Dunrooten United L-R Don Broadley, Geoff Bright (c), Dave Lance, Stephen Bland (coach), Geoff Coy, Steve Jones, Warrick Hill, Cikub Chaffey. Photo: Montana Lowrey-Palmer
By Layla Murrihy
It’s hard to miss the omnipresent players of Dunrooten United.
With five men’s football teams of the soccer variety entered in the 2018 Pan Pacific Masters Games, the lads are all over Nerang Soccer Club grounds and having the ultimate boys’ trip to the Gold Coast.
With competitive and hard-fought football in the morning, a barbecue, some thirst quenchers and the Melbourne Cup in the afternoon, this year’s games are a dream come true for the Newcastle men.
The 170-strong Dunrooten United army have returned to defend the gold medal they won in the 2016 Men’s 40+ Division, along with two other divisional silver medals.
Men’s 55+ Division captain, Geoff Bright, said the boys are enjoying all the games have to offer.
Pan Pacs first-timer, 40-year-old Chris Ackland, said he’s rapt to finally be a part of the on and off the field action.
“Friends back at Newcastle have been coming here since 2002 and they kept telling me I needed to come, but I was never old enough until now,” Chris said.
“There has been lots for us to do like going to the nightly entertainment at the convention centre and even heading to the casino, it’s been great.”
Events Management Queensland CEO Cameron Hart says visiting teams provide a great boost to the Gold Coast economy.
“The 16,000 competitors have brought with them a further 20,000 friends and family members to join in the celebrations, generating over 85,000 bed nights and $20 million in economic activity to the city,” he said.
The football tournament will conclude this Saturday, with the Dunrooten United teams all strong contenders to make finals.
