Vale Tom Ballantyne (1 June 1930 - 28 April 2023)

Photo:  Tom Ballantyne at Olinda Grove in 2015. [PlessPix] 

Tom Ballantyne, a passionate and long-serving stalwart of the University Soccer Club, has passed away in Hobart aged 92.

Tom was born in Craigneuk, Scotland, was an avid supporter of Motherwell.

He played for University from 1969 until 1984 and appeared in about 269 games for the club.

He was a fierce defender but managed something like 5 goals in his career.

Tom was an institution at the University Soccer Club and was also an employee for many years of the University of Tasmania in their maintenance and cleaning department.

After his playing days were over, Tom was actively involved in the soccer club and served on the club’s committee for many years.

Photo:  Tom Ballantyne (back row, second from left) at a University veterans game at Olinda Grove in 2009 in honour of his friend and emeritus club president. Fred Joughin (seated in front row). [PlessPix] 

He also coached some of University’s many teams below the top flight.

Tom was always supportive of younger players and was noted for his dry humour and passion for the club and the game.

After training and games he could be found in the clubrooms serving behind the bar.

I first met Tom when I was senior coach of University from 1977-79, when he was already a Life Member of the club, and always valued his knowledge and wisdom about the game.

I had actually played against him several times before I joined University.

Even in recent years, he was a regular at Olinda Grove, University’s home ground.

Tom was made a Life Member of the University Soccer Club as long ago as 1976, and a Merit Bar was added to his Life Membership badge in 1996.

My condolences go to Tom’s wife, Glennis, and all his family and friends.

He was a loyal servant of the club and will be sorely missed.

Photo:  Tom Ballantyne (right) at a game at South Hobart Oval in 2020, with his good friend and University stalwart Rod Miller (left). [PlessPix]