Broome soccer goes international

Broome Soccer Association played its first-ever game against international opponents last Saturday, taking on a representative team from Indonesia at BRAC.

The visiting side was made up of navy cadets from the KRI Dewaruci, an Indonesian tall ship bound for Sydney that berthed in Broome from September 14 to 17.

With the help of the Department of Sport and Recreation and the Shire of Broome, the fixture was arranged at short notice, with a Broome President's XI taking on the Indonesian team.

After a welcome from DSR's Dean Holder, the national anthems were played and the game kicked off.

The Broome side, made up of the best players from the local four-team tournament, stamped their authority in the early exchanges and found themselves in the lead soon after kick-off.

Despite the dominance of the home side's technical abilities and a substantial lead, the Indonesian side fought back admirably in the second half and scored a number of well-worked goals.

In the end the Broome side prevailed 13-3 in an enjoyable and exciting encounter.

Mr Holder said the game was a landmark achievement and could be a gateway to future international opportunities.

Broome Soccer Association president Michael Dawson said the clash was played in good spirit.

"The Broome Soccer Association was deeply honoured to have been given the opportunity to host a game against our guests from the Dewaruci," he said.

"The spirit of the game was marvellous and the crew were by far the best crowd we've played in front of - we hope to see them back in Broome in the future. The match looks to be the catalyst for further representative games against both international and regional sides in the coming year for all grades of soccer in Broome."