Name	John Myers
Nickname	Jonny J or JM
State/Country you play Futsal in	NSW Australia
What got you started in Futsal?	Selected for the South African Indoor Team
What age did you start playing?	17
Preferred on field position	Goalkeeper
Current Team/Club you play for	Maccabi Futsal
Hardest Futsal opponent	Benfica FC, Portugal
Favourite Meal	Anything with Artichoke
Favourite Hobby	Futsal
Favourite Team	Everton
Favourite Sportsperson	Neville Southall / Tim Cahill
Favourite Music	My Chemical Romance
Most Memorable Futsal moment on or off the court	Playing against Benfica and Ricardino in Portugal
Which coach would you say influenced you the most in Futsal and at what age?	Scott Gilligan / Simon Keith
What was the best tip you’ve ever been taught in Futsal?	Leadership isn't given, its taken
What goals do you still want to achieve in Futsal?	To win a medal for Futsal at the 2009 Maccabi Futsal Competition
List 3 people you would love to have over for dinner	David Moyes, Duncan Ferguson and Sos Levin

 

The first round of the NSW “Supernova” futsal premier league got off to a resounding start at the Alstonville Leisure centre yesterday.

Mens teams from Alstonville, Lismore, Grafton, Wauchope, Port Macquarie and Brisbane (Qld) competed in this ongoing competition. It was an opportunity for the elite mens teams representing their local clubs, not only to compete against their neighbouring best, but to prepare for the oncoming seasons’ regional and national tournaments.

For the Organiser Tanya Bond, it was the culmination of many hours hard work. “Country NSW teams have been at a disadvantage” said Tanya, “as they’ve not had local tournaments of this quality in which to compete”

Referees from the local areas and interstate were ‘flown in’ to officiate at this inaugural premier league event, (was that true about players actually complimenting the refereeing standard ???)

All participating teams played with ‘controlled’ spirit (just one yellow card being shown all day!). After this the first round, Alstonville heads the league after winning all of their games closely followed by Wauchope and Lismore.

A 2 week break between rounds one and two will give respective coaches time to prepare their new strategies.

Tanya is also hoping to include teams from Tamworth, Armidale and Coffs Harbour in the near future. ”Futsal is so popular and is growing at such a rate in NNSW, we had to start this league, I hope to add a womens premier league to our calendar soon . I also want to say a big thank you to the Brisbane team for travelling down for the weekend!” said Tanya

Source : Vikings Futsal
Published : 20/10/2008

On Sunday the 26th of October 2008 at 2:00pm, The World Game on SBS will be showing extended highlights of the 2008 Futsal World Cup Final and also both Semi Finals.

The Semi Finals feature Brazil vs Russia and Spain vs Italy, and the final is a rematch of the last world cup, Brazil vs Spain.

Its a 1 hour show so be sure to catch it.

Thanks to Anthony Grima from Football Federation Victoria for the info.

Twelve years have elapsed since Brazil last claimed the FIFA Futsal World Cup. But thanks to two fabulous penalty saves from Franklin in a heart-stopping shootout, the Auriverde finally ended their long wait to rule the world once again, prevailing 4-3 from the spot after a thrilling 2-2 draw.

Reigning champions Spain sent a message of intent at the kick-off, lining up with five world champions. Brazil responded by showing they were not going to be bossed around, however, contesting every loose ball as if their lives depended on it.

Although both sides stuck firmly to their gameplans in the opening minutes, patiently maintaining possession and waiting for openings to appear, it was the Brazilians who had the edge. Spain’s Luis Amado was the busier of the two keepers, and he had to be sharp to deny Lenisio on two separate occasions as well as Cico and Falcao, whose impudent back-heel so nearly put the local favourites ahead.

Relying on quick breaks to unsettle their opponents, the Europeans almost stole the lead themselves after only two minutes, with Amado throwing long for Javi Rodriguez only for Tiago to block alertly.

The longer the game went on the more important the first goal became. Brazil coach Paulo Cesar de Oliveira shuffled his pack up front, even pairing Falcao and the powerful Betao together in a bid to outmuscle the Spanish. But every time his side had a sight of goal Amado was on hand to thwart them, denying Schumacher and Vinicius at the end of two superbly worked counter-attacks.

In the end it took a stroke of good luck for the Brazilians to edge ahead, Marquinho’s 27th-minute corner kick deflecting off Borja’s face and beating Amado at the near post. Spain refused to capitulate and were level within two minutes when Torras powered home a left-foot drive.

Despite being denied the services of Falcao through injury, Brazil came storming back, with Vinicius restoring the home side’s lead by thrashing the ball high into the net after Amado had pulled off two more fine stops. With just three minutes left on the clock, that appeared be that. The men in red had not read the script, however, and forced extra-time when Alvaro poked home at the far post with barely a minute left.

Although both sides went into overtime with five fouls each, the pace did not relent. Not for the first time, Amado and Tiago showed their shot-stopping skills at either end to ensure the title would be decided on penalties. And it was Tiago’s replacement, Franklin, who proved the hero of the afternoon, denying Torras and Marcelo to spark wild celebrations at the Maracanazinho.

Full match report and highlights are available on the FIFA Website.

Source : FIFA
Pusblished : 19/10/2008

South Coast Taipans maintained their perfect start to the season with a hard fought 2-1 away win over Benfica at Marrickville Indoor Stadium.

Both teams settled into the game looking to find their passing rhythm and secure possession. The pace was moderate and ball possession even but it was the South Coast who were having the majority of goal scoring chances.

Courtney Danyi, Justine Clemente, Alina McConnochie and Camille Augustyn all going close. Benfica had Belinda Candelori shooting from range whilst Louise Fantini went very close with an audacious lob which only just went wide of the post.

South Coast went ahead toward the end of the first half when Alina McConnochie was brought down in the box and the referee pointed straight to the spot. Courtney Danyi stepped up and dispatched the ball to give South Coast the lead.

The pace of the game quickened up as Benfica went in search of an equaliser. But the tactic of using the long throw down court from the keeper to enable a quick counter attack was not working for Benfica as the South Coast defence were picking it off and starving their opposition of good possession.

Benfica started the second half in search of an equaliser, their passing and movement was sharper and they were maintaining possession better and Olympia Avramidis went close with a shot just over the bar.

Soon after Benfica got the equaliser they were looking for when Olympia Avramidis stepped inside the defender and skilfully rounded the keeper to slot the ball home to make it 1-1.

Benfica went on a period of sustained pressure over their opponents with Beatrice SimSing dominant and Olympia Avramidis and Sherei Alpkaya looking dangerous in attack. South Coast were defending hard and trying to hit Benfica on the break.

South Coast resolutely weathered the pressure and hit back when Caitlyn Danyi robbed a defender mid court and raced on to slam the ball high into the corner of the net to give South Coast a 2-1 lead.

Benfica fought hard to level the game and had Mel Nolan in goal to thank for coming out to deny a Jacki Stopps counter attack late in the game.

Both teams on the day played some great football in a tense and entertaining contest with Caitlyn Danyi’s clinical finish giving the Taipans all three points.

Source : Football NSW
By : Peter Davies
Published : 20/10/2008

A strong and disciplined defensive display from South Coast was not enough to stop Benfica from making it four straight wins to maintain their position at the top of the Mens Super League.

Benfica started the game at a fast tempo and soon had Taipans keeper Jay Digger twice denying Benfica’s Marcelo De Andrade from giving his team the early lead.

Benfica’s court movement on and off the ball was faster than their opponents as they continued to dominate possession and pepper their opponents goal with Itaua Batista, Osmar De Barros, Hussein Akil and Caio Ongaratto all going close. Even keeper Joshua De Palma had several long range efforts.

Despite Benfica’s territorial advantage the South Coast played with admirable determination and discipline and always forced their opponents away from the penalty area to deny them clear cut attempts on goal.

South Coast had their chances too but perhaps their best attempt of the first half came when keeper Jay Digger crashed a shot from half way against the post. In the end both teams went to the break locked at 0-0.

The second half started the same as the first half with Benfica striving for a goal and the Taipans resolutely defending and hitting Benfica on the break. Keeper Josh De Palma made a great save to deny South Coasts Dean Triffitt on the counter attack.

Taipans keeper Jay Digger made further excellent saves to deny Itaua Batista and Nuno Simao and keep his team in the game whilst the dangerous Dean Triffitt for South Coast fired just wide.

But just when it looked like South Cost might hang on for a draw the game changed suddenly. The ball was back passed to the keeper when it was adjudged to have not have crossed the half way.

Despite South Coasts protests an indirect freekick was awarded and Caio Ongaratto slammed the ball home to make it 1-0 but not before the refs conferred that the ball had been touched first before Caio scored.

From this point South Coast had to go forward, but this left the gaps at the back that Benfica had craved all game and Itaua Batista made it 2-0 after forcing a mistake from the defence.

South Coasts Russell Crighton crashed a shot against the bar and Okan Turkman forced a fine save from keeper Da Palma. But it was not enough as Osmar De Barros wrapped up the game for Benfica late in the game.

Despite South Coasts gallant defensive effort the three points deservedly went to the skilful and mobile Benfica outfit.

Source : Football NSW
By : Peter Davies
Published : 20/10/2008

Four minutes into the Girls 13 match, things were starting to look shaky for Barcelona FC. Only good work by the Barca pivot was keeping the score at 0-0. Our girls were keeping possession well and moving the ball between all four outfield players. The next four minutes would define the game. During that time Morgan entered the court and scored 3 goals and Jess added a forth to make the score 4-0. The girls kept firing and finished the half ahead by 8.

Goal keeping was done admirably by Taylor in the first half and Natalie in the second half. They each had to make a couple of saves but I never felt concerned that a goal would be conceded. Good job girls. Our keepers can also be grateful of the good jobs done by our pivots, especially Natalie in the first half.

We made some improvements today in keeping possession while working the ball forward. Mikhaela was her normal composed self with the ball and was also quick to come to the aid of a team mate looking for an off load. Bronte was doing a good job of passing back to the pivot when needed and running forward in holes to receive the ball.

Kirrily continued her good form from last week’s game, playing at target. She fed the ball wide to the advancing flankers, setting up several goals and scoring one herself. Kirrily was the Player of the Match today which is a just reward for the improvement she has shown over the past two weeks.

We took advantage of our big first half lead to work on setting up goals for our team mates in the second half. This will be invaluable when we take on some of the strongest teams in the State Championships next week as good individual efforts wont win against the top teams, we need to play well as a team of five and score “team” goals. I congratulate the Barcelona girls for turning their game around and playing out a close second half of Futsal. The final score was 10-0 to Sutherland.

Morgan, Jess, and Taylor stayed back and played in the Girls 16s game. Morgan was a good second half keeper, earning complements from one of the coaches spectating. Taylor was outstanding at target. She held onto the ball under pressure, beat two defenders and was only denied a goal by a good save by the keeper.

Source : Sutherland Shire Futsal
By : P Ellis
Published : 19/10/2008

8 teams, 4 weeks, 2 finalists…but there can only be ONE winner.

Date: 2 November 2008

Where? FUTSAL ARENA’s International-sized futsal court.
Cnr Blake and Davis Streets, Reservoir (Victoria)
(At the end of Tyler Street, Northland end)

Entries close on 27 October 2008.

Prizes : Championship medalions. This tournament will be the qualification path for the upcoming Futsal Arena Premier League competition. The top 2 teams from this tournament and the A-League to automatically qualify.

The full tournament flyer is available here.

Source : Futsal Arena
Published : 20/10/2008

Think you’ve got the football skills to pay the bills? Queensland Roar is giving you the chance to prove it on the big stage with the Roar Freestyle Football Challenge.

The Roar are looking for 10 contestants to battle it out for the title of the Ultimate Freestyle Footballer, with the finalists to play off in front of a packed Suncorp Stadium before the Sydney match on January 17.

Heats will be held at half time of the National Youth League games, with four contestants each given one minute to showcase their talent. The crowd will judge the winner of each heat to progress to the final.

If you think you’ve got what it takes, upload a video onto YouTube and send the link to admin@qldroar.com.au

UPCOMING HEATS

HEAT 1- 17th October FRIDAY 4:45pm Suncorp Stadium
HEAT 2- 8th November SATURDAY 4:15pm Suncorp Stadium
HEAT 3- 15th November SATURDAY 4:00pm Perry Park
HEAT 4- 23rd November SUNDAY 2:15pm Suncorp Stadium
HEAT 5- 13th December SATURDAY 6:00pm Perry Park
FINALS -17th January SATURDAY 4:15pm SUNCORP STADIUM

Source : Queensland Roar
Published : 15/10/2008

Otago schools walked away with 4 of the 5 titles up for grabs at the Vikings Schools Champion of Champions in Queenstown.

30 schools and 240 participants played out the Champion of Champions in Queenstown over the weekend with Otago schools dominating.

Former All White and Otago Boys High School Head of Sport Mike McGarry, lead his boys to the 14yr and 16yr titles. The 14 boys went through undefeated winning the final 6-2 over Wakatipu High School while the 16 boys defeated Burnside High School (Christchurch) 5-2.

Linwood High School took home Canterbury’s only title winning the blue ribbon Senior Boys divsion 7-1 over the highly fancied Burnside high. Linwood dominated right from the start and shocked Burnside by taking a 4-0 lead into half time. The senior boys division was extremely competitive with any one of the 6 sides capable of winning.

Otago Girls wrapped up the 19 girls with a comprehensive tournament winning the final 4-1 while St Hilda’s (Dunedin) won the 16 girls 1 nil in extra time over Taieri High School.

With Schools from as far north as Kerikeri and small towns such as Carterton (Wairapa) the Campion of Champions catered for all of New Zealand. In term One 2009 Vikings Futsal NZ will be running Regional School Titles throughout New Zealand. The top 2 sides from each division will be invited the 2009 Vikings NZ Chapion of Chapions tournament.

For a full recap of results CLICK HERE (XLS)

Source : Vikings NZ
Published : 20/10/2008