Broome Soccer Association returns to competitive adult competition with the Malcolm Douglas Cup

After a two-year hiatus, competitive adult soccer will return to Broome under a new league format, recognising an iconic Broome name.

The inaugural Broome Soccer Association Malcolm Douglas Cup will kick off on February 14, pitting five-a-side soccer teams head-to-head for a cash prize of $500.

The league will run across a 10-week “regular season” on Wednesday nights, with a two-week break for school holidays, before a finals series to decide who takes the cash prize.

It’s the association’s first competitive league since 2021, partly due to a drop in participation numbers off the back of COVID lockdowns.

Broome Soccer Association spokesperson Greg Murray said the organisation was looking to build on an increase in participation after the Women’s World Cup.

“We struggled a bit through 2022 due to a drop in backpacker numbers, but we’ve seen numbers grow since the World Cup,” he said.

“We’re hoping we can sustain this league, and encourage anyone who wishes to join to come down and meet everyone.

“While it’s a league, it’s still fairly casual and we invite people of all skill levels and age to come and have a kick.”

The association currently has five teams registered for the competition, and is hopeful more will sign up before the start of the league.

“It’s just $50 to register. Most of us have been playing together every Wednesday for years so we’re a tight-knit group and it’s just about having a kick around and catching up over a drink afterwards,” Mr Murray said.

Mr Murray said the competition was made viable with support from the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park.

“Soccer is often overlooked when it comes to sponsorship opportunities,” he said.

“But we’ve had the wonderful support of the folks at Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park, and we couldn’t think of a more fitting name for the league.”