A new committee was elected for the 2008/09 season after the holding of NSWFRA AGM on Friday night. After a year that saw some churn in the make up of the command structure of the association, several positions that were not normally up for election also needed a decision from the membership.

In the largest AGM turn out in some years, Life Members Ron Luce and Geoff Magennis served as returning officers for the ballots before the new leadership team took their places at the head table.

Gavin Lee was elected unopposed to the presidency after outgoing President Lyle Hudson sighted increasing work commitments as the reason for his not seeking a second term in the top role. Joel Sleeman was also elected unopposed to the role of Treasurer for the next two years.

After carrying out the role in caretaker capacity for several months, Alessandra Moussa was formally installed as Secretary while Darius Turner was elected to the role of Registrar. Both will sit on the management committee for the next year with the terms being half completed.

Bruce Bailey continues as Senior Vice President completing half of his elected term with the holding of the AGM. In the annually elected floor member positions, Kevin Taylor, Jonathon Moore and Paul Respicio were charged with being the membership’s representatives on the management committee.

Gavin Lee praised the work of outgoing committee members, Lyle Hudson, Roeli Sluiter and Stephen Bruce in his opening address.

Hudson was responsible for implementing mandatory fresher and registration days for the association, while pioneering an “hour based” membership fee structure that should remain in place for the foreseeable future.

Hudson was also responsible for championing the association web site, now used for much of the day-to-day reporting done by referees along with allowing a repository of documentation and membership information.

Sluiter leaves with a reputation for his tireless contributions to the executive over many years. Known for his straight shooting and selfless work ethic, Sluiter’s contribution to the association has made the secretary position a large set of shoes to fill.

Stephen Bruce’s endeavour to bring the registration database to account was also acclaimed by Hudson in his departure speech. The association has never had a better base of data to work from in servicing the membership. Bruce’s work will ensure the incoming registrar has a simpler task of keeping the Association records up to date.

Source : NSW Futsal Ref
Publised : 22/7/2008

It was Semi Final time for the women and the final round for the men in the Futsal Winter State League on a cold night at the sports halls, Sydney Olympic Park.

In the women semi finals first placed Quake took on fourth place Inner West Allstars. This game was a nail bitter as both teams played some good attacking Futsal. Quake took the lead with some nice team pass which lead to Stephanie Haim getting a tap in at the back post. Inner West would not give up and drew level just after half time from a well worked in-direct free kick which Dominique Cardidad blasted the ball through the wall and into the net. In the final five minutes it was a tense affair with both sides having chances to win the game. The Quake girls took their opportunity with a nice finish from Sarah Semaan, sending the Quake fans into frenzy. The two-one result booked Quake’s spot into the final.

The other semi final second placed Sydney Tragic took on Liverpool Fusion. Again this was another close game of Futsal with both sides creating a number of chances. Sydney Tragic were creating the better chances and were unlucky not to take the lead after a tremendous turn and shot by Natasha Lo Giudice slammed against the post. Fusion was also unlucky not long after when Renee Tomkins snap shot slammed against the post with the keeper well beaten. At half time it was locked at nil-all and the second half was going to be a real tussle. The young Sydney Tragic side broke the deadlock late in the game when a scuffed shot was flicked between the keeper’s legs by Joanne Saliba. Tragic secured their passage to the final when Natalie Spirovski finished a nice team goal.

The final is set first placed Quake verse second place Sydney Tragic both sides have taken the spoils this year with Tragic winning the round three match 1-0 and Quake returning the favor 2-0 in round eight. So this will be an interesting encounter.

In the Men’s with forth spot was up for grabs with the top three already secure Dural Warriors needed a victory to seal a top four birth.

The first match of the night saw first place Quake take on fourth place Dural Warriors. Dural started well and were unlucky not to take an early lead but some fine goalkeeping by Jon Azzopardi kept the scores locked at nil-all. Dural took the lead with a nice shot be Greg Giovenali that gave Azzopardi no chance in the quake goal. Giovenali got his double just after half time with a finish from distance that went under Azzopardi making it two-nil Dural. Dural then made it three-nil when Rhys Giovenali hit a rocket from nearly half court. The lackluster Quake scored a conciliation goal when the hard working Tuan Cao scored at the far post making the final score three-one. With the win Dural moved to third spot and Quake went from first to fourth position.

Parramatta blues recorded their second victory of the season with a victory over Sydney City Eagles. The Blues fielded a young side and their enthusiasm got them over the line with a five-four victory.

Maccabi took on the West City Crusaders. Maccabi put in a solid performance as they accounted for West City thanks to a Steve Platkov hat trick, Maccabi went on to win six-one victory.

Surprise packets Plumpton were made to work hard for the points against Northern Beaches. Plumpton without suspended pair Daniel Fogarty and Kane Wright were the stronger and with a semi final spot already secured they look the more enthusiastic and took the vicoty four-two. The win secured Plumpton second spot and a match against Dural Warriors in the semi finals.

The final match saw Commodores take on Inner West Allstars. This game turned into a goal fest with both side more concerned with attacking and the game finished ten-six in favor to the Commodores.

Next week Semi Final draw…

7pm 1st placed Sydney Benfica vs. 4th placed Quake Court 1

7:45pm 2nd placed Plumpton vs. 3rd placed Dural Warriors Court 1

8:30pm Women’s Grand Final Quake vs. Sydney Tragic Court 1

9:15pm Grand Final Court 1

Source : Football NSW
Published : 22/7/2008

On Monday 21st July 2008, Sydney Benfica Futsal Club 1st Grade Men’s were crowned State League Minor Premiers for the first time. In what proved to be a tough and close competition, only three points separated 1st and 4th spot.

Throughout this competition, Benfica proved to be the best and most consistent team displaying flair and magic, which often mesmerised opposition teams and at times, themselves.

Next week they will take on the might of Campbelltown Quake in what will prove to be a memorable semi final, with the winner backing up later that evening in the final.

Whilst the boys are not getting carried away with things, their captains Marcelo De Andrade and Itaua Batista stated that the “competition starts now”.

Sydney Benfica Futsal Club would like to thank their sponsors Wideform, Radio Rentals and Marrickville Tennis Club for their continued support.

Source : Football NSW
Published : 22/7/2008

Some high profile New Zealand sporting greats will turn their sporting hand (or foot) to Futsal on August 7th as part of the Official Welcome for the sides participating in the Vikings Futsal Cup.

Former Blackcaps Shane Bond, Geoff Allott and Waren Wisneski will put on the shinpads along with former Otago, Highlander and Scottished rugby representative Brendan Laney.

They will be joined by Tall Fern and Sirens (wnbl) player Toni Edminsom and Canterbury Ram (nzbl) Rewi Manahi along with former Blackstick Michelle Hollands. Others involved in the game include Nick Henare (The Radio network), Rod Thomson (Vikings NZ) and Sam Mitchell who trained and played in Brazil with a Vikings Centre of excellence side.

The game will kick off at 7:30pm after the teams are welcomed to New Zealand by a Kapa Haka group.

Source : Vikings Futsal
Published : 21/7/2008

Players are invited to trial to represent the Sutherland Shire Futsal Association in the upcoming 2008 – 2009 Football NSW Futsal Super League. The competition is hosted by Football NSW on a home and away basis with at least 11 other Futsal Clubs.

The Sutherland Shire will be represented by the following age groups: under 12 boys, under 13 girls, under 14 boys, under 16 girls, under 16 boys, under 19 youth men, all age men and women.

Trials for under 13, 16 girls and all age women held: 9th and 16th August 2008 from 1.30pm – 3.30pm.

Trials for under 12 boys held: 27th July 2008; 3rd, 10th August 2008 from 2pm – 4pm.

Trials for under 14 boys held: 27th July 2008; 3rd, 10th August 2008 from 1pm – 2pm.

Trials for under 16 boy’s, under 19 youth men and all age men’s held: 27th July 2008, 3rd, 10th August 2008 from 12noon – 1pm

All players must register their attendance 15 minutes before each trial session and no costs are involved until formal selection.

All trials will be held at: Menai Indoor Sports Centre, 98 Allison Crescent, Menai.

It will be compulsory to attend at least 1 of the above listed trial sessions to be considered for selection. Players selected will be required to comply with all rules and regulations of the Association and Competition.

We look forward to seeing you at the trials to represent the best region in NSW. For more information contact Jonathan Simnett on 0417 042 145 or email: secretary@shirefutsal.com.au

Source : Sutherland Shire Futsal Association
Published : 12/6/2008

Sydney Benfica Futsal Club are looking for players in the following age groups

- U10s Academy
- 13 Girls
- 16 Boys

Trials will be held at Marrickville PCYC, 531 Illawarra Road Marrickville

Sunday 27th July 2008

U10s Academy 10am – 11am
13 Girls 2pm – 3pm
16 Boys 3pm – 4pm

All players must arrive 20 minutes prior to the commencement of trials.
All players must wear shin pads and long socks that cover the entire shin pad.
All jewelery must be removed before the start of any game, without exception.

All Sydney Benfica FC teams will participate in the FNSW State Titles, which will ensure that all players are eligible for selection trials for the Nationals.

For further details email: info@benfica.com.au

www.benfica.com.au

Andrew Demery – 0414 663 161
Lorenzo D’Addona – 0414 663 919

Futsal competitions will be played at Endeavour Sports High School for the first time starting in September 2008.

Who’s Invited? Boys and girls from under 6 – 13’s

Where do I play? At the NEW Indoor Sports Hall, Endeavour Sports High School, Corner Taren Point Road & The Boulevarde, Caringbah.

How do I register? online: www.shirefutsal.com.au or call: Jonathan 0417 042 145 or email: secretary@shirefutsal.com.au Sign up in person: 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd August 2008 at ESHS from 1.00pm – 3.00pm

Competition to start 1st week in September 2008 and conclude with semis and finals in December 2008.

Thursday’s under 9’s, 10’s & 11’s Friday’s under 6’s, 7’s, 8’s, 12’s & 13’s With all games from 4pm – 6pm & 6pm – 9pm.

Costs? $45.00 per a team per a game, Football NSW Futsal registration and Association membership fees apply.

Team and individual registrations close 30th August 2008 be quick, so you don’t miss out to be the first to play in such excellent conditions at the NEW Indoor Sports Hall @ Endeavour Sports High School.

Source : Shire Futsal

The fast footwork frenzy that is futsal could soon be a regular sight around South Canterbury.

The indoor soccer game, created in Uruguay, involves teams of five, and has been described as basketball with your feet.

Chief executive of Vikings Futsal NZ Paul Wadsworth is hoping to establish a Futsal league in South Canterbury next term.

A league could draw in more players to the South Canterbury senior mens’ and youth team and see them playing regular games on their home turf.

He hoped to target players finishing the football season who wanted to keep kicking a ball around.

“It’s complementary to football.”

Thomas Clarkson, who is one of two South Canterbury players in the New Zealand Vikings team said a league would give futsal players more game opportunities.

He stumbled across futsal while looking on the internet for an indoor soccer tournament. He went to a tournament and fell in love with the game.

He enjoyed the fast paced game that had more strategy than indoor soccer.

The New Zealand men’s and women’s Vikings teams were training in Timaru at the weekend for the Vikings Futsal International Cup.

The cup will be played in Christchurch next month with teams from Australia, the Philippines and China competing.

Wadsworth was trying to drum up interest in the sport while the team trained in Timaru.

Futsal is starting to get a foothold in New Zealand.

“It started in 2004 with nothing, now there’s about 500 odd teams and 3500 players.”

He said the game is a lot more involved than football. In a game of football a player may only touch the ball five or six times in a game but on average a futsal player touches the ball every 29 seconds.

He was looking forward to promoting the game in South Canterbury.

Source : Stuff.co.nz
Published : 14/7/2008

The 2008 FIFA Futsal Laws of the Game has been amended.

Click here to download: #1149 – Amendments to the Futsal Laws of the Game – 2008.

Evident changes to notice include:

• The law numbers have changed from 1-18 to now Laws 1 -17.

• There are now 7 infringements listed under Direct Free Kicks instead of 6 – new infringement being “Tackling an opponent.”

The 2-touch (back pass) rule has also been made clearer stating “An indirect free kick shall be awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper commits any of the following offences: after clearing the ball, he touches it again with his hands following a deliberate pass by a team-mate, before it has crossed the halfway line or been played or touched by an opponent.

• It also now states that Under Law 11, “following a clearance by the goalkeeper a player may pass the ball back to him using his head, chest, knee, etc. provided that he receives it after it has crossed the halfway line or has been touched or played by an opponent.

• Under “Additional instructions and Guidelines for Referees”, new text has been written under sub heading “Cautions for unsporting behavior as a result of deliberate handball.” It now states that “There are circumstances when, in addition to a direct free kick being awarded, a player must also be cautioned for unsporting behavior, e.g. when a player: “deliberately and blatantly handles the ball to prevent an opponent gaining possession “attempts to score a goal by deliberately handling the ball,” (New text) – “pretends to be playing the ball with one part of his body when he is really doing so with his hands in order to deceive the referees,” “tries to prevent a goal or deny a goal scoring opportunity with his hand when the goalkeeper is not inside his penalty area, and fails in his attempt.”

The FIFA Futsal Committee has agreed that the amendments to the Laws of the Game and the instructions and guidelines for referees should come into force as of 1 July 2008.

***Please note: Most competitions are currently being played under the 2006 FIFA Futsal Laws of the Game.

Source : Football Federation Victoria
Published : 17/7/2008

Football Federation Victoria is calling for players to register to trial for the following 2008 Futsal State squads:

Male Squads
Youth Men (Under 19) – Players born during 1989, 1990, 1991 & 1992.

Open Men – Players born during 1988 and onwards.

Female Squads
Youth Women (Under 19) – Players born during 1989, 1990, 1991 & 1992.

Open Women – Players born during 1988 and onwards.

These squads will compete in the FFA National Futsal Championships in Canberra from 6 – 10th of January, 2009.

Players must trial in their correct age group based on their year of birth shown as listed above.

Registrations close at 5:00pm Friday 29th August 2008.

Click here to register for trials using our online registration form.

Youth/Senior Program Overview

Youth/Senior Trial Process – Selection Pathway

Source : Football Federation Victoria
Published : 15/7/2008