It is a familiar scenario at sports grounds the country over.

A coach directing his troops through any manner of drills and exercises.

That’s what any decent coach does, but who coaches the coaches?

Blokes like Kelly Cross.

Cross is the Football Federation Australia National Coach Education Manager, and aside from having really wide business cards to fit his title, is the man lumped with the duty of improving coaching across the country, and thereby improving the standard of football.

Cross was on the Coast Monday and Tuesday this week to put local coaches through their paces in two seminars.

He said the visit allowed him to examine standards in regional areas, while reminding the grass-roots football community that the federation still cared.

“I get out to the capital cities, but not to regional areas that much – it’s good for clubs to see someone from FFA,” Cross said.

“It’s all about making coaches better – all coaches take different pathways, some focus on coaching players, while I started studying coaching itself.

“There’s an obvious link – if you can make coaches better, you make the players better.

“People say the Australian team is not as good as it should be, why can’t we have Harry Kewells all over the field – if we can improve the coaching standard, we can.”

Off to Bundaberg this morning to check the lay of the coaching land today, Cross said he was impressed by the standard of the game on the Sunshine Coast.

“From the people I’ve met, even down to the Futsal guys, there’s some great talent,” he said.

“You only need to look at the State League and see how well the Fire are travelling.

“If they can do that, it speaks for itself – there is a real passion for football in the area.”

Cross said while clubs are concerned for player welfare, the coach can sometimes be overlooked.

“There’s a certain responsibility on clubs and zones as well, to have people responsible for coaches,” he said.

“This is a big country – there’s one FFA guy for coaching across the country, taking the resources and tools down to the grass roots level.”

Source : Sunshine Coast Daily Online
Published : 30/7/2008

Vikings Futsal Cup
August 8th-10th 2008
Christchurch, New Zealand

The Vikings Futsal cup will played out of QEII Park Stadium Christchurch, New Zealand August 8-10 2008. Played on an international court the event will be televised and played in Australia and New Zealand on various networks over the summer months.

The mens division will see Vikings New Zealand take on Victoria, North Queensland, Australian Barbarians, South Queensland and UESTC Chengdu from China. South Queensland on paper would go into this tournament as favorites.

The Vikings New Zealand women will take in Northern Australia and Southern Australia along with the IROK Philippine womens team. This division will be closely contested with the Australian sides looking very strong but any of the sides are capable of winning.

Results will be updated game by game on www.nzfutsal.com

Teams have named their line ups, and they are as follows :

IROK Philippines Women
Colours: Red/White or White/Red

1 Glend Bascon – GK
2 Beatrice Lim – GK
3 Tiffany Batungbacal – GK
5 Aimee Limketee – Field
6 Glazia Artus – Field
7 Farrabeth Limbo – Field
8 Shella Ninobla – Field
9 Maria Ragina Tanjangco – Field
11 Simonette Gaspay – Field
13 Krishna Javier – Field
14 Francine Raffy – Field
16 Maria Aurora Tanjangco – Field
18 Carla Paredes – Field

Coach : Emmanual Batungbacal
Asst. Coach : Paul Encarnacion

The Philippines will be on a high after finishing 3rd at last years ASEAN games will prove to be difficult to beat. A solid squad that has been together for some time and coached well by Emmanual Batungbacal.

Vikings Futsal New Zealand Women
Colours: White/White or Black/White

1 Noran Abaza – GK
2 Lucy Chan – Field
4 Emma Proctor – Field
5 Charmaine Arras – Field
6 Drew Weeda – Field
7 Mel Anngow – Field
8 Rebecca Banfield – Field
9 Kate Duncraft – Field
10 Tina Bosscher – Field
11 Darcie Willis – Field
12 Rachel Wilson – GK

Coach : Simon Mead
Manager : Sharon Marshall

A good mix of Youth and experience. Players to watch include former NZ Football Fern, Mel Anngow, youngster Kate Duncraft and the experienced Rebecca Banfield.

Northern Australia Women
Colors: Orange/Navy

1 Rachel Hume – GK
1 Sarah Hastead – GK
2 Sarah Garven – Field
3 Lisa Wilkinson – Field
4 Jennifer Wallis – Field
5 Holly Wiffen – Field
6 Jodie Hammond – Field
9 Jade Banks – Field
10 Samantha McGraw – Field
20 Joanne Burgess – Field

Coach : Nicola Zammit
Manager : Gina Vuksanovic

A very strong side with talent across the court. Players to watch include Matilda (Australian outdoor rep) Jo Burgess. Jodie Hammond and Jade Banks have both played for the Australian Futsal team previously.

Southern Australia Women
Colours: Green/White

1 Melissa Barberi – GK
1 Jade Baker – GK
2 Lailey Tanson – Field
4 Sophie Lamberton – Field
5 Gabrielle Conquest – Field
6 Seyma Erenli – Field
7 Greta Kennedy – Field
8 Burcu Apolzgen – Field
13 Kate Lutkins – Field
19 Theodora Balint – Field

Coach : Jeff Hawkins
Manager : Steve Tippler

A very strong side with talent across the court. Players to watch include Matilda (Australian outdoor rep) Melissa Barberi who is fresh from the 2007 Womens World Cup in China. Others to watch include Gabrielle Conquest and Lailey Tanson.

Vikings Futsal New Zealand Men
Colours: White/White or Black/Black

1 Chris Sinclair – GK
2 Daniel Costello – Field
3 Daniel Burns – Field
4 Troy Tapara – Field
5 James Vaughan – Field
6 Sam Enright – Field
7 Ryan Batty – Field
8 Brendan Snelling – Field
9 Tom Clarkson – Field
10 Michael Sannum Field
11 Rob MacGuiness Field
12 Duncan Reid – GK

Coach : Charlie Cremen

Great opportunity for this side to step up and make it’s mark after some great results in previous years including a narrow loss to China in 2007. Players to watch include captain Chris Sinclair, Michael Sannum and James Vaughan.

North Queensland Wizards Men
Colours: Blue/Gold

1 Nathan Elms – GK
2 Nathan Ferguson – Field
3 Damian Pilot – Field
4 Marty Calvert – Field
5 Paolo Vedelago F- ield
6 Ben Green – Field
7 Stephanos Neofitou – Field
8 Sean Jasperson – Field
9 Gary Hodgetts – Field/GK
10 Enver Silita Field

Coach : John Lobwien
Manager : Debbie Lobwien

Former Australian representatives Marty Calvert and Damian Pilot will lead this side well. Calvert, having been to two world cups and playing professionally in Holland will guide this mix of youth and experience

Victoria Vipers Men
Colours: Yellow/Navy or Grey

1 Gary Stone – GK
4 TBC – Field
5 Colby Waterfield – Field
6 Kui Mu – Field
7 Mirza Pedic – Field
8 Fernando De Moraes – Field
11 Jon Barrientos – Field
12 TBC – Field
15 Touffic Bakhour – Field

Coach : Milton Sakkos
Manager : Garry Liakoureas

Victoria are one of the leading sides in Australia and will be well coached by Milton Sakkos who is the Australian Coach. Players to watch include Kui Mu and Fernando De Moraes who have both gained Australian honours

South Queensland Vikings Men
Colours: Maroon

GK Zane Frieberg – GK
GK Nick Papadatos – GK
2 Keenan Duimphies – Field
3 Renagi Ingram – Field
4 Matt Taylor – Field
5 Scott Fenn – Field
6 Ray Mortenson – Field
7 Ben Hunt – Field
8 Daniel Liddy – Field
9 Matthew Pope – Field
10 Brett Richardson – Field

Coach : Paul McKarzel

South Queensland would come into the tournament as favorites with a very experienced side. Zane Frieberg and Scott Fenn have spent 3 months in Brazil with top side Malvee training alongside Falcao. Other to watch include Ben Hunt, Keenan Duimpies and Renagi Ingram

Australian Barbarians Men
Colours: Red/Blue/White

1 Robbie Weaver – GK
2 Dion Portelli – Field
3 Adrian Stockwell – Field
5 Benjamin Dooley – Field
6 Joel lowe – Field
7 Elliot Causer – Field
8 Filipe Amorin – Field
10 Dejan Herzegovac – Field

Coach : Filipe Amorin
Manager : Tanya Bond

The Barbarians are made up of players from Tasmania, South Australia and Northern NSW. Players to watch include player/coach Filipe Amorin along with Dion Portelli and Benjamin Dooley who toured Brazil earlier this year

UESTC Chengdu, China Men
Colours: Yellow or White

1 Rod Thomson – GK
GK TBC – GK
3 Huang Zhengqi – Field
9 Zhang Wei – Field
10 Zhao Long – Field
11 Sha Changcheng – Field
12 Xiao Jingtian – Field
13 Zhou tian – Field
14 Lin Yi – Field

Coach : Jing Zhihui
Head of Delegation : Luo Li

UESTC Chengdu are one of the top sides in the China National League will prove to be difficult to beat. UESTC will be without their China representative players as they prepare for the Futsal World Cup

Source : Vikings Futsal NZ

The Futsal 5 A-Side Australia Men’s – Black Knights team travelled to Geelong, Victoria on 26th July to play a friendly exhibition match against the Geelong All Stars at the Leisuretime Centre.

The game was played in high spirit in front of a small but very vocal crowd that definately lifted the All Stars side. Opportunities to score were presented to both teams however final execution was lacking by the striker’s and the All Stars Goal keeper made some great saves to keep the Black Knights out.

The All Stars scored first after 10 mins following a quick move down the field caught out a lapse in the Black Knights defence. They scored their second goal during a slow interchange, which enabled an opening passage down the middle of the field and the ball was quickly driven into the back of the net.

The Black Knights, whilst obviously weary from just getting off the plane, realised they were in a tight struggle and picked up the pace to score their first goal following four quick one time passes which saw the ball travel from the defensive line to the strike zone and driven into the inside corner of the goal.

The All Stars scored their third following a scramble in the Black Knights goal area which saw the ball ricochet of a players leg and trickle over the line before the keeper could react. The small crowd became more vocal lifting the All Stars side who immediately went on the attack and found another lapse in what appeared to be a tired Black Knights defence to score their fourth goal.

Whilst the Black Knights picked up their game to score a second from a free kick they were kept out by a very determined All Stars side and great saves by their goal keeper.

Overall the game was played in high spirit and finished with the Geelong All Stars side with a deserved 4-2 win.

Following the conclusion of the game, the Black Knights and the Referees conducted a free coaching clinic for interested parties which was enjoyed by over 60 kids.

The FFAA Executive would like to thank Brad Roberts and the Geelong All Stars side for hosting the game plus the Geelong spectators for their enthusiastic support.

We look forward to seeing you all during the afternoon/evenings of September 8th to 12th when the Russian side (current World Champions), Philippines, Australia and others teams including an invitation side from Geelong participate in a championship at the Leisuretime Centre in Geelong.

Source : Futsal 5 A-Side Australia (FFAA)

New Competitions are starting soon. All Ages from 6’s to All Age Male and Female

At Valentine Sports Park 235-257 Meurants Lane, Glenwood NSW 2768

Competition Days

Mon: 15 Boys and All Age Men
Tue: 10 Boys and 11 Boys
Wed: 12 Boys and All Age Men
Thurs: 6 Boys and 13 Boys
Fri: 14 Boys and Youth (16/17s)
Sat: 7, 8 and 9 Mixed
Sun: Girls / Women

For more information please contact Jo or Fraser Gray on 0415 697 812 or by email on johanfrasergray@hotmail.com or futsalcomps@footballnsw.com.au

Source : Football NSW

Hawkesbury Commodores Trials Premier League : 2008

MALES (Hawkesbury Indoor Stadium 16 Stewart St South Windsor)

Friday 25th July & 1st Aug 6:30 to 7:30pm 10 Boys
Friday 25th July & 1st Aug 6:30 to 7:30pm 12 Boys
Friday 25th July & 1st Aug 7:00 to 8:00pm 14 Boys
Friday 25th July & 1st Aug 7:30 to 8:30 pm 16 Boys
Friday 25th July & 1st Aug 8:00 to 9:00pm Youth Boys (under 19)

FEMALES (Bernie Mullane sports complex Marella Ave Kellyville)

Saturday 26th July 5:00 to 6:00pm 13 Girls
Saturday 26th July 5:00 to 6:00pm 16 Girls
Saturday 26th July 6:00 to 7:00pm Womens
Saturday 2nd August 12pm to 2pm for 13,16 Girls & Womens

NOTE : Final trials for the 13 & 16 girls & Women’s teams will now be held at  Blacktown Leisure Centre,  Cnr Stanhope Parkway & Sentry Drive,  Stanhope Gardens 

13 Girls : 3pm – 4pm Saturday 2nd August 
16 Girls : 3pm – 5pm Saturday 2nd August 
Women : 4pm – 5pm Saturday 2nd August 
 
Players must arrive at least 15 minutes prior to commencement of their trials. 

All enquiries to Zoran Pavlicevic 0438697303  or  Kerry Dingwall  0415832360 or 98715506

northrocksreccentre@optushome.com.au

Source : Football NSW

A.P.I.A Leighhardt Tigers will be conducting trials for the upcoming 2008/2009 Futsal Super League season at;

Venue: West Ashfield – Ashfield Boys High School Gymnasium, 115 Liverpool Road Ashfield NSW 2131

Dates and times of the trials are as follows;

Under 13 Girls – Thursday 24th July  at 7pm, Monday 28th July at 7pm, Thursday 31st July at 5:45pm, Monday 4th August at 7pm  & Thursday 7th August at 5:45pm
Under 16 Girls – Thursday 24th July at 7.30pm, Monday 28th July at 7.30pm, Thursday 31st July at 6:30pm, Monday 4th August at 7:30pm & Thursday 7th August at 6.30pm
Women – Thursday 24th July at 8pm, Thursday 31st July at 7:15pm & Thursday 7th August at 7:15pm

Under 12 Boys – Wednesday 23rd July, Wednesday 30th July & Wednesday 6th August at 7pm
Under 14 Boys – Wednesday 23rd July, Wednesday 30th July & Wednesday 6th August at 7.30pm
Under 16 Boys / Youth Men – Wednesday 23rd July, Wednesday 30th July & Wednesday 6th August at 8.00pm
Men – Wednesday 23rd July, Wednesday 30th July & Wednesday 6th August at 8.45pm

For any further enquiries, please contact John Mellino – 0417 375 279 or email: johnmellino@apiatigers.com or Roy Perre – 0425 362 975

Source : Football NSW

The Sutherland Shire Futsal Association will enter teams into the Football NSW Futsal State Championships in November 2008.

The under 10’s development squad coached by Jim Apostolovski will be represented in our domestic level competition on Sunday’s at Menai and have also been involved in the Futsalroo Clinics.

Jim Apostolovski says, “I am delighted to be associated with SSFA again this year, we had a outstanding NSW Tournament last year, finishing 2nd in the State. SSFA headed by Jonathan Simnett and with the appointment of Hector Martinez cements our force and commitment to Futsal in Australia. This year I am introducing new techniques and training methods to better our boys in domestic, State & National competition that has been schedule for our under 10s team to participate.”

The under 10’s “selected” team will represent Sutherland Shire at the Football Federation Australia(FFA) National Futsal Clubs Championships in October 2008 in Canberra (ACT) hosted by Capital Football. This event will see the best under 10’s teams from all over Australia play against each other to determine who will be crowned champion under 10’s team of Australia.

To be selected you are required to attend a Futsalroo coaching clinic and play in our local under 10’s competition at either Endeavour High School, Thursdays or Sundays at Menai.

For more information call Jonathan Simnett on 0417 042 145 or email secretary@shirefutsal.com.au

Source : Sutherland Shire Futsal
Published : 26/7/2008

The Sutherland Shire Fustal Association is proud to announce the coaching staff for the 2008 – 2009 Football NSW Futsal Super League season.

Under 12s Boys will be coached by Lee Pepper, FFA Level 1 Futsal accredited. Team Manager being Mr Alan Garlick

Under 14s Boys will be coached by Steve Siminovski, AFC C Licence and FFA Level 1 Futsal accredited. Team Manager to be advised.

Under 16s Boys will be coached by Hector Martinez FAA (Football Association Argentina) Level 5 (International). Under 16s assistant coach to be advised. Team Manager being Mr Ken Swift.

Under 19s Youth Mens will be coached by Hector Martinez FAA Level 5. Assistant coach and team manager to be advised.

All Age Mens will be coached by Hector Martinez FAA Level 5. Assistant coach and team manager to be advised.

Under 13s and 16s girls coaches and managers to be advised. All Age Womens to be coached by Dennis Church FFA level 2 Futsal accredited. Team manager to be advised.

Super League officials; Futsal Association President Mr. Jonathan Simnett

Source : Sutherland Shire Futsal
Published : 24/7/2008

The Sydney City Eagles in conjunction with Football NSW are running new Junior Futsal Comps starting September 2008.

They will be held at the Bankstown Basketball Stadium and will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

For more information please contact :

Roy – 0425 362 975
Josie – 0415 798 916

or email admin@sydneycityeagles.com

www.sydneycityeagles.com

Source : Sydney City Eagles
Published : 29/7/2008

Sydney Benfica Futsal Club will be holding final trials for the following age groups to compete in the 2008/09 FNSW Futsal Super League.

- 13 Girls
- 16 Boys

Monday – 4th August 2008
Menai Indoor Sports Centre – 98 Allison Crescent Menai NSW 2234

13 Girls (7.00pm – 8.00pm)

Friday – 8th August 2008
Marrickville PCYC – 531 Illawarra Road Marrickville NSW 2204

16 Boys (8.30pm – 9.30pm)

All players must arrive 20 minutes prior to the commencement of trials.
All players must wear shin pads and long socks that cover the entire shin pad.
All jewellery must be removed before the start of any game, without exception.
All Sydney Benfica FC teams will participate in the FNSW State Titles, which will ensure that all players are eligible for selection trials for the Nationals.

For further details email: info@benfica.com.au

www.benfica.com.au

Ross Anderson – 0402 506 924
Andrew Demery – 0414 663 161
Lorenzo D’Addona – 0414 663 919

Source : Sydney Benfica