On Saturday the 24th January 2009, Sydney Benfica FC in conjunction with 5 Star Futsal, secured their inaugural FNSW Club Championship.

Not long ago, in the 2005/06 season, the club debut as Red Eagles in the Futsal Premier League and finished last as a club, with their 14 Boys scoring more than half the clubs points. That year the boys went down in the preliminary final 3-1, to Sydney City Eagles.

This team acted as the foundations of the club, as they began to rebuild for the next season, where they took part in a two-tiered competition, finishing third in the club championship. All their men’s teams contested the finals series with three grand finalist and their youth men’s crowned as Champions.

In 2007/08 the club finished 4th. At the State Titles, the club won several championships and were strongly represented by their men’s teams.

Once the 2008/09 seasons was upon us, the club had been busy putting together a plan. Their men’s were already strong. It was merely a matter of tweaking them a little. Their focus was on their women’s teams. If they wanted to win the Club Championship, it was going to be done through their women.

After 13 grueling rounds, and with the Dural Warriors and the other competing clubs pushing all the way, Sydney Benfica FC climbed to the top of the summit with all their men’s teams and 16 Girls qualifying for the final series. Their Youth Mens team were crowned Minor Premiers.

Special mention goes to our 13 Girls and Women’s, who missed out on the final series by 1 point. Without your efforts Club Championship, would not have been possible.

To our major sponsors Wideform, Radio Rentals and Marrickville Tennis Club and our other remaining sponsors, your assistance is greatly appreciated.

To our web designer, Seeclear Systems and web host Seccom Networks, thankyou for the smashing website.

To the parents, officials, coaches and the Benfica supporters, you were simply sublime.

Last but not least, to all the players that represented the club, you did so with honour and distinction. You mixed the skill of futsal, with heart and determination.

This “Club Championship” is truly yours.

Lorenzo D’Addona

Source : Sydney Benfica FC
Published : 25/1/2009