In the 1970's and 80's a rather large number of English computer nerds came over to the
States to fill a void in our nation's economic structure. They went to work for companies
with extensive computer networks and aggressive strategies. They worked hard during the
day, and at night they went to the pub.
In this case the pub was TR's, in Concord, and their names were Jeff Green, Rob Sears,
Al Pearson, Trevor Dimond, Phil Quinlan, Steve Pratt, Davey Dews, Pepe, Steve Callaway,
Des Docherty, Mike Pleass, Rich Norman and Dave McGeough, otherwise known as The BofA
Brits.
The first practice took place on a Thursday afternoon, in August of 1984, at Ygnacio
Valley Park, in Concord. Jeff Green, Rob Sears, Mike Pleass and Pepe showed up for this
first practice and hence shall forever be remembered as the founders of Clayton Soccer
Club (CSC). After twenty minutes of two on two, they went to TR's. A few pints later,
after a load of discussion on what the team should be called, the boys decided to name
themselves the Rovers. They know that they did this for
some specific reason, but to this day nary a one of 'em remembers why.
The first "official" games for the Rovers were friendlies played against
other pub teams like the San Jose Britannia Arms. They even organized a few tournaments
with these local pub teams. The Rovers wore white in those days because they got their
kits at a reasonable rate from Fruit of the Loom. They knew they were here to stay
however, when they had their first Christmas party in 1984 and all 13 original players
showed up.
In 1985 they held their first Awards Banquet. It took place during a Christmas
brunch at the Sheraton Hotel, in Concord. Three special awards were presented that day,
the MVP, the MPP and the MIP. Rob Sears was selected as the Most Vomited Player and
received a bucket. Dave McGeough was voted the Most Prettiest Player and received a
sequined jock strap. Finally Steve Callaway was presented with a walking stick as his
reward for being selected Most Injured Player.
CSC has continued this tradition, holding a well-attended Awards Banquet every year
since.
Practice continued to take place at TR's over this period of time, when one day a large
cuddly sort of fellow, drinking a pint of Guinness, overheard some conversation regarding
the English League, and came over to the bar. From that day forward Big George Peters has
been our most faithful and almost only supporter.
In 1986, difficulty finding fields caused the boys to move practice to Pine Hollow
School, in Clayton. In an effort to reduce the amount of time between "the end of
practice" and "the pub," operations were moved to Aladino's in the Clayton
Shopping Center. After all, the basic requirements had been established; Bass and
Guinness.
In 1987 the Rovers joined the
East Bay Senior Soccer League
(EBSSL). Little did they know at that time that the Rovers and CSC would have such a big
impact on the league.
Eventually club meetings began to take place in a pastry shop owned and operated by one
Kevin Moran, who was in the process of putting together an English pub in Clayton called
the Royal Oak. When this establishment opened in 1989 Clayton Soccer Club and the Royal
Oak became synonymous. It became a breeding ground for soccer teams.
The Orient was established in 1989 so that the club
could support its growing numbers. Originally organized by Roy Shepherd, the team
was later managed by Ollie Mellows and Keith Krook and eventually won the B division
championship filling a well publicized spot in their previously empty trophy case.
Suat Atkin and Graham Johnson currently manage
the Orient and have successfully operated the team in both the A and B
Divisions. In 2005-06 the Orient will play in the B Division.
The Wanderers, formed in 1994, became the social
team of the club. They hold all of the records for attendance to any club event where beer
is served or soccer is played. After winning the C Division championship in 1995, the Wanderers found
competition tough in the B Division and were sent back to the friendlier climes of the C
division after two seasons. In the 1997-98 and 98-99 seasons they finished 3rd in the C
division narrowly avoiding promotion.
In 2001-02 the Wands finished 2nd in
the C Division and were promoted. After finishing 5th and 3rd
in 2002-03 and 2003-04 respectively, Keith Watson led the Wanderers in
2004-05 in the first undefeated season in CSC history. The Wands went 11-0-3
and beat The Crown in the Commissioner's Cup to win a Double. In 2004-05 the
Wands did one better by winning the A Division and becoming the club’s
number one team.
The Town was started in 1995. They
were originally managed by Des Docherty until the beginning of the 1997 season. Due to
unforeseen circumstances the Town found themselves with only five players two weeks before
the 97 season started. After considerable effort on the parts of many club members the
Town raised itself from the ashes due primarily to the efforts of Rodney Grieve and Lee
Stanhope. In 1998 Bob Palin took his second managers position with CSC having previously
handled the Wanderers and the Town finished 2nd in the D division to move up to the C.
The following season was not so good with the Town failing to win a league
game and they are back in the D division.
In 2005-06 the Town will play in the E Division against the Royals.
The Royal Oaks, CSC’s
newest team, was created in 2003 for the purpose of providing some of our
more senior players a place to play. This name was selected in honor of the
Royal Oak Pub in Clayton where many a pint was enjoyed during the early days
of our Club. So far the Royals, as they are known by their fans, have
managed not to get relegated from the E Division.
The Rovers
won the League Championship in the A Division for six consecutive years
between 1992 and 1997, under the management of Jeff Green, Danny Cooke and
Mac Couto, and finished 2nd in 1997-98 and 98-99. They have also been
Association Cup Champions six times and Referees Cup Champions five times.
In 1999-2000 the Rovers achieved their long term goal of winning the league
and cup treble, only the third team to do so in EBSSL history. They repeated
this accomplishment in 2000-01 winning the Double Treble.
Our dream is to operate a soccer club
for men and women of all ages who love the sport and the social life that comes with it.
Stay young, play soccer.