Player Focus: Scott Berg

Scott Berg will this year begin the next stage of his career, playing for the famous Greek club, South Melbourne. Spotted by the coach at a practice match for his previous team Altona East, he was asked to transfer to the former NSL and now reigning Premier League Club. He will play in their U/16 Super League squad and already has been named as Co - Captain.

Scott began his soccer career while in year three at St.Augustines. His lunch break was spent kicking the ball around the school oval with the older boys. Local coach Susan Hayes spotted his ball skills and decided to take him to the Saturday games for a try at U/10's, as it was in those days. There was a spot for him in Spurs which was mainly made up with his school mates. From that day he had soccer running through his veins. His days in Spurs bought mixed success but it was at this time that he found the love of his life, soccer.

A fierce will to win combined with a ball at his feet every day are the main reasons for his success. Also he has always wanted to play with and against older or better players, in a hope to rise to their level. He started filling in at the U/14's with Rangers when they were coached by Dominic Jackson. When he finally was old enough he became a full time member of Susan Hayes's Rangers in 2002.From then to 2006 he tasted success in four consecutive Domestic League Titles. He has also picked up several individual awards during these years. Team B&F in 2005, 2004 League Leading Goalscorer, League R/UP in 2005. In his last year 2006, he won the League B&F and Leading Goalscorer playing in the last line of defence.

During his time with Maryborough he has also played in our teams that play in the Ballarat League. Starting in the U/14 team at 10 he has played in every Cup Final, winning all but last year in a tight 1 nil loss to Warrnambool. Last year at 15 he played in both U/17 and Senior teams playing in the finals for both as well as playing on the same days for Altona East U/15 Super League Team. This team finished 3rd in its first year at this level. He also picked up their Most Improved Player Award.

Scott has also played every year from U/11 to U/16 in the Ballarat Rep Teams that play at the Country Victorian Championships. Tasting victory in 2005 and again in 2007.

He has also played for three years in the Ballarat Academy of Soccer squads that play in the FFV North West Melbourne League. They won their division in 2003 and were R/UP in 2005. He has also gained selection to the Country Camp in 2002 and 2003.

He captained his St.Patricks College team last year to win the BAS title. From his beginnings on the small U/10 pitch, Scott has travelled every inch of the state as well as playing Futsal in Sydney for his State. He has been exposed to the very best coaches and through soccer has made countless close friends from every background. Although he rates his FFV coach, International Danny Vale as his best coach, he will always rate his time under local coach Susan Hayes as the most memorable and enjoyable.

We congratulate Scott on his amazing achievements so far and wish him all the best in his future endeavors both on and off the field -MCSC.