Futsal is taking the Hunter by storm and results from Northern NSW’s representative sides in national competition are mirroring the growing popularity of the sport.

An off-shoot of football, futsal is an indoor version of the world game, played with a heavier ball. It develops technique and skill.

Northern NSW City sent teams to the Australian Futsal Association Championships in Sydney over the past week and have come home with three winners and two runners-up medals.

The club’s under 12, under 13 and under 16 sides all won their respective divisions, while the men’s side lost out 2-1 in their grand final yesterday.

Gordon Patrick, together with Joe Stewart, took the under-12s side to a thrilling grand final, which they won 5-2 against Sydney side NSW City North.

“It’s a good game, much faster than outdoor football so you’ve got to think and act quicker,” Mr Patrick said.