On Wednesday the 26th November NSW Thunder will take on the might of Russia at Marrickville PCYC. This match will follow the completion of the Marrickville Derby, whereby the 12 Boys of Sydney Magic PCYC will take on Sydney Benfica FC. Both teams are leading their respective competitions on 15 points with 5 wins and 1 loss. Both sides were successful at the recent state titles and have already locked horns in the 5 Star Futsal Cup with Magic running out winners in a tight and entertaining game 3-2.

This will be mate against mate in all respects and will be played in all the right spirits. The majority of these boys will contest the 2009 National Titles representing their State NSW.

Whatever happens, this game will be 5 Star.

Good luck to all teams on the night.

Sydney Magic PCYC v Sydney Benfica FC (Kick Off 6.45pm) NSW Thunder v Russia (Kick Off 7.30pm)

Source : Sydney Benfica FC & Sydney Magic PCYC
Published : 21/11/2008

Name	Cameron Caligiuri
Nickname	Cammy or Blocker
Date of Birth	7.10.1998
State/Country you play Futsal in	NSW Australia
What got you started in Futsal?	My cousins
What age did you start playing?	3 cause my uncle owned the centre
Preferred on field position	Target
Current Team/Club you play for	Sydney City eagles
Hardest Futsal opponent	Panos
Favourite Meal	Chicken Snitzel
Favourite Hobby	Riding bike
Favourite Team	Chelsea
Favourite Sportsperson	Deco
Favourite Music	Whatever mum puts on
Most Memorable Futsal moment on or off the court	Playing for NSW
Which coach would you say influenced you the most in Futsal and at what age?	My dad and uncle Roy. Mostly under 9s and this year.
What was the best tip you’ve ever been taught in Futsal?	No matter how old and how long you have been playing, you will always learn something.
What goals do you still want to achieve in Futsal?	To play for Australia
List 3 people you would love to have over for dinner	Deco, Torres and Wayne Rooney

Name	Jacob Opacak
Nickname	Snopak
Date of Birth	22.5.1996
State/Country you play Futsal in	NSW Australia
What got you started in Futsal?	Playing with a bunch of outdoor soccer mates
What age did you start playing?	8
Preferred on field position	Target
Current Team/Club you play for	Under 12’s Sutherland Shire Futsal Association
Hardest Futsal opponent	Benfica
Favourite Meal	Burritos
Favourite Hobby	Lego, Soccer in backyard, Nintendo DS
Favourite Team	Chelsea FC
Favourite Sportsperson	Juliano Belletti, Frank Lampard
Favourite Music	Daft Punk
Most Memorable Futsal moment on or off the court	Scoring from halfway of a deflection from my knee
Which coach would you say influenced you the most in Futsal and at what age?	Lee Pepper at age 12
What was the best tip you’ve ever been taught in Futsal?	Knee over the ball
What goals do you still want to achieve in Futsal?	To make the Australian Futsal side
List 3 people you would love to have over for dinner	Frank Lampard, Deli Lama, Steven Gerrard

Name	Angus Souter
Nickname	Arteta or Pocket Rocket
Date of Birth	24.4.1996
State/Country you play Futsal in	Tasmania Australia
What got you started in Futsal?	Soccer and Friends
What age did you start playing?	8
Preferred on field position	Forward/Flank
Current Team/Club you play for	STIG/Tasmanian Islanders
Hardest Futsal opponent	Mackillop College Grade 9
Favourite Meal	Sushi
Favourite Hobby	Soccer or kicking the ball
Favourite Team	Everton
Favourite Sportsperson	Mikel Arteta
Favourite Music	Metro Stations
Most Memorable Futsal moment on or off the court	Winning Australian School Championships 2008 with Tasmanian Islanders 12 Boys
Which coach would you say influenced you the most in Futsal and at what age?	Academy and State coach Corey Smith
What was the best tip you’ve ever been taught in Futsal?	Corey says don't worry about the refs decisions and concentrate on your own team formation and shape
What goals do you still want to achieve in Futsal?	To play Futsal in Brazil one day
List 3 people you would love to have over for dinner	Christiano Ronaldo, Mikel Arteta, Corey Smith

Name	Trey Westbury
Nickname	Westy
Date of Birth	12.4.1996
State/Country you play Futsal in	Tasmania Australia
What got you started in Futsal?	Keep fit for outdoor and pathways
What age did you start playing?	9
Preferred on field position	Target/Flank anywhere in attack
Current Team/Club you play for	Vikings Tasmania
Favourite Meal	Spaghetti Bolognese
Favourite Hobby	Any Sports
Favourite Team	Manchester Utd
Favourite Sportsperson	Nathan Buckley (AFL)
Favourite Music	Variety
Most Memorable Futsal moment on or off the court	Winning the Vikings National School Title with Tasmanian Islanders 12 Boys team this year and being top goalscorer in the competition.
Which coach would you say influenced you the most in Futsal and at what age?	State Coach Corey Smith in 2008
What was the best tip you’ve ever been taught in Futsal?	Communication with teammates and team movement
What goals do you still want to achieve in Futsal?	Play at the highest level possible
List 3 people you would love to have over for dinner	Nathan Buckley, Mel Gibson, Peter Griffin (Family Guy)

Zac Waters is only in his first year of futsal but the 15-year-old is already set to play the fast-paced European sport at the highest level in Australia.

The All Saints College, St Peter’s campus, Maitland student has been selected to represent Northern NSW in the under-15s at the Australian Championships, to be held in Canberra from January 6-10.Waters was one of nine players picked for the squad from try-outs held at Gateshead Indoor Sportsworld on October 26.

The East Maitland teenager said whilst futsal was a well-known sport with its own national competitions in South America and Europe, it was very much still a developing sport in Australia.

“It’s getting bigger in Australia with more indoor sporting centres having futsal courts,” Waters said.

“I’ve just finished watching the futsal World Cup on television and it’s good to see that the sport is getting more and more coverage.”

Waters said his futsal career had started as innocently as one of his friends asking if he wanted a game.

“Friends of mine asked me if I wanted to have a casual kick,” Waters said.

“I’ve played outdoor soccer since I was five and I thought I’d give it a go.

“Then I heard that there were northern trials on.”

Waters’ father Paul said the sport was perfect for honing technical skills that could be used on the outdoor fields.

“There are no walls to rely on like in indoor soccer and if you don’t have enough skill you’re going to get found out,” he said.

Waters, whose Weston under-16s team went through the 2008 season undefeated and won the premiership, hopes the competition provides him with plenty of experience.

“There will be a lot of quality teams down there and it’s bound to be a great tournament,” Waters said.

Waters said his team, which has been training twice a week in preparation for next year’s championships, made it to the quarter finals in January this year before being ousted by South Australia.

“We play South Australia again this year so we’ll be looking for some revenge,” Waters said.

“There are two pools with 10 teams in each and the teams to beat are generally the Central Coast academy teams.”

Waters said an Australian side would be chosen at the completion of the championships, but the East Maitland star was playing down his chances of making the national team in his first year.

“The idea of representing Australia is just unbelievable but it’s something I’m not thinking too much about,” Waters said.

“I just want to go down and have a good tournament and have fun.”

Source : The Maitland Mercury
By : Sam Rigney
Published : 21/11/2008

First timers ‘Ris’, where victors at the Pan Pacific Futsal over 40’s comp, which was held at Carrara on the Gold Coast earlier this month.

Ris’ translated means Lynx, and all 9 members of the team used every characteristic of the southern European wild cat to progress through the rounds, across the week long event.

Having never played Futsal before, the whilly veterans sharpened their teeth for the tournament via a Saturday afternoon competition held in Brisbane’s New Farm Park.

The ’small football’ as they call it, has been going for nearly 9 years. They play with 1.5m x 1.2m sized goals, standardly with no goal keeper. The size of the park fields alter subject to how many players arrive on any particular Saturday.

Team spokesman Ino Kotur, reckons that the unusual version of the game keeps many a passing New Farm resident greatly entertained.

They should be even easier to find on Saturday afternoons now, with the glimmering shine of their gold medals being draped around their necks.

Source : Vikings Futsal
Published : 21/11/2008

Months of hard work and planning finally came down to this, almost three hundred players support staff and supporters boarding planes to invade Melbourne for the Vikings Futsal National School Titles held at the Dandenong Basketball Centre.

A mixture of excited kids, nervous parents and in some cases stressed looking team managers, filled most of the departure lounge at Hobart Airport. Three hours later and the players were safely in their rooms at the F1 motel and at times the car park looked more like a Futsal training venue.

After burning off most of their nervous energy , I would like to think that most of the crew would be asleep at a reasonable hour…….BUT….. as I walked the corridors (well past curfew), I could still hear excited voices behind some of the doors.

After the players had helped themselves to a buffet breakfast it was onto the buses and a short trip to the venue. Upon arrival at the we where excited to see a hive of activity made up of teams from across Australia and the Tasman Sea.

On court, day one was very successful for Tassie, as many of our teams were unbeaten. Things were a bit quieter after tea, as the energy levels started to drop and many of the players were in bed at a more reasonable hour. Most had played four games and after a meal at the Pancake Parlour, followed by a kick around the car park, thoughts were turned to tomorrows games.

A bit slower down to breakfast on Day 2 but the outlook was no less positive with some of our teams already in the hunt for the finals. At this stage the 19 boys, 12 boys and 10 boys were undefeated. The only down side for the day was that some of our teams were playing each other for places in the semis but whatever the score it, was great to see the support and sportsmanship that was shown by all involved players and supporters.

At the conclusion of the day, another long line of players made their way up the road to tea followed by you guessed it A KICK AROUND THE CARPARK. As fatigue took its toll, an even bigger influx of players wanted to go to bed EARLY, as their dreams turned to the finals. The quieter night allowed the coaches and support staff to have time to wash the kits and organize for the final day.

The final day of competition dawned with much excitement. I noticed that the teams who were still in the hunt were very subdued and not taking full advantage of breakfast. Obviously nervous as the prospect of a shot at glory loomed large.

From memory it came down to this, we had three teams into the finals (19 Boys, 12boys & 10 boys), all of who were unbeaten over the last three days and deserved to go into their games as favourites.

The first to go for gold were the 10 boys and it was a titanic struggle against QLD. The two sides went goal for goal only to see our boys beaten with the last kick of the game.

Next up were the 12 boys who again were up against QLD the team who beat them in Brisbane over Easter. But not this time! The boys, well coached by Corey, showed the value of the time spent as part of the Vikings Futsal Academy in handing the ‘Cane Toads’ a Futsal lesson with a comfortable 5-1 win. This was the first Tassie team in either Futsal or Soccer to be crowned National Champions. Also impressive to see was the way the boys conducted themselves after the win. It was a credit to how they are coached.

The 19 boys where unfortunate enough to save their worst game for last, which saw them go down 5-2.

Through out the day, it was fantastic to see that whenever there was a Tassie team playing, they received great support from the rest of the touring party. This was thanks mostly to Corey who spent much of his time marshalling the red and green army from one game to another.

Very slow out of the blocks on the last day mostly for the coaches and support staff. After talking to the players most of the boys opted to go to the Aquatic Centre and as you could guess most of the girls wanted to shop. But the National Champs who I was minding wanted to……… wait for it…….. KICK THE BALL AROUND but we talked them into a tram ride into town for lunch. So after some shopping (sports stores of course) and a quick stop in to grab some Krispy Cremes for mum, we where off back home to Hobart and some very proud parents.

The most satisfying aspect of the trip was how the players, coaches and support staff conducted themselves over the duration of the trip. They were all a credit to Vikings Futsal and Tasmania in general.

Thanks for organising such an event must go to the National body , all the coaches and support staff. A special Tasmanian kudos to Corey ‘Super Coach’ Smith from all the Tasmanian Academy Members.

Rob Norton

Source : Vikings Futsal
Published : 21/11/2008

Linwood College in Christchurch is fast becoming a Futsal School. They compete in the Christchurch Schools Leagues, Tournaments along with entering teams into the Sunday Club Leagues at QEII Park.

Following Linwood Colleges success at Futsal in 2007 when we won the Canterbury Schools Championships and The U 16 South Island Champs, we focused a lot of time and effort on the Futsal teams and development in the school.

Our Seniors playing in the U19 Schools competition also decided to enter the Sunday mens league. This combined with our training and practicing weekly meant that we were playing twice a week and training at least once a week.

With training and a focus on diet and mental attitude we went to Queenstown for the Nationals. There we closely monitored our food intake and liquid intake and our preparation was first class. A combination of training and relaxing on the Friday got us in the mood for the tournament.

On the first day we won all 3 games and left feeling confident and we went into the Sunday nervous but excited. We won the first two games and went on to Meet Burnside in The Final. Burnside in fact were the last team to have beaten us in the schools competition. A light lunch and team preparation was on the beach away from the Exhibition Centre.

We entered the final feeling that this was our chance. We sped into an early lead and followed that with 5 quick goals in succession, half time and we were 6-0 up. The second half was much closer but we finished worthy winners 7-1. Burnside were excellent opponents and were very generous in defeat. We were National Champions and it was truly amazing. It was an excellent tournament and a brilliant end to the year. The stars of our team were Joe Davies, just 14, and who was our top scorer and MVP with 14 goals over the two days and Lucas Castro and International student from Brazil.

Our team comprised Matt Hoppper (Capt), Trent Wales, Joe Davies, Hayden Cranefield, Aaron Cormack, Abdhi Ibrahim, Joao Araujo, Lucas Castro, Tony Nelmes, and Josh Macklin supported by Ross McCauley Asst Coach and Tom Davies Coach.

Our style of play and professionalism and preparation was highly admired by ex professional footballers from the UK and by an All White International player who took the time to watch our play and preparation.

At the Colleges annual Sports Dinner the team were given the Team of the Year award the highest school team award. All the players too were awarded for their play and contribution to sport at Linwood.

In the Wednesday Schools competition the strength in depth of Futsal at Linwood was shown when our First and Second team qualifying for the final. It was an opportunity for rivalries to be fought and in an entertaining game which finished 2-2 at full time the game went into an intense period of Extra time. The second team snatched the winner and won the Schools title.

The success of the teams and the profile of the sport has lifted Football and Futsal within Linwood. We have a lot of International students from Europe, Asia and South America and they are attracted by the success of our Futsal team.

We have had considerable success at all levels of Futsal and numerous players have been selected to represent New Zealand and the South Island. All have received additional school awards recognising this success. These include Darcie Willis U 19 and NZ Womens, Sionainn Byrnes U19 and NZ Womens, Chloe Williams U19 and Australasia and Nicola Grey U19 for the girls teams and Patrick Ardouin U14, Aaron Cormack U19, Matt Hopper U19, Joe Davies U14, Lucas Castro U19 for the boys.

With the success has come increasing popularity of the sport and for 2009 we will have at least U14, U16 and two senior teams in the schools boys competitions and U16 and U19 girls teams.

We will continue with playing at weekends to and entering competitions as they arise. Such is the popularity of the sport that approaches have been made by excellent player to join our school to be part of the Futsal set up. We have strong links with Brazil, and they have helped with our training and tactics and sincerely hope to visit there and play in against teams in the near future.

Tom Davies Coach & Matt Hopper Captain.

Source : Vikings NZ
Published : 20/11/2008

Another Brazilian Soccer Schools local comp beings in January 2009. This time it is the St George competition held at the Rockdale Tennis Club.

Their Official Flyer and Entry form is available here. The contents of the flyer are as follows :

Come play in our FUTSAL COMPETITION at Rockdale Tennis Club.

Teams & individual Players most welcome. Come have some fun & keep fit.

Commences: JANUARY 26th 2009 to APRIL 13th 2009
Venue: 71 Chapel St Rockdale (Rockdale Tennis Club)
Days: Monday – Women’s
Tuesday – Girls, Mens, Open Mixed
Wednesday – 9s/10s Boys & Girls, 11s/12s Boys
Thursday – 5s/6s, 7s/8s, Youth 15-18
Friday – 13s/14s Boys
Game Duration: 30 minutes
Cost: $55 per game (per team) $45 per game (per team) (4-10 Yrs). 10 Players = $5.50 each per game.

Please Call Jack Atkinson on 0417 441 790
Email fds@braziliansoccerschools.com.au

Source : Brazilian Soccer Schools
Published : 20/11/2008