Dunrooten lads are united in fun times
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, barbecue get-togethers, some thirst quenchers and an organised viewing of the Melbourne Cup, this year’s Masters 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 40plus division, along with two other divisional silver medals.
Men’s 55-plus division captain Geoff Bright said the boys were enjoying all the Games had to offer.
“They’re loving it up here, the facilities are great, the grounds are good, and we will absolutely be returning for the next Games,” Bright said.
Pan Pacs first-timer, 40year-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,” Ackland 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 said visiting teams provided 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,” he said.
“They have generated over 85,000 bed nights and $20 million in economic activity to the city.”
The football tournament will end on Saturday, with the Dunrooten United teams all strong contenders to make finals.