Gifted Townsville futsal players Karmara-Lee O’Sullivan and Brierlee Eaton will head to Brazil to represent Australia later this year.

The pair were selected after outstanding performances at the national futsal competition in Melbourne recently.

The North Queensland team finished runners-up in the national competition after being beaten by New South Wales in the final.

The selection came as a huge shock to the pair who now looked forward to their first trip overseas.

Karmara-Lee O’Sullivan said she had been playing futsal for two years and was excited about going to Brazil.

“I’ve played football for a while and I played for the centre of excellence this year for outdoor,” O’Sullivan said.

“Futsal is a lot quicker and there is more action.”

Eaton said she couldn’t wait to put on the green and gold and head to Brazil to represent her country.

“It’s going to be hard work in Brazil,” she said.

“But it will be good to be exposed to the football academies there.”

The girls will play the schools of excellence including Diamanina, Brazilian City Declared and Rio De Janeiro.

They will also get 15 hours instruction from respected Brazilian futsal coaches and will have the chance to watch several professional futsal and football games.

Source : Townsville Bulletin
By : Natalie Peut
Published : 29/10/2008

Tasmanian Vikings Futsal under 16 boy’s captain Nathan Turale has been selected for the Australian under 16 team to travel to Brazil in April.Nathan, 15, is one of six Coastal players chosen in various underage teams to compete overseas early next year, with the girl’s under 16 team, including Burnie’s Cat Gaggin, who was in the team this year and travelled to England, and Penguin’s Louise McMullen, also travelling to Brazil.

A Grade 10 student at Devonport’s Reece High School, Nathan captained the state under 16 team at a selection tournament in Victoria last month for the indoor modified soccer game.

Nathan started the sport two years ago when he was asked by a teacher to represent his school.

Since that time he has been selected for Tasmania twice, won the best and fairest last year and captained the state side this year.

Costs to compete overseas next year must be met by players and their families, meaning some fundraising and sponsorship appeals will be forthcoming from Nathan and his fellow national reps.

Highlights of the Brazilian visit will include a visit to Granja Comary Brazilian Soccer Training Centre where Rivaldo and Ronaldo prepared to be world champions, watching professional futsal and soccer games, 15 hours of training with top Brazilians futsal coaches, playing local schools of excellence in Diamantina, a Brazilian city declared by United Nations as World Heritage because of its history and beauty, and a visit to Rio de Janeiro.

Vikings Futsal is well known throughout the world and has been sending representatives teams overseas for almost 10 years.

It is the only organisation contracted by EBF (Brazil Football Education) to send players and teams to their national training centre.

National Vikings national representative team selections are made from the largest futsal player base in Australasia.

The under 12 Australian team will be travelling to the US and will include Coastal players Kiel Haas, Mitchell Stanley and Lachy Weller.

An Australian under 19 boys team will also travel to China but the final team is yet to be announced.

Source : The Advocate
Published : 29/10/2008

Name	Nick Harrison
Nickname	Harro/Dazzle
Date of Birth	25.08.1986
State/Country you play Futsal in	Tasmania Australia
What got you started in Futsal?	Few mates played
What age did you start playing?	19
Preferred on field position	Target / Pivot
Current Team/Club you play for	Y.A.F.T.H.F/Sandy Bay Storm/Tasmanian Islanders
Hardest Futsal opponent	Michael McKenna
Favourite Meal	Pizza
Favourite Hobby	Playing sport and hanging out with mates
Favourite Team	Arsenal
Favourite Sportsperson	Ian Wright
Favourite Music	Variety
Most Memorable Futsal moment on or off the court	Coaching at national schools 08/ Pacific league 07 variety of things: second top goal scorer/ Maryborough and Cairns trips. Also ‘that goal’ against the stripes in the indoor three game playoff series.
Which coach would you say influenced you the most in Futsal and at what age?	Lol I haven’t really been coached yet properly.
What was the best tip you’ve ever been taught in Futsal?	If you have possession and the other team doesn’t, they cant score
What goals do you still want to achieve in Futsal?	Vikings Australia Team
List 3 people you would love to have over for dinner	Ian Wright, Jessica Alba and Ben Stiller/Will Ferrell

Please find attached a copy of the trial dates for the NSW teams going to compete at the National Championships between the 6th January and the 9th of January 2009.

Trial Ages

11 Boys and 11 Girls
12 Boys and 12 Girls
13 Boys and 13 Girls
14 Boys and 14 Girls
15 Boys and 15 Girls
16 Boys and 16 Girls
Youth (u19) Men and Youth (u19) Women
Women

Trials are only open to players who took part in the Futsal Championships 2008 (25th/26th of October)

Click here for Trial Times (PDF)

Football NSW wishes all players attending the trials the best of luck.

Source : Football NSW
Published : 28/10/2008

The Homeless World Cup is an annual, international football tournament, uniting teams of people who are homeless and excluded to take a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent their country and change their lives forever. This year it is being held in Melbourne on 1-2nd of December. Capital City Futsal are putting on a display and competition in Civic Square on Friday 7th of November 2008 to assist.

The Homeless World Cup has triggered and supports grass roots football projects in over 60 nations working with over 30,000 homeless and excluded people throughout the year. Over 70% of players changing their lives for the better by coming off drugs and alcohol, moving into jobs, education, homes, training, reuniting with families and even going on to become players and coaches for pro or semi-pro football teams.

See www.homelessworldcup.org and http://www.youtube.com/user/HomelessWorldCup

Source : Capital City Futsal
Published : 28/10/2008

Vikings Senior Titles – Day Three

Canterbury Women produced a miracle comeback to defeat Otago on penalties in the womens final. Down 3-1 with 5min to play Canterbury looked headed for their first defeat in 3 years before Rebecca Banfield slotted the equaliser with just 17seconds on the clock. Both sides had chances in extra time but eventually this match would be sttled on penalties 5-3

The mens final matched the womens final for intesity and drama with the all Brazilian Central Otago side taking on Canterbury. Central shot out to a 2 goal lead before Ryan Batty smashed home a screamer of a volley from 15m out to bring canterbury within 1. The jkey monent in this match was when Central Otago player Ruy Pires was sent of for a proffessional foul reducing the Central otago side to 4 for 2 minutes. During this time they managed to score and take the score out to 4-1 with 7 minutes to play. canterbury never gave up hope and made the last minute of play interseting when the moved to within 1 but in the end Central otago prevailed 4-3

A very healthy crowd was on hand to witness two outstanding finals that puctuated a fantastic 3 days of Futsal. Hard luck story of the weekend was the Auckland mens side who missed the final on goals and the big improver of the weekend was the Otago women almost knocked off the 3 year unbeaten Canterbury

Men
Day One

Canterbury 7 d 5 Otago
South Canterbury 7 d 5 Central Otago
Auckland 10 d 1 Southern Stars
South Canterbury 14 d 0 Southern Stars
Auckland 4 drew 4 Canterbury
Central Otago 10 d 0 Otago

Day Two

Central Otago 4 d 1 Auckland
Otago 5 drew 5 South Canterbury
Canterbury 13 d 2 Southern Stars
Central Otago 17 d 0 Southern Stars
Canterbury 8 d 3 South Canterbury
Auckland 9 d 6 Otago

Day Three

Otago 13 d 3 Southern Stars
Central Otago 5 d 3 Canterbury
Auckland 7 d 3 South Canterbury

Table

Central Otago 12
Canterbury 11
Auckland 11
South Canterbury 8
Otago 5
Southern Stars 0

Women
Day One

Canterbury 6 d 1 Southern Stars
Canterbury Development 4 d 3 Otago
Canterbury 2 d 0 Canterbury Development
Otago 4 d 3 Southern Stars

Day Two

Canterbury 8 d 3 Otago
Southern Stars 3 drew 3 Canterbury Dev

Semi Finals

Canterbury 6 d 1 Southern Stars
Otago 9 d 3 Canterbury Dev

3rd/4th play off

Canterbury Dev 5 d 1 Southern Stars

Grand Final

Canterbury 3 d 3 Otago (5-3 on penalties)

Table

Canterbury 9
Canterbury Dev 5
Otago 3
Southern Stars 2

Source : Vikings NZ
Published : 28/10/2008

The 14 years girls Futsal team qualified in August, as winners of the Mid North Coast Zone, to compete at the Finals Series of the North Coast Futsal CHS Knockout.

The overall 14 years girls competition had 22 schools from the North Coast entered in a knockout format. The winner of the four North Coast zones then went on to meet in the final series.

So the teams from Ballina HS, Richmond River HS, Westport HS and, of course, Bellingen HS met in Grafton to play the final two rounds of the knockout.

Ballina HS had to take on Richmond River HS and Bellingen HS had to play Westport HS in the fourth round of the knockout.

The Bello girls started strongly with Kanisha Phillips-Cooke scoring a goal within the first minute and they never looked back. Maggie Mills added two more and Kanisha another by half time to make the score 4-0. The girls had played a solid passing game which had set up the many opportunities for them to score.

After half time the Westport girls came out more determined and put a lot more pressure on our passing game. A few errors saw them score a couple of goals during the second half, however Kanisha also bagged another two and Malynda Post scored from a great set up by Maggie Mills. The final score 7-2 and into the final against Ballina HS, who beat Richmond River HS 5-1.

The final was a tough encounter, as Ballina were very physical. Again the girls started strongly Kanisha picking up a loose ball and making no mistakes to put it in the back of the net.

Unfortunately, we lost captain Maggie Mills shortly after this with an elbow to the mouth, however, the girls held it together and eventually Maggie returned to the field. The next goal was a great team effort with Malynda crossing a ball for Meg Roberts who neatly volleyed it into the net. The half time score was 2-0, but Ballina weren’t going to give up.

The Bello girls returned to the field more determined than ever and continued their great passing game which split the Ballina defence numerous times. Ballina also had a number of opportunities to score but great goalkeeping by Jenny LaSpada kept the slate clean. Meanwhile, at the other end, Malynda managed to convert two goals and Kanisha added one more to her score.

A massive 5-0 in the final of the North Coast which indicates just how dominant these girls were. In the 5 rounds of competition the girls scored 34 goals for with only 7 goals against. What a fantastic effort!

The future is obviously bright for the future of Futsal at Bellingen HS. The team was made up of captain and all round play maker Maggie Mills, dynamic attacking midfielder scoring 11 of the 34 goals, Kanisha Phillips-Cooke, clever and elusive strikers Meg Roberts (6 goals) and Malynda Post (8 goals), reliable and solid defenders Danika Blackburn and Georgia Brown, super sub for the mid field Rosie Toms and ,of course, super solid keeper, Jenny La Spada.

Most improved player definitely goes to Georgia Brown.

Source : The Bellingen Shire Courier-Sun
Published : 28/10/2008

The Hills Grammar School’s under-11s boys’ and under-12s girls’ futsal teams are celebrating after recent success at the National Futsal Championships.The competition was held at Penrith Sports Stadium late last month, and the school produced their best result at the national competition.

The girls’ team made it through to the semi-finals against Emerton Public School.

At the end of the game, the score was locked at 3-3 but the Hills team lost 2-1 in a penalty shoot-out.

The boys went a step further and made the grand final against Balgownie Public School.

Despite being undefeated throughout the competition, Hills lost the all-important grand final going down 6-4 in extra time, and were declared runners-up.

Both the girls’ and boys’ coaches, Chris Solomou and Fernado Mazzei, were thrilled with both teams’ success.

“We are extremely proud of them,” Solomou said. “They have put so much work into the games and they have done an amazing job. It was the school’s best ever result.”

Source : Hills News
By : Amanda Keane
Picture : Natalie Spiteri
Published : 28/10/2008

Emerging soccer star Jamie Rivett is on the verge of big things he just needs some help getting there.The 14-year-old was included in the Australasian futsal squad – featuring Australia and New Zealand’s best prospects – to tour the UK in April next year.

He was chosen as one of the five best players from the recent National Futsal finals in Melbourne.

But the $6000 costs have forced the Crestmead youngster to temper any thoughts of round ball domination just yet.

Single mum Julie McCorry says she will fight tooth-and-nail to see her son reach his goal.

“His biggest dream is that he wants to play for Manchester United,” Ms McCorry said.

“He said to me `I can’t go can I?’

“We are just going to do the best we can.”

Rivett has scooped the past two Marsden Junior Sportsman of the Year awards for his efforts in futsal, soccer, athletics and swimming.

He was also the Senior Sportsman of the Year at Regents Park Primary School in Year 7.

“He is pretty good all-round at sports to be honest,” said Ms McCorry.

To help reach the United Kingdom, Ms McCorry is looking to raise funds from an upcoming sausage sizzle and raffles through the school.

To help contact 32009786 or 0401793043.

Source : Logan West Leader
By : Rhys O’Neill
Published : 28/10/2008

Sutherland Shire Futsal have posted a couple more news articles about their teams at the 2008 NSW State Champs.

Sutherland Under 9s Football NSW State Futsal Champions

Our Sutherland red hot under 9s development squad continued to impress in the 2008 Football NSW State Futsal Championships.

Qtr Final, Sutherland 7 vs. Sydney City Eagles 2

Semi Final 1, Sutherland 2 vs. Bondi Beach FC 1

Grand Final, Sutherland 2 vs. Dream Team 1

An amazing result for such as talented team.

Head coach Jim Apostolovski described the team as a testiment to grassroots futsal. The team gelled very well, and that came from weeks of fine tuning and executing drills to be put in effect in game play at State Championships, with many set pieces coming off with maximum rewards.

He also said that “going through the group stages and only conseeding 3 goals and scoring 31 made our run into the Quarters a little easier compared to other groups” so our lads had plenty of fuel left in the tank to takle other talented teams in the finals series.

A solid performance in the semi was demonstrated and an amazing goal scored by our man of the match Anthony Nizic (goalkeeper) was enough to book us a place in the final. The final produced great individual and team movements on and off the ball. A packed house with vocal fans from both sides reving the lads on from start to finish. The final whistle completed, what we set as the mission…..and that was to come home to Sutherland with the trophy. Which our young Futsalroos did.

Our head coach of junior Futsal development Jim Apostolovski prior to the competition predicted this team will go all the way. Sutherland Shire Futsal Association has already comenced building the 2009 team and we trust it will be even stronger. Thanks also to the Futsal Referees who worked very hard over both days.

Well done Anthony, Matthew, Michael, Jason, Patrick, Christian, Jackson & Alex. Thanks also to the parents, supporters and coaching staff of the under 9s Boys. WOW you guys are State CHAMPIONS.

Sutherland Under 10s Boys Final Results

The last group match for Sutherland was played against Manchester United at Penrith Indoor Sports Stadium. Sutherland provaled victorious with a resounding win 10 – 1.

An amazing result for the 10s considering Group C was by far the toughest group with exceptional talent on display. A fantastic game for the boys.

A great result for Sutherland 10s considering the team went through a rebuilding process from last years Grand Finalists. The 10s will be back next year with one thing on there mind – and thats winning the State Championships.

Head Coach, Jim Apostolovski said “this years 10s competition was the best for many years. It demonstrates how far Futsal has progressed at grassroots level. At Sutherland the philosphy of nursing great talent and providing the oppotunity for our young players to excel on the greatest level in NSW has been demonstrated from our 10s. Sutherland has an abundance of young rising stars with level headed approach in the beautiful game.”

Jim Apostolovski also said “our training & development strategy was executed well, in the lead up to the State Championships. It was an exeptional close tournament for our team, going down narrowly in a few games, yet also picking up and producing huge wins as well. Thanks to Scott Gilligan, Simon Kieth, Danny and Daniel for regularly contributing to our Sunday developement training at Endeavour Sports High School, all this effort has paid off and been part of the vision of the Sutherland Shire Futsal Association.

A huge wrap also needs to be echoed across to the coaching and support staff Aldo Leimich demonstrating his professionalism and composure during the course of the event. Well done to all involved.

Our building process has commence immediately for the 2009 State Titles. Futsal was the winner.

Source : Sutherland Shire Futsal
By : J Simnett
Published : 26/10/2008