Melbourne University Rangers
{{ Football club infobox | clubname = Melbourne University Rangers | current = | image = | fullname = Melbourne University Rangers Soccer Club | nicknames = The Rangers | founded = 1980 | ground = Princes Park, Carlton | capacity = | owner = | chairman = Paul Traianedes | mgrtitle = Senior Mens Manager | manager = | league = VIC State League Div 3 North-West | season = 2009 | position = TBD }}
Melbourne University Rangers is an Australian football (soccer) club from the University of Melbourne in Parkville, an inner suburb of Melbourne, Australia. Melbourne University Rangers currently play in the Mens State League Div 3 North-West in Football Federation Victoria's winter league.
History
Melbourne University Rangers was founded in 1980 as an amateur squad to complement the older Melbourne University Blues team. In 1991 the team was moved into the Provisional leagues in Victoria and consecutive seasons of promotion saw the Rangers maintain their presence in these provisional tiers throughout the 1990s. In 2003 the Rangers finished 3rd in the Provisional 1 North-West Division, narrowly missing out on promotion to the State League for the first time. In 2008 the Rangers defeated promotion challengers Whittlesea United 6-1 before a 7-0 win over the relegated Melbourne Tornado ensured promotion to the State League for the first time in Melbourne Rangers' history.
Colours and Badge
Melbourne University Rangers' kit colours are navy blue with black shorts (See example here). The club's current major sponsor is Robinson Gill Lawyers, and its logo features prominently on the club shirt.
Melbourne University Rangers' badge (see logo above) combines the Melbourne University Soccer Club typeset with the University of Melbourne coat of arms, including the image of a winged white Victory set against a blue background.
Stadium
Melbourne University Rangers play their home matches at Princes Park Oval #2, situated at Princes Park, Carlton, just north of the University colleges.
Supporters
Melbourne University Rangers supporters have historically been restricted to family and friends of the squad due to the team failing to win promotion from the provisional Victorian leagues -- but following the team's promotion to the State League in 2009, the Rangers have expanded their following beyond immediate club contacts. In 2009, club management has pushed to improve the fanbase and emulate the appeal of college-based football in the professional Victorian State League.
Current Squad
As of 25 April 2009
Achievements
- Victorian Provisional League 1 North-West:
- Promoted (1): 2008
- Victorian Provisional League 2 North-West:
- Premiers (1): 2002
- Victorian Provision League 4:
- Premiers (1): 1994
- Victorian Provision League 5:
- Promoted (1): 1993