B-Liga Pre-Season

Well - we are now two weeks into the B-Liga pre-season, and already some clubs have signalled their intent to challenge NDFC for their championship. The standard of the competition has increased this year, as have the hype and crowds (last night, Male Oval was bursting to near-capacity with over 8 people cheering on their teams.

Broome City have undergone a management restructure this season with last season's captain Jon Gallichan sharing the load with new co-captain Tim Mildenhall. Both men have arguably the most explosive team in the league, with firebrand Bill Shaw signing up for another season. Also nabbing Julia Marley from Pearl Coast Pirates, the Blues have shown they are not afraid to raid rival clubs to fuel their ambitions. City are also the only team to have someone called "Tiger" on their team...Rawr!

SQUAD: Jon Gallichan (c), Tim Mildenhall (c), Mark Cowell, Jamie Lane, Jeremy Witts, Eanna McGovern, Colm O’Brien, Julia Marley, Cindy Watterson, Stephen Shaw, Bill Shaw, Musekiwa John, Andrew (Tiger)

Hagan's Heroes look to be the team to beat. New captain Chris Stainton has inherited a steady team peppered with a few class recruits should see the Heroes mounting a challenge again this season. The perpetual runners-up (they have finished twice in both seasons so far) have maintained the bulk of their squad, and with the plucky Mike Doyle looking especially fired up so far, they should have what it takes to control the midfield and put together some excellent passages of play. How they will go at the back remains a mystery, as longtime Hero defender Gary Thayer has retired and has not been replaced.

SQUAD: Chris Stainton (c), Karen Salkilld, Brett Salkilld, Monique Kelly, Marc Brooker, Mike Dawson, Ryan Winfield, Mike Doyle, Matt Cullen, Mike Dawson, Andy Graffen

Pearl Coast Pirates are another team who have a new look squad this year. New captain Richard Brunger has engaged in an aggressive recruitment campaign which has netted some players of individual brilliance. Northern Irishman Phil Sheridan embodies this talented era, but it remains to be seen whether or not Brunger and vice-captain Ronny Venter can gel the squad together into a title chellenger. The Pirates have also opted to include youth players in their squad, with Emmanuel Navarette and Joe Italiano looking particularly impressive.

SQUAD: Richard Brunger (c), Ronald Venter (vc), Jared Venter, Jay Mashman, Paul Roach, Gareth Jones, Phil Sheridan, Paul Hedlan, Matt Sheridan, Emmanuel Navarrete, Joe Italiano, Sasho Jovanosky

Racing Guantanamo AFC have had a relativley low-key off season, with the ever improving Mighty Oranges maintaining the majority of their squad, while adding some class recruits such as Michael Strappa and Drasko Jankovic. Guantanamo have also shown their ambition by stealing Gareth Vickery from under the noses of both Broome City and Pearl Coast Pirates. Injury concerns have not abated however with long term injuries to Tim Gray and legendary goalkeeper Francois Kruger particularly worrying. However, captain Andy Smyth has Guantanamo playing free-flowing football this year, and with the ironclad midfield of Joe Tighe and Martin Kessler, the Mighty Orange fans are looking forward to a great season ahead.

SQUAD: Andy Smyth (c), Chris Hingston, Danny Pinchas, Andy Chapman, Gareth Vickery, Drasko Jankovic, Michael Strappa, Terry Ragoonanan, Martin Kessler, Joe Tighe, Kath Dabrowska, Ryan Platten, Francois Kruger, Joel Hamling, Kane Fitzpatrick, Luke Turner, Jon Falconer

NDFC are last year's champions, and they already realise the tough task they have to hold onto their crown this season. The champs have gone for a youth policy this season with 6 of their squad under the age of 18. New captain Sam Reid has the biggest name in Broome Soccer Jimmy Asimacopolous at his displosal and he has the ability to get NDFC hitting their straps early. Asimacoplolous will be ably supported by longtime Blue-and-Whites JJ Murray and Steve Boniwell. If NDFC can replicate their form from last season, they will be hard to beat, but with such a large turnover in players, and the increased quality of their opposition, they will have a tough time on their hands to retain their title.

SQUAD: Sam Reid (c), Steve Boniwell, Jimmy Asimacopoulos, Selwyn Taylor, Troy Hunter, Thank U-Ten, Peter Tribe, Thomas Offer, Nicholas Anear, Jeremy Anear, Tom Hartland

This should be a great season. What are your thoughts? Leave your comments.

BSA starts with a bang (well some football anyway)

Wednesday August 19 twas indeed Operation Put On a Lot of Football for the Masses. The plan worked. 90 kids bombarded the newly opened and lovely looking Joseph 'Nipper' Roe Sports Field for the first afternoon of the small sided games football program. Contrary to opinion fun was the name of the day, not wednesday, and wasn't there plenty of it. Football, cartwheels, el presidente stand up comedy, committee member funny walk competition, Greg Hayes. The day had it all.

There was even an impromptu set up the poly pipe goals demonstration from some parents who can not be thanked enough for their assistance. The day was so good we've decided to do it all again next week and are preparing for more (gasp are we crazy) kids in the coming weeks when other sports wind up. All are welcome. 

There was hardly time to sell a shinpad and the seniors were off and racing at Male Oval for an hour or so. They really are just bigger versions of the Nipper Roe lot. And just like that the five teams were complete 60 players had signed up and anyone setting up since 3ish were exhausted. By that time the BSA had notched up a lazy 150 for the day, sounds like Michael Clarke against England really.

And we haven't even mentioned the women's comp. Add them in and the BSA are looking at reaching 200 members - men women and children (and a few dogs based on this afternoon) Not bad for only our third year. HEEELLLPPP. Large thank you to those who have helped so far and to those who we will ask soon enough - just say yes. Stay tuned for a few pics of the day also. Now let the games begin....

KNEE FLU EPIDEMIC SWEEPS THROUGH BSA

A virulent strain of the dreaded knee flu is sweeping through the broome soccer association at a rate of knots not seen in the association's history. Not since the terrifying affliction that was the flesh eating calf disorder that affected el presidente has the very heart of the association been so rocked. Not one not two not three but almost four, if you count the game day registsar, players are currently suffering from the violent strain. Association secretary and mother superior, Monique Kelly, appears to be the worst hit with Championship winning NDFC hard man Alan Armstrong also suffering. Ryan the game day registsar appears to be jumping on the bandwagon although which knee is suffering remains a mystery possibly the biggest name in broome soccer Jimmy A etc appears to be feeling the onset of the syndrome - or is it old age? Only time well tell but be warned look after your knees if you think you have the knee flu stay indoors and try not to make contact with any unaffected knees. Stay tuned for more information. 

Jimeoin Has a Kick With the Broome Soccer Association

Northern Irish comedian Jimeoin came down for a kick on Saturday with the Broome Soccer Association during their social beach competition.

Jimeoin looked composed and calm on the pitch as he

worked his way up and down the left wing, supporting his teammates and creating some good opportunities.

The Ulsterman even managed to have a few shots on goal, but didn't managed to find the back of the net due to several aggressive tackles from Broome women's squad member Cindy (who has dropped her last name in an attempt to sound more Brazilian).

The beach day itself was a wonderful success, with over 20 BSA members coming down for a kick and enjoying the day in the sun.

At the end of the match, Jimeoin was presented with a BSA t-shirt and stubby holder by BSA committee member Ryan Platten.

Fantastic Ladies Futsal Season

Well the Ladies Futsal season has come to an end. The competition showcased beginners through to the more experienced with everyone enjoying themselves, getting fit and most importantly having a few laughs each night. Alissa Byron took out the honours of not only WOM but also the Golden Boot with scoring on average a handful of goals each night. Melena Cole-Manolis showed that she has a great future in football with being runnerup WOM. Special mention went to Nancy Kennedy a newcomer to the sport who by the end of the fixtures was taking on the more experienced players and scoring goals.

A big thankyou goes firstly to all the Ladies who participated and made the competition the success that is was. Thanks to Sasha Jovanoski for turning up every week to ref the matches and providing some explanations on the rules to those unsure. Luckily he never had to dish out any cards. Our esteemed president Mike Doyle is owed a huge thanks - mainly for putting up with me and my barrage of questions and demands for the Ladies and for fighting a few battles :-)

This was the first time that a stand alone women's competition has been held in Broome. The success and popularity of the sport with the women looks like this will only get bigger and better in time.

Social Beach Soccer This Saturday

There will be a social kick happening at Gantheaume Point this Saturday at 3pm. The BSA committee will be providing shade and BBQ's, as well as setting up a beach soccer pitch for a few friendly social games.

The day is designed to be a nice relaxing lead-in to the highly anitcipated B-Liga season which begins next Wednesday.

All are welcome to come down and have a kick. Bring your own meat to throw on the barbie, as well as soemthing to drink. Families are welcome.

When you get to Gantheaume, we will be set up at the far end away from most of the cars - have a look for the Football West banner, which will be waving proudly in the breeze.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Glory Set For Season Opener

Perth Glory take on Adelaide Utd tonight in their first match of the new A-League season. Already a number of injuries have taken their toll, with Jamie Harnwell, Scott Neville, Anthony Skorich, Wayne Srhoj and Jimmy Downey all being ruled out of the game.

The injuries of Srhoj and Neville in particular will leave coach Dave Mitchell with a selection headache as it will mean that Jamie Coyne will need to move back into the right back position, possibly forcing marquee striker Mile Sterjovski to move back into the midfield role he plays for the Socceroos. Eugene Dadi could be set to partner new signing Branko Jelic up front.

Get set for this match to be somewhat a war of attrition, with both sides having strong defences, but untried striking partnerships up front.

The match kicks off on Fox Sports at 6pm tonight, with a pre-game show starting at 5:30pm.

Dora reunited with Backpack!

Dora the Explorer has finally been reunited with her friend Backpack.

Backpack was thought to be lost forever after recent adventures in the underwater kingdom.

But Dora never gave up hope and with the help of her other friends was able to find Backpack.

Now they can continue to have many more fun adventures together.

2009 Juniors Set For Biggest Year Ever

The junior small sided games program registration has seen 65 children already signed up for the program. Thank you to all those who signed up and a particular thank you to those who have volunteered to assist BSA committee this year. With your help we can look to increase our services. Anyone interested in registration can still sign up please contact info@broomesoccer.com or ring 9193 5568 or 0488 063 069.