Search for fix in fees fracas: Football veteran Chris Broadfoot weighs in

Chris Broadfoot is a certified veteran of the Gold Coast football landscape. But in his many years as a player and administrator, he’s never seen anything like the current COVID-19 playing field.

CHRIS Broadfoot is a certified veteran of the Gold Coast football landscape.

But in his many years as a player and administrator, he’s never seen anything like the current COVID-19 playing field.

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As the senior director and board member of Football Gold Coast, Broadfoot believes the evolving fees situation will be one of the code’s biggest battles.

As revealed in Saturday’s Bulletin, there is ongoing debate surrounding the refunding of football fees.

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Gold Coast clubs say the state body, Football Queensland, modified its policy to make refunds harder to obtain.

FQ hit back hard, saying this was not the case and accused Gold Coast clubs of spreading “myths” and “risky behaviour”.

Chris Broadfoot and brother Steve in Broadbeach United colours.

Having a football-mad son of his own, Broadfoot believes situations should be dealt with on a case-by-case basis to preserve the future of Gold Coast football.

“The clubs have no doubt outlaid a lot of money but if parents have paid for something they’re not receiving, it gets a bit difficult,” he said.

“If you give all the money back then clubs will suffer but if you don’t get money back then parents are suffering so you have to find a medium, common ground. It’s really a case-by-case basis.

“I do believe there should be some sort of middle ground but from a parent’s point of view, some people might not even want to go back this year even if we do get clearance.”

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Gold Coast clubs have individually developed their own refund policies while Football Gold Coast has agreed to refund its portion of fees.

“We spoke about it at great lengths and tried to come up with the best solution for members so we’ll have to work really hard over the coming years to get back on track,” Broadfoot said.

“The main objective is putting the best solution forward to get people playing again.”