Solomon Islands begin their World Cup preparations with a camp at the Dural Sports and Leisure Centre. The Oceania Champions are getting ready for their first ever Futsal World Cup to be held in Brazil, this coming October.

The Solomon’s will be taking on the NSW thunder at Dural Sports and Leisure Centre this Saturday.

Come and watch the exciting Kurukuru as they play their entertaining brand of Futsal which seen them qualify for the FIFA World Cup

Solomon Islands vs. NSW Thunder

Dural Sports and Leisure Centre

Saturday 6th of September

Kick Off: 4:30pm

Solomon Islands Squad: Elliot Ragomo, Alick Lioka, James Egeta, Micah Lea’lafa, Jack Wetney, Philip Houtarau, Jenan Kapu, Moffat Sikwa’ae, Francis Lafai, Ron Gino, Stanley Puairana, Lenson Bisili, Samuel Osifelo, Junior Kogua.COACH: Victor Wai’ia

Groups for the upcoming FIFA World Cup

Group A: Brazil, Russia, Japan, Cuba, Solomon Islands
Group B: Italy, Portugal, Thailand, Paraguay, USA
Group C: Argentina, Ukraine, China PR, Guatemala, Egypt
Group D: Spain, Czech Republic, Iran, Uruguay, Libya

Source : Football NSW Futsal
Published : 4/9/2008

This coming summer (November 9th Start) will see the second year of the Tasmanian Islanders Futsal Academy program across Tasmania.

Last summer the very successful Islanders Academy was run solely in the Southern Region with over 100 players benefiting from the elite coaching they received. More than 80 players have gone on from the program to National level competition and also regional outdoor squads due to the rapid improvement they have had.

This year will see 3 additional regions on board with the Islanders Academy Program to enable players from all areas of Tasmania to participate. At the end of the program will see the first ever TASMANIAN ISLANDERS ACADEMY GALA DAY which will see a round robin tournament involving all 4 regions.

The program is a 16 week structured training regime with each week looking at different individual and team aspects of the game.

Within the program several imported guest coaches will play a part – Last season we saw several high profile guest coaches including Jo Burgess (Matildas), Ewerthon Cortez (Serie A Brazilian Futsal Coach), Igor Sao Jose (Glenorchy Knights Imported Brazilian Playmaker), Nick Harrison (Tasmanian Islanders Mens Team).

Our aim with the Islanders Futsal Academy is to provide a well thought and and specific Futsal program to help Tasmanian players develop and hone their skills towards a specific target. The specific target we are training kids towards is preparation for National standard events. The majority of kids in Tasmania play Futsal with no form of regular training and within the Academy program we are looking to provide TOP level coaching to help these players go on to represent their State and of course the pinnacle in any sport representing their Country. The 16 week program will be based on Futsals 4 main training focuses -

• Individual Finishing Skills (Court) and Individual Saving (Goalkeepers)
• Individual Attacking Skills and Attacking as a team
• Individual Marking Skills and defending as a team
• Set Plays (Formation, Dead Ball set ups, Substitution)

All players that complete the Islanders Futsal Academy Program will have access to trial and participate in all State Programs within Vikings Futsal Tasmania.

AGE GROUPS CATERED FOR – 10yrs and under, 12 yrs and under, 14 yrs and under.

Entries for the Academies Close 31/10/08

Regional Details

South Tasmanian Islanders Futsal Academy
Head Coach – Corey Smith
Location – Hilliard Christian School (Sundays)
Contact Number – 0437 935 991
Contact Email – corey@vikingsfutsal.com

South East Tasmanian Islanders Futsal Academy
Head Coach – Corey Smith
Location – Clarence Sports Centre (Thursdays)
Contact Number – 0437 935 991
Contact Email – corey@vikingsfutsal.com

Northern Tasmanian Islanders Futsal Academy
Head Coach – Will Gee
Location – Launceston (Day and Venue TBC)
Contact Number – 0447 335 431

North West Tasmanian Islanders Futsal Academy
Head Coach – Will Gee
Location – Burnie (Day and Venue TBC)
Contact Number – 0447 335 431

Source : Vikings Futsal Tasmania
Published : 4/9/2008

If you are not a Solomon Islander, you may have wondered about the name ‘Kurukuru’ as used by the Solomon Islands National Futsal Team.

Kurukuru is actually a Solomon Islands term for the Pigeon bird.

The Kurukuru bird is a common Solomon Islands household pet with a stout body and red feet. It is usually in the dark grey or black color.

The Kurukuru bird is commonly found in the temperate and tropical region and feeds only on seeds and fruits, its favourite being the famous Solomon Island’s Ngalinut fruit.

You may have also wondered why Solomon Islanders picked the name Kurukuru as it sounds nothing like its common name the ‘Pigeon.’

According to Mr. Barry Samson from the famous Marovo Lagoon, the name Kurukuru originated from the Western Province, way before people knew the original name of the bird.

The name came about because of the sound the pigeon bird makes that is ‘Kuru kuruu kurukruu.’ This then resulted in ‘Kurukuru’ which stuck and is now widely used throughout the Solomons.

Even today, most Solomon Islands do not know what the actual name of the Kurukuru is. But hold up a picture of the bird and you will get “ohh, yes Kurukuru.”

The Kurukuru bird is one of the harmless bird creatures, the reason why it is a preferred household pet.

However, because Solomon Islanders also eat this bird, the amount of these birds being killed for food is high, the reason for it being rarely sighted.

According to Mr. Samson, Solomon Islanders should take more consideration for this bird and protect them.

Source : Solomon Times Online
Published : 3/9/2008
By : Gina Maka’a

The Sutherland Shire Futsal Association is very pleased to announce that for the first time in the history of the Sport, local Futsal – indoor soccer competitions are off and running starting this week.

This Thursday we will see our 10/11s start and Friday will see our under 12/13s boys and girls get going with round 1 of competition.

In an agreement secured by the Futsal Association the new purpose built School gymnasium will also be the official training venue of our junior Sutherland Shire representative Futsal teams as they prepare for the 08 – 09 Football NSW Futsal Super League.

The under 13s and 16s girls representative teams will train Wednesday evenings until the end of the year and therefore will be the first to take advantage of this agreement.

The Mayor of Sutherland Shire Council Clr David Redmond, was on hand this evening observing the training session and very happy to see a facility provided by the State Government being utilised by non profit community group such as the Sutherland Shire Futsal Association Incorporated.

The Mayor continued to say “the provision of this facility is consistent with Council’s long term commitment of incorporating a healthy and active life style for Shire residents and to get more people, more active, more often”.

Mr Dave Davids, Director of Sport, Endeavour Sports High School, was also on hand this evening and very impressed by the standard of local talent on display in our under 13s and 16s girls Sutherland Shire representative Futsal teams.

Futsal Association President Mr Jonathan Simnett said “we are very thankful to the School, local and State Governments for the provision of this quality facility, supporting our mission and vision of Community development through Sport”.

(Photo : Councilor Mr. David Redmond Mayor of Sutherland Shire Council, Mr. Dave Davids Director of Sport Endeavour Sports High School, Mr. Jonathan Simnett President Sutherland Shire Futsal Association)

Source : Sutherland Shire Media Release
Published : 3/9/2008
By : J Simnett

Hello Everyone! Register this Friday for Cook and Philip’s Indoor Ladies Only League!

Registration takes place at Cook and Philip Mezzanine 6pm Friday Sept 5th.

The season will run for approximately 12 weeks, including playoffs and will start on September 19th to give enough time to register.

SCHEDULE:

Sept 5th will be REGISTRATION!! Everyone registers on Friday Sept. 5TH at 6pm! AT COOK AND PHILIP MEZZANINE (4 College St Sydney NSW 2000 Phone: 02 9326 0444). No ID required to register, bring $60 each for rego money or $600 if you are registering a whole team.

Whether you are registering a whole team or just as an individual you must show up on Sept 5th with registration money. Just show up with cash and a pen!

Sept 12th Will be a kick about to put together the actual teams, discuss rules, establish team contacts, etc.
Sept 19th League Games Start at 7pm

The Games:

Played between 7pm and 10pm on Friday at Cook and Philip, starting Sept 19th.
Games are 30 minutes each, 5-a-side, so each team will have about 10 people on it to include one line of substitutes. These numbers might change depending on the number of women who actually sign up.

Cost:

Please bring Registration money with you when you come into register on Sept 5th.
Cost per team is $600, which includes referees, balls, nets, etc. So bring approx. $60 each in small bills.

Equipment:

Everyone bring a white and black shirt, the league can sort out pinnies later. You will need white soled shoes (though I assume anything other than black would work) as we play on a wood court. Shin pads highly recommended though not necessary.

Any other information can be found on the website or contact Tori below.

Tori Wapiti
League Administrator
Ph: 9326 0444 [work]
or 0428 280 296 [mobile]
email: toriana.wipiti@ymca.org.au
www.ymcasydney.org/cookandphillip.php

And finally, if you know of ANY ladies that are interested in football don’t hesitate to pass this information on to them. See you Friday!!

Source : Media Release
Published : 3/9/2008

The 2009 Futsal Nationals Website has been updated today to include various new forms for the event.

Official Nomination Forms – DOC (Due November 30 2008)
Player Registration Forms - DOC (Due January 2 2009)
Player Code of Conduct - PDF (Due January 2 2009)

Source : Futsalnationals.com.au
Published : 3/9/2008

Melbourne Victory Football Club (MVFC), Football Federation Australia (FFA) and Football Federation Victoria (FFV) along with the support of the Victorian Government would like to invite your school to participate in the Melbourne Victory Schools 5-a-Side Gala Days.

These Gala days will be conducted in over 30 school districts across Melbourne and regional Victoria during terms 2 and 3 is designed for Grade 3 and 4 students. Each school will be required to enter a Boys, Girls and Mixed team. All equipment will be supplied on the day.

Entry to this event is completely FREE and all students will receive a Melbourne Victory 5-a-Side pack which includes a certificate plus lots of other giveaways throughout the day.

Click here for more information

Source : Football Federation Victoria
Published : 3/9/2008

Prior to leaving for the FIFA Futsal World Cup in Brazil, Prime Minister Dr. Derek Sikua invited the Kurukuru Futsal Team to the National Parliament as an acknowledgement for the team’s achievement.

Dr. Sikua said that the Kurukuru team has done the Nation proud for “representing the Oceania region and the Solomon Islands at the 7th FIFA Futsal World Cup in Brazil in October, 2008.”

Dr Sikua spoke on behalf of all Solomon Islanders, in wishing the Futsal Team every success in their games and stated that the team will depart knowing that they are supported and have done Solomon Islands proud.

Dr. Sikua then went on to acknowledge sporting organizations in the Solomons.

The Kurukuru team will leave this afternoon to fly our flag higher in the upcoming Futsal World Cup.

Prior to the games, the Kurukurus will spend two weeks in Australia and another two weeks in Brazil as part of their training camp, before the World Cup begins in October.

Good Luck Kurukurus!

Source : Solomon Times
Published : 2/9/2008
By : Joanna Sireheti

The Kurukuru made history again today when they became the first sporting group to have been acknowledged in the National Parliament.

Hon. James Tora the Minister of Home Affairs congratulated the Futsal team as they prepare to travel to the World Cup this afternoon.

“I would like to wish them a safe journey and all the best in their preparations towards the World Cup in Brazil,” says Mr. Tora.

The Kurukuru Futsal Team received SBD$155,000 towards their trip.

“I would like to thank the Minister of Finance for ensuring that the money was given to the team as they prepare to travel,” says Hon. Tora.

Kurukuru Coach Victor Wai’ia told Solomon Times that they have been quite honored to receive the money and to have been the first sporting team to have been congratulated in Parliament.

He said that what the Government did for them was unexpected and they have been touched by the support.

“My boys were very excited to meet the decision makers of the country,”

“Solomon Islands will put in the best that we can to win our games. As we continue to trust in the Lord, we hope to make this nation proud,” concludes Coach Wai’ia.

Source : Solomon Times
Published : 2/9/2008
By : Gina Maka’a

Kurukuru captain Elliot Ragomo promises they will give their best in the FIFA Futsal World Cup in Brazil.

The team leave Tuesday for Sydney and where they’ll spend a week playing friendly games with New South Wales sides before flying to Brazil.

Ragomo, who captained the team in the OFC qualifying round and now to the World Cup, says the boys are full of confidence.”From our training sessions everyone has shown great commitment and we are prepared to meet our opponents,” he said. “We know we have no proper facilities to build us up but we will try and prove we can play,” he said.

Kurukuru head Coach Victor Wai’ia says his boys are well prepared and now focus on the first match against Cuba on September 30, Brazil on October 2, Japan on October 4 and Russia on October 6.

He said every participating country has their aims and objectives and that is to win. “Likewise we too have the same aim and objectives. What I want from the boys is to put their best,” he said.

Players are: Elliot Ragomo, Alick Lioka, James Egeta, Micah Lea’lafa, Jack Wetney, Philip Houtarau, Jenan Kapu, Moffat Sikwa’ae, Francis Lafai, Ron Gino, Stanley Puairana, Lenson Bisili, Samuel Osifelo, Junior Kogua.

COACH: Victor Wai’ia

Draws for FIFA

Group A: Brazil, Russia, Japan, Cuba, Solomon Islands
Group B: Italy, Portugal, Thailand, Paraguay, USA
Group C: Argentina, Ukraine, China PR, Guatemala, Egypt
Group D: Spain, Czech Republic, Iran, Uruguay, Libya

Source : Solomon Star
Published : 2/9/2008
By : Charles Kadamana