Matt Bartolo, FFA
Broadmeadow making some Magic in the Hunter
Saturday, 24 August 2013 12:47 PM
The Broadmeadow Magic have to have been one of the nation’s busiest football clubs over the past few months.
The Newcastle based club has hosted one of the world’s biggest football sides in Manchester United, have claimed the league title and are now preparing their assault on another grand final victory.
On top of all of this excitement, the Magic have also begun preparing for the inaugural Northern NSW National Premier League season and have overseen major developments to what they call the ‘Hunter’s Wembley.’
With five league titles, three grand final victories, three club championships and two Presdident’s Cups since they began in the NBN State League 14 years ago, it appears the club has steadily built a culture of success.
“Winning the league title this year has been fantastic for the boys,” said Magic official Stephen Pichaloff.
“The club has had a lot of success over the past few years but every new trophy you win is just as, if not more, exciting than the last.
“In his first year as head coach Robert Virgili has continued to help develop the side and his focus on youth promotion ensures there is plenty more success to follow.”
With the league title in the bag the Magic’s attention has turned to claiming a grand final victory and despite being a strong favourite they know that nothing is a sure thing in football.
“As they say, every game in football is tough.
“We are confident though that if the boys turn up and play the way they have been playing than we will take it out.”
While the club’s form throughout the season had everyone confident of another season of trophies the Magic had some visitors that further lifted the buzz around the club.
“It was unbelievable to host a Manchester United youth training clinic.
“We had the likes of legends Dennis Irwin and Bryan Robson, the EPL trophy and some of their youth academy coaches hosting some clinics for the local juniors.
“It was absolutely incredible and something the club will never forget.”
Many would believe that a ground that was fit to host these clinics as well as the US women’s football team for the 2000 Olympics and numerous A-League clubs would also be just about perfect for any side not playing in Australia’s top-tier of football.
However, Broadmeadow never stop looking for ways to secure that edge over their opponents and have now also redeveloped their home at Wanderers Oval.
“With the help of a heap of volunteers we have developed a facility worth a couple of million dollars.
“Those within the club and the Macedonian community have really helped with these developments and the club’s facilities are looking better than ever before.”
The Macedonian community have always played a big role in the club since it was founded in 1966.
“The club was founded by Macedonian immigrants and decades on we still have strong backing from them in support and all other matters related to the club.
“We are now also winning over the Broadmeadow locals as well and have a very multicultural team.”
No doubt the whole Broadmeadow community will be backing their side as they attempt to achieve back-to back grand final victories in the coming weeks.
The Magic now have a week off courtesy of them claiming the league title before they begin their finals series campaign.
http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/Broadmeadow-making-some-Magic-in-the-Hunter/73428?