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 (Management and Marketing)

  • Master of Leadership

  • Master of Teaching

  • FFA Youth C Licence

  • FFA Senior C Licence

Like many of South Hobart FC’s young coaches today, Ned started off as a player and started his coaching journey at age 14. Ned progressed through the youth system at SHFC and was fortunate to have coach Ken Morton guiding his development, both as a player and a coach. Despite his love for playing the game, coaching was where his passion lay.

In 2011 Ned completed his FFA Senior C Licence followed by his FFA Youth C licence in 2014. At 19, Ned retired from playing so he could focus his time and energy on coaching. Ned’s deeper focus on coaching led him to complete his FFA/AFC B Licence in 2015.

In 2016 Ned completed his Bachelor of Business at the University of Tasmania majoring in Management and Marketing. Ned has also completed his AFC Coaching ‘A’ Licence in 2018 and a Master of Leadership at Deakin University in 2020.

In 2021 Ned completed his Bachelor of Education, and in YYYY his Master of Teaching at the University of Tasmania.

In his role as Academy Director Ned is responsible for designing and implementing a program which facilitates the development of the next generation of elite footballers at South Hobart Football Club.

Ned has now been coaching for 14 years and acknowledges that he is extremely fortunate to be able to peruse his passion on a full-time basis. “It is a pleasure to be a part of the South Hobart Football Club family. The Academy is built on a solid foundation of core values and beliefs and it is incredible to work with so many talented and ambitious young footballers on a daily basis.”

 

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.