we pride ourselves on developing young players To Help theM reach their full potential.
Morton’s Soccer School offers coaching to all keen footballers aged between 5-18 years. It doesn’t matter how good your child is – it is our job to help them be better. Our programs cater to the needs of each individual girl and boy.
Your child will learn football having fun in a safe, caring environment taught by qualified coaches. We aim to create great football players and even better human beings.
Morton’s Soccer School’s coaching team is highly skilled and qualified to ensure your child will learn football while having fun in a safe, caring environment.
Youth Academy ready to start their training session (Friends School Sports Grounds, New Town)
The Mss Team
Ken and Victoria Morton have been key figures in Tasmanian football for many years, with Ken founding Morton’s Soccer School (MSS) in 2007 to develop players to their full potential and Victoria serving as President of South Hobart Football Club (SHFC) since 2009, after joining the board in 2003. Together, they have shaped the local football landscape through their leadership and dedication.
Ken Morton
Co-Founder and Director
Qualifications
Asian Football Confederation (AFC) A Licence
Ken Morton founded Morton’s Soccer School (MSS) in 2007, bringing decades of football experience and a wealth of knowledge to the program. MSS has grown into Southern Tasmania’s leading football development academy, setting a benchmark for excellence in junior and youth football.
Ken’s remarkable football journey began in a small village in the northeast of England. He played for Bishop Auckland and County Durham before debuting for the England Schoolboys at St James’ Park, Newcastle, where he scored a goal in their 4-0 victory against the Wales Boys.
At age 15, Ken signed for Manchester United FC, a lifelong dream come true and a bond he continues to cherish as a dedicated fan of the club. His playing career saw him represent Blackpool, York City, and Darlington before embarking on a globetrotting coaching career.
Ken’s coaching credentials include work in Malaysia, where he earned his AFC A Licence, as well as stints in the Maldives, Vietnam, New Zealand, and Ethiopia. His expertise spans continents, making him a highly respected figure in international football.
In Australia, Ken has coached at top clubs in Tasmania and at Wollongong and Heidelberg in the National Soccer League. At South Hobart Football Club, where he currently serves as the Women's Super League Coach, Ken has enjoyed unprecedented success. Under his leadership, the senior men's team achieved a historic 63-game undefeated streak in the National Premier League (NPL), capturing the treble and numerous league and cup titles.
Ken’s philosophy extends beyond winning matches. His vision has always been to build a club and academy with integrity, character, and a sense of community. He has dedicated his career to developing players who embody these values on and off the pitch.
Morton’s Soccer School, established in 2007, has been instrumental in developing thousands of players, providing a nurturing environment for athletes of all abilities. Many MSS graduates have gone on to achieve success at NPL clubs and beyond.
“These training programs create an environment where young players thrive. At Morton’s Soccer School and South Hobart Football Club Academy, our aim is to help every player reach their full potential, not just as athletes but as people.”
Victoria Morton
Co-Founder and Director
Qualifications
Asian Football Confederation (AFC) - Football Management Diploma with Distinction
AFC - Certificate of Leadership.
Victoria Morton is a visionary leader and co-founder of Morton’s Soccer School (MSS) with her husband, Ken Morton, which has developed thousands of young players. With nearly two decades of service to South Hobart Football Club (SHFC), Victoria has been pivotal in shaping Tasmanian football. Her commitment was recognised with Life Membership of SHFC.
Victoria holds the AFC Diploma of Club Management with Distinction and an AFC Certificate of Leadership, solidifying her expertise in football governance and leadership. Beyond local successes, Victoria is a passionate advocate for Tasmania’s place in Australian football. She has fought for inclusion of a Tasmanian team in the A-League and is championing SHFC’s bid for Football Australia’s National Second Tier, ensuring pathways for Tasmanian players to compete nationally.
Victoria’s leadership extends to her role as Vice Chair of the Australian Association of Football Clubs (AAFC), where she represented over 30,000 NPL players nationwide.
She is also the driving force behind the Hobart Cup, Tasmania’s largest junior and youth football tournament, which attracts nearly 4,000 participants annually and showcases her ability to unite communities through football.
Victoria’s strategic vision has secured over $2.25 million in funding for SHFC facilities and increased female participation to 30%, and established pathways for players of all abilities, setting a benchmark for inclusivity and development. She has also mentored football leaders and fostered connections across the sport, earning respect for her advocacy, leadership, and commitment to grassroots football.
“Football has the power to inspire, unite, and transform lives,” says Victoria. “My greatest joy is helping players, coaches, and clubs reach their potential and seeing football grow in Tasmania.”
Ned Clarke
South Hobart FC Academy Director
Qualifications
AFC A Licence
Bachelor of Business
Master of Leadership
Master of Teaching
Coach Education Tutor C Diploma
Like many of South Hobart FC’s young coaches today, Ned began as a player before transitioning into coaching at age 14. Coming through the club’s youth system, he was fortunate to learn under Ken Morton, who played a key role in shaping his development as both a player and a coach. While he loved playing, he found his true passion in coaching.
Ned gained his FFA Senior C Licence in 2011, followed by his FFA Youth C Licence in 2014. At 19, he made the decision to step away from playing to focus entirely on coaching, going on to complete his FFA/AFC B Licence in 2015.
In addition to his coaching qualifications, Ned completed a Bachelor of Business at the University of Tasmania in 2016, his AFC ‘A’ Licence in 2018, and a Master of Leadership at Deakin University in 2020. He later pursued further studies in education, completing a Master of Teaching from the University of Tasmania in 2021.
As Academy Director, Ned is responsible for designing and delivering a development program aimed at preparing the next generation of footballers at South Hobart FC.
With 17 years of coaching experience, Ned feels privileged to be able to pursue his passion full-time. “South Hobart FC has been a huge part of my journey, and I’m grateful to contribute to a program built on strong values. It’s rewarding to work with so many talented and dedicated young players every day.”
Max Clarke
South Hobart FC Head NPL Coach
Qualifications
AFC A Licence
Bachelor of Sports Coaching
Master of Teaching
Certificate III in Sport and Recreation
Max Clarke is an experienced and passionate football coach with a strong background in player development. Like Ned, Max was coached and mentored by Ken Morton during the early stages of his coaching journey. At 19, Max moved to Melbourne to study and to pursue further coaching opportunities.
Whilst in Melbourne, Max gained six year of experience coaching in A-League academies Melbourne City FC and Western United FC. He served as the U21 Head Coach at Melbourne City and the U23 Head Coach at Western United, helping some of the best young players in the country to develop their skills and progress toward professional football.
A qualified teacher, Max combines his coaching expertise with a strong understanding of education and player development. His ability to mentor and guide young footballers ensures they not only improve on the pitch but also develop the mindset needed to reach their full potential.
Now the NPL Head Coach at South Hobart FC, Max is excited to be back in Tasmania, working with the next generation of talented footballers. He is committed to continuing the club’s proud tradition of excellence and is looking forward to helping players take the next step in their footballing journeys.
Testimonials
Renee (parent): The South Hobart FC/MSS partnership consistently delivers outstanding training and player development to my son and daughter. More importantly, the exemplary team of mentor coaches at SHFC provide a fun environment that fosters a sense of confidence and belonging, shaping their development as people.
Clare (parent): Finding a football club is easy—finding one with a truly inclusive and engaging atmosphere is rare. South Hobart FC is more than just a club; it’s a community where every player, regardless of age or experience, feels valued and supported. As a parent of a young girl passionate about football, I wanted a club that would encourage her development, nurture her confidence, and provide strong female role models. South Hobart FC, alongside Morton’s Soccer School, delivers all of this and more. The club culture is second to none, fostering a love for the game while promoting teamwork, inclusivity, and growth. Whether your child is just starting out or aiming higher, this is the perfect environment to thrive.
Zakarias (parent): Our son loves the training sessions at Morton's Soccer School. He enjoys the structure of the sessions, the professionalism of the coaches, and their engaging approach, which helps children explore their potential and build confidence. We appreciate the school's inclusiveness, welcoming kids of all skill levels to enjoy the beautiful game while gaining valuable life experience. We believe the training he receives not only helps him develop new soccer skills but also nurtures his growth as a team player.
Aki (parent): The South Hobart FC and Morton’s Soccer Club are fantastic. Initially only our eldest son attending training, now, all three of our children are part of the club. As parents, we believe it is essential for children to learn and develop skills in an environment where they feel safe and are free to play, experiment, and try new things without fear of failure. It is also important to recognise that children may have different ambitions—some may aspire to become high-performance athletes, while others simply want to play, stay active, meet new friends, and enjoy the game. Based on our family's experience, we have found South Hobart FC and its community to be not only well-qualified, experienced, and disciplined but also supportive, mindful, and compassionate. The coaches always strive to maximise opportunities for kids, parents, and teams alike. We can confidently say that South Hobart FC / Morton’s Soccer Club is an excellent choice if you value the qualities I have outlined above for your children.
Sara (parent): The structure and culture of the MSS/ South Hobart Football Club is really special and it has helped my children grow not only as soccer players but also as people. The care the club shows all its members is genuine and heartfelt. They help players through difficult times with say injury and the skilled coaching team help draw out each player’s potential. As a parent the intangible benefits of being part of South Football Club far out way the cost. From my children and I, thank you South.
Jarrod (parent): As parents of a son that found the love for football at a very young age, MSS and SHFC have been an amazing platform to get the best out of him as a player and a person. It has been amazing watching the kids grow into quality players, great team mates, and best of friends.
Adrian (parent): It’s more than just a club—it’s a community built on respect, inclusion and a strong culture led from the top down. The dedication of the coaches is incredible, ensuring that every player, regardless of age or ability, feels valued and supported. Their focus on individual development and the way they connect with players at all levels truly sets SHFC and MSS apart.
Mel (parent): We are so happy and blessed to have found South! The coaching support is outstanding, providing opportunities for players of all ages and abilities to grow and thrive. It’s more than just a club—it’s a community that truly cares about its players, both on and off the field. Highly recommend.
Jen (parent): Being a part of South Hobart Football Club has had such a positive impact on our lives, helping my boys develop as players, but also as great people. The coaches are amazing—not just in their skill and technical knowledge, but in their ability to develop the team while still focusing on each child as an individual. They help the kids to strive to be the best they can be, while making sure they have fun along the way. They have all made great role models providing inspiration both on and off the field. As a busy parent I have always appreciated the club's great communication and forward planning. We have been with the club for more than 10 years and we would do it all over again without hesitation!