By Jed Lanyon
Players from Healesville Futsal Club’s Little Strikers Academy have earned the opportunity to represent Australia playing futsal in Barcelona, Spain next year.
The players will learn from top European coaches to further their skills in the fast growing sport of futsal.
Futsal is commonly referred to as indoor soccer. The game features five players to a team playing with a smaller ball. It is often faster paced than traditional football.
Futsal player Maddie was fortunate enough to compete in Spain earlier this year and is now looking forward to sharing that experience with her Healesville teammates next year.
“It was awesome and an amazing experience. They’ll love meeting new people, playing futsal and just having fun.
Maddie’s teammate Charli said she enjoys being part of a team environment and was excited to learn that she would be going to Spain.
“When I found out, I happy cried, and I never do that,” Charli said.
“I just like helping each other to score goals. And when you win, you get to celebrate with the whole team.”
Charli became hooked on the sport after a futsal presentation at her primary school.
Maddie said that it would be an ‘amazing privilege’ to wear the green and gold for Australia, while Charli said that she would feel a little bit of pressure for the occasion.
They will be facing Brazil, England, the United States and local Spanish teams.
Healesville Futsal Club coach Steven Campbell said this is will be a wonderful opportunity for his players to learn from some of the best futsal players in the world.
“Like anything in life, it’s all about experience… When they go to Spain, they’re going to be challenged on the way they think about every aspect of the game.
Mr Cambpell said the team has set up a Go Fund Me campaign in order to help mitigate some of the costs facing the players and their families.
“Each of the kids, need to get about $5000 each. There’s six or seven kids going so every little bit helps.”
To support the team’s campaign to play in Spain, visit https://bit.ly/2mm86bc
