With all eyes on Australia in Thailand at the Futsal World Cup, November promises to be a very exciting month for the sport. In pre tournament games, Australia defeated Thailand for the very first time, winning an exciting game 5-4. They were quickly brought down to earth with a decisive defeat at the hands of the Egyptians, losing 5-1. In their third game they bounced back to wallop the Solomon Islands 10-3. Victorian Futsal fans are eagerly waiting for the Tournament to commence.

In Victoria, the Pirates’ 2012 MFL campaign ended on a high with the U14 Division 2 Phantoms ending as Runners Up to the older Jaguars team. The Phantoms were an all U13 boys team and performed admirably throughout the season. The all girls Hornets had an indifferent season, plagued with disruptions and injuries, which reflected in the final standings of the table. Likewise, with the U16s Falcons, who played some very good futsal through the year, but were inconsistent when it mattered.

Then the club headed off to Bendigo for some more futsal. This is a very tiring Tournament, but it was a lot of fun had by all. The Hornets were up against it from the onset in the mixed pool, as were the Phantoms. Both teams had players missing from their ranks, but they still played with conviction. The U16s drew with St Albans in Round 1 in a pulsating game. But, playing four games the following day did the team no favours and they failed to make the finals. It was however, a great opportunity for the new players to the club to experience the State Club Championships and forge new friendships.

No sooner had the MFL and State Club Championships finished than the Joma Sala League began. The JSL has become the largest Futsal competition in the South East of Melbourne, attracting nearly 200 players from over a dozen different football and futsal clubs. In a professionally organised FFV affiliated competition, sponsored by JOMA Australia, boys, girls, men and women, in four leagues battle it out on the futsal courts.

After two Rounds, the early pace setters in the U10s are the two teams from Beaumaris and Mornington’s Roma Mustangs. The U12s is neck and neck between the Brighton clubs and the Bayside Pirates. The U14s is the most competitive of all the leagues.

The defending Champions, the Bentleigh Greens Vipers, have their work cut out for them this year if they are to make the Final. Blue Galaxy, Bentleigh Greens Scorpions and Ashburton lead the charge with two from two wins. It is so competitive, that a draw or a loss can affect their chances. Every goal and every point matters!

In the Open Mens, the Bayside Pirates Sabres head the pack with two from two. The imposing Mustangs, who have a proud Victorian Futsal history, are hot on their heels after a narrow loss to the Sabres in Round 1. The Titans and Flames will also contest strongly in this league.

It is too early to predict the outcome in all of the leagues; such is the quality of the JSL. Some exciting futsal is coming up, most likely the players being inspired by Australia at the World Cup!