Doncaster Rovers Soccer Club was formed in 1967 and named after the English club Doncaster Rovers. Its most successful period was in the 1990s, during which it spent the majority of the decade in Division 1 of the State League. In 1994 the club were crowned champions of Division 1 and subsequently promoted to the Victorian Premier League. However, after only one season in Victoria’s top flight they were immediately relegated after finishing second last in the league.
The club currently resides in Division 3 South-East.
Ray Shew - Doncaster Rovers SC Founder
Our Story
From one proud Yorkshireman’s vision to a thriving Melbourne football community, the Doncaster Rovers story spans almost 60 years.
A little piece of Doncaster, England, in Melbourne
Doncaster Rovers Soccer Club exists because Ray Shew wanted to bring his love of football, and a connection to his hometown of Doncaster in England, to his new community in Australia. From uncertain beginnings, his vision grew into a club that has given thousands of players and families the opportunity to be part of the game.
Ray Shew arrives in Melbourne
Ray Shew, who grew up in Doncaster, England, migrated to Australia and settled in the Melbourne suburb of Doncaster. Having played football in the UK, Ray was determined to establish a local club in his new community.
An uncertain beginning
Ray booked the Athenaeum Hall for 8.00 p.m. to discuss forming a soccer club in Doncaster. When no one had arrived by eight, he began to fear the idea had failed. Within the next 20 minutes, however, a small group had gathered and voted to establish the club.
The first committee is formed
Stan Shepherd became the club’s first President, with John Dunkley appointed Vice President, Ray Shew as Secretary and Colin Mainwaring as Treasurer. Together they began securing players, facilities and the foundations of the new club.
A home and a place to play
The club became the first tenant of a newly completed local pavilion. Establishing the playing facilities required patience and determination, as council staff had little experience preparing soccer pitches. Two grounds were planned to support both senior and junior teams.
Our first competitive match
Doncaster played its first match against Mooroolbark on a school ground in Bayswater. Volunteers arrived to find an unmarked paddock without goalposts and had to prepare the ground before the reserve match could begin.
From gold and green to all white
The club originally planned to wear gold shirts with green shorts, but gold shirts were not readily available in Australia. Green shirts and white shorts were chosen instead, although delays meant the team played its first fixture entirely in white.
The first season begins
After scoring in the opening minute of its first senior match, Doncaster eventually lost 6–2 to the more experienced Mooroolbark side. The following week, the club recorded its first victory against Rosebud.
The junior program flourishes
The club initially planned to enter two junior teams, but interest grew quickly and more teams were soon formed. Coaching and playing space became early challenges, but the club’s commitment to giving young people the opportunity to play was firmly established.
A community built through football
From those small beginnings, Doncaster Rovers has welcomed thousands of players, children, families, coaches and volunteers. Ray’s vision created far more than a soccer club. It created a lasting community.
Remembering our founder
Ray Shew passed away after leaving an extraordinary legacy. His drive, passion and dedication remain at the heart of Doncaster Rovers, deeply rooted in his love of football and his hometown of Doncaster, England.
Celebrating 60 years
Doncaster Rovers will celebrate its 60th anniversary as one of Victoria’s long-standing community football clubs, proudly carrying the Doncaster name and continuing Ray Shew’s vision for future generations.
One name. Two communities. A shared love of football.
Our history began with one proud Doncaster local bringing a little piece of his hometown to Australia. Nearly 60 years later, that connection remains central to who we are.
