History

The progression from what was termed ‘old soccer’ into ‘new football’ has been one of the most remarkable transformations of any sporting code in Australian history.

Football’s credibility in the national sporting psyche has risen to an all-time high and the future has never looked brighter for the one true ‘world game’.

With three highly successful seasons of the Hyundai A-League under its belt, Football Federation Australia expressed a desire to expand the league beyond the eight foundation clubs and take the flourishing competition into new areas of the country.

Former Queensland Roar Coach and media pundit Miron Bleiberg, along with Gold Coast Soccer Federation Chairman Peter Gray and accountant Norman Chan, had already established the framework of a Hyundai A-League franchise for the Gold Coast. With key staff also earmarked, what they needed to complete the jigsaw was as level of funding that would breathe life into the idea and transform it from dream to reality.

Enter Professor Clive F. Palmer; resources magnate and philanthropist.

After meetings with Messrs Bleiberg, Gray and Chan, Professor Palmer agreed to back the new club and Gold Coast United was born.

A press conference in early June announced Professor Palmer’s arrival on the Hyundai A-League scene and the club then diligently went about completing the formalities of its bid to be handed the league’s ninth participation licence.

On August 28th 2008 United were granted unconditional entry into the competition, beginning in season 2009/10. The club immediately set about plans to establish a club that mirrored the lifestyle and values of one of Australia’s most vibrant regions.

With good reason the Gold Coast is renowned across the globe as a holiday destination second to none, but this vibrant city is also one of the most desirable places to live and work in the entire world.

Sun, surf and fun are the typical trio of words associated with the Gold Coast but the city’s lifestyle is underpinned by a lifeblood of diversity, optimism, opportunity and a positive approach to life.

Endless stretches of golden sandy beaches, World Heritage Listed rainforest and countless family fun activities abound in one of Australia’s fasted growing communities.

This modern, ever-evolving sub-tropical paradise has something for everyone. Gold Coast United will encompass and embrace all the distinctive features of the region to make our club truly unique, not only in Australia, but the world.