cas Greco joined in the 60s and became the club’s longest-serving coach. His wife Connie served as Registrar and Canteen Manager, while their children played across Men’s and Women’s Premier Leagues.

The Sestanovichs

Three generations of influence. Tony, Velma, and Michael have all served as Club President. Brothers John, Michael, and Frank worked their way from juniors to lengthy Premier League careers.

Club Life Members

Ailsa Dudley

Alec Perry

Bill Ryder

Cas Greco

Claudio Minns

Connie Greco

Dennis Bayley

Don Balmain

Graeme Bolton

Greg Courts

Jack Barnes

Jean Hickenbotham

John Bashford

John Wainwright

Joyce Duggan

Keith Wainwright

Ken Donnell

Ken O’Connell

Les Cratchley

Lois Barnes

Michael Sestanovich

Neil Davison

Nev Jones

Ossie Greco

Peter Auld

Rob Scali

Roland Winter

Roy Sider

Terry Gatward

Terry Thyer

Tom Miles

Tony Bruzzano

Tony Sestanovich

Velma Sestanovich

Joe Scaramuzza

Caroline Hodges

David Hodges

Dean Buckridge

Luke Ventress

On The Pitch Success

1978 Men’s Premier League

The benchmark team featuring the Hennessy and Smuts brothers that took the flagship Men’s title.

Golden Era (2010-2012)

Tony Bruzzano’s Women’s Premier League squad won three consecutive titles and the prestigious FNSW Champion of Champions in 2011 & 2012.

Undefeated Juniors

The 1970s streak team that included Ian Gray went undefeated for years and won back-to-back State Cups (U18) in 1980/81.

Representative Honours

Ian Gray – Socceroo (MVFC Junior)
Alan Hunter – Former Socceroo & NSL Coach
Grant Lee – Former Socceroo
Bob Catlin – Australian Representative Goalkeeper
Katrina Boyd & Gill Foster – Former Matildas
Brett Fairhall – Aus. Cerebral Palsy National Team