Social game puts skills to the test

Hedland’s soccer enthusiasts gathered to test their skills in a social soccer match in the town last week.

Players were put through their paces in a social setting during a match held last Tuesday at 6.30pm at the McGregor Street ovals in Port Hedland.

Organiser David Freeman said the match was a precursor to soccer trips throughout the Pilbara and Kimberley later this year.

“We sort of organise a social setting game, anyone is invited,” he said. “This is the next best thing to having a kickaround during the week.

“Every year we go to Broome in September, which coincides with the Shinju Matsuri festival.

“We have a tournament up there to play with the other teams like Karratha and Kununurra.

“That’s always a good weekend because it’s a bit of an end-of-season trip as well to celebrate.

“There are also one-off games in Karratha and Newman.”

Mr Freeman said it was common for junior soccer players to carry their skills forward during the weekly matches.

“It’s a whole range of skill levels — some people have played their whole lives and some who are just beginning, which is absolutely fine,” he said.

“This is the only senior outdoor side in Hedland, which is a big gap for some people, but basically as soon as you finish juniors we say ‘come down and have a kick here’.”