Mel McCauley

Mel was part of the Women’s team that took out last year’s title and also did a magnificent job as coach of the 16 Girls. She’s back again this year in both roles and is also training all the girl ‘keepers. As you can see, she’s a futsal tragic. She cares about the game has a lot to say about the game and how the girls’ game is developing.

Editor: You were part of the Women’s team that finally got that elusive title last year coming from 4th position. How was that experience for you?

Mel: I was! After playing futsal for ten long years it was almost a relief to win a Women’s premiership. It was relief, followed by excitement and a massive sense of accomplishment. I cannot stress enough even though I am the oldest Women’s player, how much admiration I have for the girls that played beside me. They are the best bunch of girls and very talented futsal players that are dedicated to themselves and those around them.

Winning the Grand Final felt ten times better because you know not only were you playing for yourself, you’re playing for those around you. As a goal keeper I”m blessed. The girls listen to everything, every instruction, every piece of advice. ‘d say the experience was that good I would like to do it two years in a row!

Editor: You seemed to have embraced the Quake spirit coming back again as a player and a coach. What is it about Quake that you like?

Mel: As a coach the girls are committed. They want to train, they want to listen. The parents are easy to get along with and they let me do my thing and trust me with their children. That’s massive for me.

As a player there is plenty of support, no drama and it’s fun. I have developed some of my closest mates at Quake. When you play for your team mates you get a great sense of accomplishment. I also love how the young age groups stay around to support the other teams. Also, you can’t go past a pink keepers strip.

I am also excited about the Gilligan duo coaching us. When it comes to futsal the brains of Jimmy and Scott are something I think I can learn from and I am excited to learn from them.

Editor: Do you play outdoor? What is it about futsal that you like?

Mel: No, I don’t play outdoor. I’m loyal to futsal. Is fast, fun and unpredictable. I also don’t mind the social aspect which I’m sure many would agree with. Every player commits to a club and defends their colours all year round until nationals and then we become one giant big colour and all support each other. It’s a great sport.

Editor: Can you see yourself involved in the game in the long term?

Mel: 11 years long enough.??? I’m not done yet. I definitely enjoying coaching more now so hopefully I can continue on with that. As for playing I’ll hang around to Dana is ready to take my spot. She is like my little apprentice so I will actually be excited when she knocks me off, She is an amazing talent and when that day comes I’ll be ready to hang up my rabens.

Editor: Finally, all the girls women’s teams did so well last year and the squads look very promising again this year. Tell us why everybody should watch the girls and women play the game.

Mel: Like I said in my profile, the girls and womens games have come along way. It’s faster and smarter and coaches are teaching better tactics. It is no longer boys learn one way and girls learn another. Girls are learning like the boys do and are now getting to be as exciting as the boys.

Watching the younger girls age groups I see a lot of talent and some similarities that mimic what it was like when I first started playing futsal. Back when I started girls couldn’t get enough of futsal. We would go all day, call in sick to work to go to training, miss the most important occasions to hit up a futsal court. I can’t say our parents loved it but they learnt too. For some years that same passion, I feel, went missing in some grades of girls but I see that same dedication shining through again. Girls are proving that we can compete with skill and flair and we aren’t whingers when we get tackled hard, we just get back up and tackle harder.

I have no doubt the 16 Girls comp will be strong. The likes of Magic , Rovers and Vipers will all be up there again. The comp seems to be growing stronger. Last year Boomerangs made a significant impact and made the finals in their first Premier League year. No one is ever a right off which makes good futsal. Also there are some exciting coaches in this age group. I believe Magic will be well led under Robbie Maiorana, Vipers are blessed with Erkin Osman, Sydney City have Tom Thomson, who lead Quake Women’s and 16s to victories in previous years developing them well so I have no doubt Sydney City will benefit from him, and Boomerangs are lead by Kristian Collins. All exciting coaches with a world of knowledge to help their teams.

The Women’s comp is just at a new stage in futsal life. The teams are young with a few old wise heads still running around guiding the pups. As champions of the previous season I have no doubt teams are aiming to hunt us down. I believe the team to challenge us will be Dural. With the likes of Rachel Perrin , Jacqui Frier, Demelza Howard and now newly recruited Nat Spirovski I know this game will be fast paced and the result will revolve around who ever makes the least mistakes. Sydney City will always be pushing for semi finals berths, the quicker they get Tonka back the more lethal they will become. Rovers have rearranged there team this year but will still have plenty to offer the comp gaining equally talented players to replace the ones they lost. Magic will still be strong with the likes of Natasha Loguidice and Rose Scarlato. Doris is back for Vipers and I’m certain under Erkin she will produce plenty of magic this season and I believe Phoenix will be strong in their first season in Premier League.

It has been noted that there is a push for Futsal in the Olympics . Although there is no Women’s Australian team it is important we develop the girls as much as possible so if one day the chance to represent arises we are ready. There is a lot of talent in the 12s, 14s and 16 Girls and they are the future.

Finally, I’d like to tell you about one little girl at Quake. She is a goal keeper in her first year. I have trained her once with hopefully more to come. The determination on this little girl’s face to get better and train hard and make saves to me is so inspiring. She smiles when she makes a save and uses her best manners to thank me after training. It’s watching these kids that enable you to find a sense of accomplishment and the urge to better those younger then us. After all once upon a time we were all that little girl.

Bruno Antelmi

Today we are talking with Bruno Antelmi from our Youth squad. For those of you who don’t know, Bruno had an amazing year last year. He won every team and individual award on offer – 16 Boys Premier League Premiers, 16 Boys Premier League Champions, 16 Boys Premier League Golden Boot, 16 Boys Premier League MVP, Quake 16 Boys MVP, Quake Golden Boot and finally Quake Player Of The Year. Bruno not only played 16 Boys, he played in the Youth AND Men’s team. He did it all, he did it well and he did it with humility. Let’s find out what makes Bruno tick. And kids, pay attention if you want to be as good as Bruno.

Editor: So, Bruno, massive year for you last year with the team and you winning everything on offer. What’s your expectation this year? Have you set any goals for yourself?

Bruno: Yes it was a big year for me. Well, my expectations for this year are to keep improving on my weaknesses and keep working hard with discipline and full commitment. And of course respect my club, my team mates and coaches.

Hopefully this season I can play like I played last season, or better. My main goal is one day to play for the futsalroos.

Editor: What do you put last year’s success down to? What was the biggest factor in you playing so well?

Bruno: I think what helps me a lot is what my father always used to say: you never stop learning no matter what age you are. That’s what I do, I learn from those who know the game and that is what helps me to perform well, working hard , listening, etc The main factor is I love futsal I enjoy every minute of it and there is nothing better to do than that which you love.

Editor: What is it about futsal that brings you back each year?

What brings me back to futsal every year is the speed of the game, more touches on the ball, you have to be alert at all times and to react fast in your attack or defence, in whatever situation there is. It also helps me to develop the speed of my thinking in conjunction with my movements so I can be more accurate in my passing, shots etc.

Editor: Your outdoor game is progressing well. Do you find it hard to balance playing both forms of the game? And how hard would it be to make a choice between one or the other if you had to?

Bruno: I don’tf ind it hard to play both forms of the game. As we all know the difference between outdoor soccer and futsal is the surfaces and ball. The way I feel every year when I change from indoor to outdoor or other way around is that I have to get used to the surfaces and the ball as quiclyk as possible. They both bounce differently and the weight of each one of them is different so it takes you a couple of weeks of hard training to get used to it.

If I had to decide between outdoor soccer or futsal would be a very difficult decision because I love both games. Time will speak for itself and I am guessing I need to wait to see which one of those two give me the path to succeed in sports that I love equally.

Editor: Why Quake? What is it about the club that brings you back?

Bruno: First of all the environment I am involved with such as the supporters, coaches, managers, assistant mangers and players etc. They all make you feel welcomed and it feels like I am involved with a huge family, full of commitment and support That is why I come back and play for Quake every year, they make me feel happy and when your happy it helps you to perform well.

Campbelltown Quake is a big part of me and that leads me to my success

Editor: Thanks Bruno, anything else you’d like to add?

I would like to add a big thank you to Campbelltown Quake for giving me the opportunity to play for the past several years . Campbelltown Quake has been wonderful in every aspect: full of support and encouragement, they helped me in my development as a futsal player and I cannot ask for more. I am sure there will be more, younger futsal players that will want to play and enjoy the game way I do, to play and give everything that they have, for the wonderful club that is Campbelltown Quake.

16 Girls Proudly Sponsored by Macarthur Granite & Marble

In our 2nd Team Profile for the season we talk with 16 Girls Coach Mel McCauley to see how things are shaping up.

Editor: So Mel, your 2nd year of coaching and you have the 16 Girls again. Can you tell us a bit about the makeup of the squad? What were you looking for at trials?

Mel: At trials I sat all the girls down and gave instruction on what I was looking for. I believe it was along the lines of “I want players who apply pressure, players with two touches on the ball, who move and communicate. I don’t want someone who attempts the miracle ball and loses possession. I want quick, fast paced, smart, simple futsal”.

I was extremely happy with the turnout at trials . There was a bigger and more promising number of players than last year at trials. It’s good to see that the Quake name growing more popular amongst the younger generations of girls.

My squad can also be referred to as my blessing. Committed, talented, passionate ,hardworking and willing. I have every dynamic in my team that a futsal team needs to be successful.

Editor: What is your main objective this year?

Mel: I don’t think any coach can go into a season without have an objective of making it to Dural on Grand Final day. For me I’ll refer to that as my long term goal for the season.

Before that I have a few short term goals for the girls that will hopefully contribute to us achieving the long term goal. For years I have seen young girls taught very little across the board. Futsal is changing in the female game. It’s faster paced now. Generally the team with the most composure and who is most clinical about completing set plays, counter attacks and grouping in defense is the team that conquers. I aim to teach a system that allows the girls to adapt to any situation thrown at them. I want them to understand the theory behind certain plays, movements and tactics so in turn they grow as players and their understanding of futsal grows contributing to the making of better futsal players and a better game overall.

Editor: Do you think the girls will complete for the title?

Mel: Definitely, that’s the goal. If they focus on what they want and they continue to want to get better there is nothing stopping them. They need to have a mindset that suggests there is never enough you can learn about something, you can always get better and always learn something new. It’s when you think you’re already good enough or know enough that you get beaten.

Editor: Can you tell us a little bit about the individual players?

Mel: I would love to.

Jemma Crane is the most educated and futsalwise player I have seen at the age of 15. Never too shy to ask a question and draws the most information out of me as possible to better her game. An unreal defender and equally as good attacker, standout communicator with a screaming shot. She is a leader and is to play a massive role in the 16 Girls this year and she also is a part of the Quake Women’s squad.

Dana Buttigieg is our number one between the sticks. A two time ‘keeper of the year for Quake, Dana is the most determined player in the 16s squad. Shot stopper, fearless, dictator and a role model to the younger girls. I have no doubts she is in for a big season with this team and if she has the mentality to absorb everything about the game in the coming years I know she will be a force to reckon with in years to come. Dana is also part of the Women’s squad.

Logan Garrard: I have never seen anyone with vision for the game like Logan and I am certainly most excited about having her at Quake this year. I’ve knighted her “Bambi” as she glides across the court with such ease and composure. She is versatile and can play anywhere on the court. Definitely a player to watch both in 16s and Women’s .

Chrystal Dugan is the Quake 16s little bundle of extreme energy. She is as fast as lightening and a clinical finisher. The pre season has seen Chrystal grow immensely as a player into a genuine futsal player. Nothing better then scoring goals with an infectious smile on your face.

Indiana Nelson is looking so sharp this season. She is an organizer on the court and a dominate player at pivot. Indy is looking to show great promise this season. I am also proud to say that she has been part of the Australian Under 17s outdoor training camps which I can see have matured her as a player.

Ruby Mosca is a profoundly talented target and flanker with skill that goes for miles. One on one, at pace and with confidence, Ruby will trouble pivots in the game. he keeps us all laughing as well which is good for team morale.

Melissa Walsh is the enforcer and the hitman. And I mean that in the nicest way possible. Mel definitely has the true Walsh gene and follows in the footsteps of her older sisters Claire and Sharon when it comes to making an impact tackle. If Mel decides you’re not going past her, you’re not. Her little stature doesn’t stop her in putting her body on the line and making the effort for the team.

Laura Murtagh is the newest to the Quake crew after having a year off futsal. In that year she hasn’t forgotten how to shoot a ball, that’s for sure. Simple player, listens to every word you say as a coach and is a clinical finisher. I’m excited to see the dynamics that Laura adds to the season.

Elise Sherry is an amazing target, can hold up and turn any ball. She is now one of the older players in the team and shows leadership and understanding. I’m excited to work with Elise. She is an amazing young girl.

Tyler Garrard is the youngest cadet of the 16 girls . I am mentioning Tyler as she is just as much a 16s player as she is a 14s player. Tyler is exceptional for her age. She is adamant in making sure she knows the play and completes the play. I am excited to have her on board and to see her join with fellow team mate and sister Logan. The Garrard connection consists of effortless futsal with a touch of excitement.

Editor: Anything else you’d like to add?

Mel: As a coach you sometimes only get the opportunity to turn up , demonstrate , correct and go home. I know I want to be more then this for the Quake 16 girls. I am so excited about coaching this group of girls, teaching them about futsal and mentoring them throughout the season. I wish them all the very best for season 2012/13.