Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Andrew Shaw/Visible Focus Photography

Gold Coast City coach Grae Piddick believes the facilities at Runaway Bay Super Sports Centre can only help his side as they look to wrap up third place this weekend.

City face Brisbane Roar Youth at the venue, which will also host the club’s PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Women’s, Youth Men’s and Under 18 Boys fixtures.

A win for City will guarantee them not finishing lower than third this season - while they could still win the Premiership if FNQ Heat and Brisbane Strikers both drop their final matches.

The match marks the first time City have hosted a PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues match away from their Duncan McKenna Field home-base.

Piddick said playing at the Centre is part of the continuing effort for City to engage the whole of the Gold Coast football community in the national second-tier competition.

“We’re trying to get the message out that we are a Gold Coast club for the whole of the Gold Coast.”

“The Gold Coast itself has a great football history as a whole with some very talented players both past and present and we want to be representative of that.”

“We want to attract the best possible players to help in their development and that requires the best possible facilities.”

“The Super Centre is the best facility available on the Gold Coast at the moment.”

Piddick added that his side will relish playing on a better surface – especially after their regular home ground of Duncan McKenna Field drew criticism from both sides in their last home match against Brisbane City a fortnight ago.

“We really want to go out there and put on a show and say this is what the team is capable of given the right conditions.”

“We have a team that can play a good passing style. The Super Centre offers excellent facilities and a top class playing surface – this will definitely suit us.”

Young Roar currently sit eighth in the league and have been forced to weather a week of upheaval after the shock departure of coach Josh McCloughan

However, Piddick was eager to stress his side won’t be underestimating a team brimming with players looking to lock down positions for the upcoming Foxtel National Youth League season.

“We’ll be playing against some very talented players, including some home-grown talent, Tommy Miller and Daniel Leck. We’ll need to be on our game,” Piddick said.

Adding extra spice to the encounter is a number of City players previously played with Young Roar – including competition leading goalscorer Benjamin Litfin, Benjamin Lyvidikos and Jordan Lampard.

One former Young Roar that won’t be in the squad is Austin Ludwick, who, along with Lochlan Reus, has departed for the United States to take up opportunities in the college football system.

“We’ll certainly miss them, they’re both outstanding footballers. But we have the players and importantly the team mentality to cover them,” Piddick concluded.

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 – Round 21

Gold Coast City FC v Brisbane Roar FC Youth
Sunday, August 14 | 5:00PM
Runaway Bay Super Sports Centre, Gold Coast

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Women’s 2016 – Round 21

Gold Coast City FC Women v Souths United FC Women
Sunday, August 14 | 3:00PM
Runaway Bay Super Sports Centre, Gold Coast