Shining a Light on Top Club

Micky Doyle stands on the veranda of his beloved Broadbeach United Soccer Club and marvels at what is going on.

The club president is watching dozens of junior soccer players enjoy themselves on the Chelsea Avenue fields below.

“The juniors have really grown in the last few years but the club overall hasn't been this strong for many years,” the burly Scotsman said.

“We have so many helpers that have assisted along the way. Players, parents, our coaches who were juniors here, our major sponsor, Isuzu Utes — everyone has made a contribution.

“The boys from Isuzu in particular have been wonderful to us.”

On Tuesday night, Broadbeach hosts a trial game against Gold Coast United under the club's new lights.

After years of lobbying, Doyle has finally achieved Gold Coast City Council and State Government support for $500,000 worth of floodlights.

Local councillor Eddy Sarroff will officially flick the switch for the first time for the new lights.

It will be a big moment when the 7pm kickoff comes and an upset win isn't out of the question, especially with a local crowd of 1,000 expected.

Broadbeach has won the Gold Coast Premier Division grand final for the past two years and is right in the hunt this season after again finishing top of the table following a congested top-of-the-table battle only decided on Saturday night.

Three grand final victories would delight the small club, which plays above its weight.

It has won its share of Premier League flags, Reserves, Women and Juniors.

This year, as well as the Premier team, it has three of its five competition junior teams in the Gold Coast Soccer finals series starting Friday night.

Dean Gould, Gold Coast Sun
31 August 2011

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