President Rob Caruso with brothers Aaron 8 & Tyler Fitch 11. Photo: Jon Hewson d490209 communitypix.com.au
Camera IconPresident Rob Caruso with brothers Aaron 8 & Tyler Fitch 11. Photo: Jon Hewson d490209 communitypix.com.au Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Cockburn soccer club aims big in futsal, outdoor competitions

Jessica NicoCockburn Gazette

A COCKBURN based soccer club is giving locals the chance to play the sport they love in both an outdoor and indoor setting.

Perth AFC formed in 2017 to widen the options for local soccer players, operating teams in both the WA State Futsal League at the Pro Futsal Centre in Bibra Lake and Football West’s Metropolitan leagues.

Club president Rob Caruso said having teams in both futsal and football leagues were rare.

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“The model is based on European clubs and aims to develop senior and junior players through futsal and football training,” he said.

“From this it allows the player to decide which pathway to take and we have noticed that the development of our junior players who play both futsal and football is much greater than players just playing football.”

With just a couple of seasons under their belt the club is already hitting its straps, catering to 11 junior and six senior futsal teams that have already earned a raft of championship, runners up and minor premier accolades between them.

In the outdoor arena they are hoping to expand on their Metro South Women’s Division 2 and Men’s Premier and Division 3 teams, which finished the competition in first, third and fourth respectively last year.

Perth AFC president Rob Caruso. Photo: Jon Hewson.
Camera IconPerth AFC president Rob Caruso. Photo: Jon Hewson. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Caruso said preseason training had just begun and they were eager for more players to join their ranks.

“We are always looking for players of all age groups in both futsal and football as we are looking to double the amount of teams competing in the Football West leagues,” he said.

“Perth AFC gives our players the best opportunity to develop their game and also the ability to travel to major competitions around the world as well as being able to compete in a fun friendly social environment if they choose.

Perth AFC futsal training for men, women and juniors are held at Lakeland Senior High School, with training and home games for the outdoor teams held at Len Packham Reserve in Coolbellup.

Visit www.perthafc.com.au for more information.