History

The West Lakes Sports Club (WLSC) was established in 1996 alongside the formation of the SMOSH West Lakes Football Club, a merger between St. Michael’s Old Scholars-Hindmarsh (SMOSH) Football Club and the West Lakes Football Club, housed at the West Lakes Shore Oval.

Prior to this, in 1994, the Henley & Grange Baseball Club relocated to the West Lakes Shore Oval to join the then West Lakes Football Club and replace the former cricket club.

In 2015, the Port Adelaide Softball Club joined the fold, followed by the West AFL Masters Football Club (The Brumbys) in 2019, enriching the club's diverse sporting tapestry.

The WLSC, as is the case today, was established to manage and coordinate the hiring and costs of the oval and facilities, with the tenant clubs able to receive a return on a percentage of profits.

Recent upgrades to the oval lighting, the scoreboard, and change rooms, fueled by individual and council funding contributions, have garnered widespread acclaim, enhancing the overall experience for players and spectators alike.

SMOSH West Lakes Football Club

The vibrant history of the SMOSH West Lakes Football Club is a tale woven with mergers, challenges, and triumphs spanning several decades. With origins traced back as separate clubs, the Semaphore Park Football Club and St Saviours Football Club, both originating in 1930 and 1932 respectively.

As Semaphore Park Football Club became known as West Lakes Football Club in 1975, St Saviours Football Club became Hindmarsh CYM (and Hindmarsh CYMS) Football Club before merging with St. Michael’s Old Scholars also in 1975 to become St. Michael’s Old Scholars and Hindmarsh (SMOSH) Football Club.

SMOSH, based in Royal Park, were forced from their field at Carnegie South Reserve by the council to make way for soccer and to support the West Lakes Football Club. St. Michael’s Old Scholars and Hindmarsh (SMOSH) Football Club was therefore established in 1996, giving rise to the now beloved Lions.

Under the visionary leadership of inaugural head coach Peter Curran, the club embarked on its Division 2 journey. Yet, challenges loomed large, and by 1998, both on-field and off-field struggles threatened the club's existence. A new management team took the reins in 1999, steering the club through strategic planning and a focus on youth development, clearing debts and heralding a resurgence, albeit amidst relegations in subsequent years.

The turning point arrived in 2001, as newly appointed coach Steve Nolis led the A-grade team to its first finals campaign post-merger. Subsequent years witnessed a steady rise under coaches like David Sorby and Lucas Stubing, culminating in an A-grade premiership and a return to Division 3 in 2003, setting the stage for further success and promotion.

In 2018, the club expanded its horizon by launching a Division 1 Women's team, echoing its commitment to gender equality and community involvement. Spearheaded by stalwarts and guided by the coaching prowess of former Port Adelaide legend Greg Phillips, the women's team clinched premierships, leaving an indelible mark in its inaugural year and beyond.

Honoring the legacy of Club Legend Rodney “John Boy” Moody, whose impact spanned 37 years, the club erected a plaque and electronic scoreboard in his honor, a testament to preserving heritage and recognizing pivotal figures.

Henley and Grange Baseball Club

Starting with a bunch of local lads who formed a social baseball team in the Grange area in 1945, calling themselves "Grange Beachcombers", the Grange Baseball Club formed and played their first season in 1946, before adopting the name Henley and Grange Baseball Club the following year.

In 1962, members were all asked to contribute 600 pounds towards a new building project on the corner of Grange and Military Road. The club was shared by the baseball, cricket and trotting club, and remains as the lacross pavilion today.

After many attempts to negotiate with the Henley and Grange Council to find a new home ground and clubrooms, the Henley and Grange Baseball Club were approached by the West Lakes Football Club in 1994 to consider moving to Bartley Terrace. In June 1995, the baseball club members voted in principle to moving, subject to satisfactory agreement with the WLFC and Woodville Council.

Time will show that the baseball club agreed to move and were rewarded with upgraded facilities at West Lakes Shore Oval and Jubilee Park, and a grant of $2000 to assist with the move. Additional equipment was donated by generous supporters.

The club underwent a rebuilding program following its demise from the Division 1 competition in 2005. After a few seasons back in Division 2, the club once again found success, by playing finals in the 2006/07 and 2008/09 seasons, subsequently winning a position back in Division 1 for the 2009/10 season and it is where we remain today.

The Rams currently field adult men's and women's teams and junior teams in the South Australian Baseball League (SABL), plus a comprehensive TeeBall Program. SABL recognition as the best Junior Club in 2018/19, 2017/18, 1993/94, 1989/90 and 1985/86, and in seasons 2021/22, 1995/96 and 1994/95 the Rams were awarded Baseball SA's Ohlstrom Shield - Senior Club of the Year award (finishing with the most wins in Senior Divisions 1, 2 and 3).