There was a completely positive feeling in the air as glamour soccer club Gold Coast United launched their season today.

The club conducted its first training session after confirming its participation in the upcoming A-League season.

David Lather reports.

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TRANSCRIPT

Not even a torrential downpour could dampen the Club’s spirits at the kick-off of their assault on the premiership.

Officials were quick to quash speculation that there were times where it was uncertain that the club would take its place in the competition.

Clive Palmer, Gold Coast United Owner: “There was never a doubt that our club would be proceeding , when I was ever contacted to confirm that I was able to confirm that at all times.”

United is seeking to become a more community-based club.

Clive Palmer, Gold Coast United Owner: “We want the club to be self-sufficient, we want more community people involved with the club.”

Gold Coast finished third last season, the best finish of a new club, but this year the club has set its sights on going all the way.

Gold Coast haven’t recruited heavily in the off-season, believing they already possess the talent necessary to win the title.

Miron Bleiberg, Gold Coast United Coach: “Last year we were 23 strangers that tried to make a team together, this year we know exactly what’s ahead of us.”

Michael Thwaite, Gold Coast United Vice-Captain: “This year, what the players have stated with themselves, we definitely want to set our standards to better than last year.”

If the first training session is any indication, the resolve is high within the playing group to better their spectacular debut season last year.

David Lather, QUT News