The FFA National Futsal Championships has officially kicked off in NSW and MARK STAVROULAKIS reports that after a successful 2015 tournament in Sydney, the action-packed week-long event will showcase some of the best talent this country has to offer in what experts say is one of the fastest growing sports in Australia.
Last year saw the competition return to the Harbour City with thrills and spills galore and the 37th edition of the national competition promises much more of the same.
With the promise of a Grand Final at the breathtaking Sydney Olympic Park as the culmination of the week’s action, expect plenty of fast-paced skills to be on display at all age groups.
The FFA National Futsal Championship brings together some of the best junior talent in Australia for five days of fast paced, goal laden quality futsal that promises to light up the courts of Sydney’s indoor venues.
These squads have been preparing for this competition for a long time and are ready to show what they’ve got.
The popularity of the indoor game is growing exponentially, with thousands of dedicated Futsal lovers taking to the courts of Australia to dig up a new trick, score a fantastic goal and improve their overall game while having a bucketful of fun.
Futsal allows players to experience different positions, get more touches of the ball and keep anaerobically fit, in a safe environment.
It’s the sport of choice for many football playing nations with the skills of the South Americans, Brazil and Argentina in particular, and their cousins from the European nations such as Spain and Portugal, a stark reminder of just how important Futsal can be in the upbringing and development of athletes at the highest level.
Many world class superstars can testify to the impact that Futsal has had on their progress to the elite level of the game and it’s a message that is being conveyed throughout our land.
This week’s events not only allow the players a potential shop-window for their skills, it will also enable them to grow as individuals off the court.
Spending a week away from home for many of these youngsters, at such a tender age, will be a life altering experience and will help to shape them for the future.
The parents, coaches and associations that support this event are to be applauded for their efforts and energy in making it all happen.
Make sure you show your appreciation of the players in the right way throughout the week.
In 2015 NSW Metro dominated the medal tally at the end of the week claiming 11 of the potential 13 titles on offer.
While there is no doubt that the host federation will rack up a few more trophies to add to their burgeoning collection, the other states bring a formidable array of talent to attempt to end the monopoly on the silverware of Thunder and Lighting.
So strap yourself in and prepare for action aplenty. There will be goals, there will be skills, there will be cheers and there will be tears at the 2016 FFA National Futsal Championships.
Keep up to date with all the latest results and ladders throughout the 2016 FFA National Futsal Championships by logging on to the official website here. Results will be updated daily and news reports will be featured prominently.
