History

During the 1980-81 season a group of players from the PALM BEACH SOCCER CLUB broke away to start the BURLEIGH HEADS SOCCER CLUB. “The HAMMERS” as we were known then played in the colours of West Ham (maroon and blue).

Our first games were played at the Salk Oval in Currumbin. This was our home ground for approximately 2.5 years. Pizzey Park was available but we were unable to relocate there until we could field a junior team.

In 1982-83 Aussie Keegan joined with two junior teams called the Burleigh Heads ‘Bulldogs’ the junior teams played in Red & Black vertical stripes. Although full amalgamation of the senior and junior sides did not occur until 1988-89 we did commence playing at Pizzey Park. Our original clubrooms were the existing old facilities, which included changing rooms, toilets and a small canteen/room in the middle. This is now the area behind the bar. On training and game days a 3-meter square awning was erected to increase the size of the facility. Lights were erected during the 1983-84 season.

In 1988-89 amalgamation took place and the BURLEIGH HEADS SOCCER CLUB “The BULLDOGS” was formed, the new club adopted the Red & Black playing strip. Our juniors increased to 7 teams. This year proved to be one of the most successful for our club with our First Team winning promotion to the First Division (now called Premier League) and we have remained there ever since. Interesting to note a player in the First Division was DAVID ABELA who later returned to the club as Director of Coaching. In 1991-92 our existing clubrooms were opened and continuous improvements were made to the standard and number of lights thanks to generous support from the Gold Coast City Council and of course various club members and associates.

In 1995 under the Presidency and Direction of Ken Clifford David Abela returned to the club as Director of Coaching. More improvements were made with additional lights for #2 ground. Our Colts (U19) won the grand final beating Broadbeach. During the 1996 season the verandah and existing canteen were added. 1999 proved to be a big year for development with additional changing rooms being constructed and new steel light towers added to the southern end of #1 ground.

In 2000 a new President John Chambers was elected and wanted to ensure the club continued to progress not only with great facilities but also the competitiveness of our Premier League team. As with previous committees our club goals can only be achieved with the support of the committee and volunteer supporters who’s contribution to the on going success of the club is vital. A significant number of volunteers have contributed over the years to get us to where we are today now it is our turn to ensure the continued success, if you can help please put up your hand. Our Senior team under coach Dean Milosovic performed well and our Reserve Grade team under Coach Kevin Sunderland won the Reserve Grade Premiership and were Runner up in the Grand Final. Several players had been with the club for 9 years and were delighted to be part of this team.

We have hosted the “Matilda’s” (Australian Ladies Team, The Swedish Ladies Team (Pre-Olympic Training Camp), Under 12 TIS (Queensland Talent Identification Series), Secondary School Championships, National Deaf Soccer Titles as well as local Primary and High Schools all enjoying the facilities provided by “our Club”.

Having tasted success with our Reserve team in 2000 we decided it was time to take another step forward and try to establish a team capable of winning the Premier League, and ensure the continued development of our junior and senior players. We appointed Keith Garland, as Director of coaching this was a significant step forward. Keith was an Ex New Zealand International Player and had already had success on the Gold Coast with The Gamblers (Reserve grade) and Broadbeach. We welcomed several new players to the club and were pleased to retain the backbone of the previous Reserve grade team. Keith had a dual role as Coach of our Premier League team and Director of Junior Coaching. On the junior side his role was to spend time with the development of all our club coaches in this way we believed it was the best way to expose Keith’s talents to as many club coaches as possible who could then go and pass this knowledge to their individual team players.

The 2001 combination was immediately successful with Burleigh going on to win the Premier League for the first time in its history. We were never out of the top spot for the whole season. We also won the Presidents Cup, were Runner Up in the FA Cup, Premier League Grand Finalists, Reserve Grade Premiership runners up and Reserve grade Grand finalists.

The following year 2002 saw us continue to consolidate our position within the Gold Coast Competition and although Keith did not continue in the Junior Directors role he did continue with the seniors. We won the FA CUP, Presidents Cup Runners Up, Premier League Grand Finalists, Reserve Grade Premiership Winners, Reserve Grade Grand Final Winners and Gold Coast Soccer 2002 Club Champions.

With every club the committee is charged with the continued development of the club facilities, the players and the general development of the game. Your existing committee is a small group of volunteers who endeavour to achieve the best possible outcomes. It is regretful some of our aims and goals cannot be achieved just because we lack the numbers of people who can make ideas turn to reality. We strive to do the best. If you are willing to assist give us a call.