In 1961, Stephen was introduced to soccer as a seven year old. As a fearsome defender whose prowess was at the back, he would lead Sydney City to four national league Championships in the league's first six years. By 1970 he would be selected for State representation. Stephen would gain national honours in 1981, donning the Green and gold against New Zealand.
- Status: Pending1981 to 1985Australian Representatiive
- Status: Pending1983Played against England in a three match series in Australia.
- Status: Pending1985Defeated Israel in Tel Aviv during the World Cup Eliminations (2
Beginnings
Stephen was born and educated in the district, residing in Sherwood Street, Revesby. In 1961 he would join the Revesby Rovers and would stay with the club for seven years and represent the Bankstown district. In 1971 he would join Hakoah Club and would play with Sydney City (Hakoah) for 13 years in which time the Club won 4 national titles.
Achievements
In 1987 Stephen was part of the Grand Final winners NSW with St George and was voted the Australian Soccer Press writers (ASPA) Player of the year His Socceroos statistics were 16Caps (plus 27 appearances in non-A internationals) between 1979-1985. In 2003, Steve O'Connor was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame,
Post Representation
On retirement from 1st Grade Soccer would become prominent in the coaching department.
In 1990 Stephen was appointed Assistant Coach at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Men's Football Program and from 1998 to 2008 as Head Coach.
On 17 April 2012, the Hong Kong Football Association announced that Steve O'Connor will join as technical director.