Playing career
Early years
Upton began his football career in Victoria's Latrobe Valley, developing as a junior with Traralgon Olympians in the Latrobe Valley Soccer League.
His performances at junior level - including being selected for underage Latrobe Valley representative squads - eventually led to him to the nearby Morwell Falcons, who initially drafted him into their junior setup.
Morwell Falcons (1990–1995)
Upton made his senior breakthrough for Morwell Falcons in 1990, aged just 17, when he make his State League debut in a 0–0 away draw against Albion Turk Gucu on April 25 at Selwyn Park in Sunshine. [1]
After playing just two State League games in 1990, he soon established himself as a regular first-team defender in 1991. He played for the Falcons across both the Victorian Premier League and the National Soccer League following Morwell's admission to Australia's top tier. [2]
Between 1991 and 1995, he made a total of 70 senior appearances and scored two goals, contributing significantly during a formative period in the club's national league history.
Upton played a key hand in the Morwell Falcons' 1994 Dockerty Cup triumph, coming on as a substitute in the quarter-final win over Frankston Pines before starting the semi-final victory over South Melbourne and the 2–1 final win over Melbourne Zebras. [4] [5]
Of those 70 league appearances for the Falcons, 43 came in the national league - putting him in the top five for the most number of NSL games from Latrobe Valley-raised players.
Home Farm (1997–1998)
After leaving Australia, Upton continued his playing career overseas with Home Farm in Ireland, gaining experience in the League of Ireland system before later returning to Australia. [7]
Following his return, Upton played in Tasmanian football, including spells with Kingborough United and South Hobart. He remained active at senior level into the late 2000s, bringing experience and leadership to clubs within the Tasmanian leagues.
Just two months shy of his 37th birthday, Upton was voted as the Tasmanian State League's Player of the Year in 2009. [8]
Post-playing career
After retiring from playing, Upton transitioned into coaching and football development in Tasmania.
Upton served as an assistant coach with Kingborough Lions United FC, working with the club's NPL Tasmania team. In 2019, he was part of the senior coaching staff under head coach Jez Kenth, contributing to player development and match preparation. [9]
In November 2021, Upton was appointed under-18s coach at Glenorchy Knights FC, taking on a role focused on youth development and pathway progression within the club. [10]
Upton is a co-founder of the Limitless Football Academy, a Tasmanian-based football development program established alongside former Socceroo Alex Cisak. Through the academy, he has been involved in coaching, mentoring and the development of young players, with an emphasis on improving elite pathways within Tasmanian football. [11]
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