Football West building on success of showing at National Futsal Championship by doubling teams

FOOTBALL West is building on the success of last year’s National Futsal Championships by doubling the number of teams in the 2017 titles.

Trials will be held over the coming months for talented futsal players in Under-12s (born 2004), Under-13s (2003) and Under-14s boys (2002), as well as Under-15s (2001) girls.

This year, WA had two boys’ teams in the Under-12s and Under-13s age groups at the nationals.

Football West development officer Garry Church said the growing appetite for the indoor game had prompted the decision to increase WA’s teams next year.

“The boys we took earlier this year did ever so well with limited preparation,” Church said.

“The feedback we had was really positive, not just from the players but from parents and our opponents.

“Since then, we’ve had a number of inquiries about the next nationals and it’s obvious we have a lot of talented players, who want to test themselves against the best players from around the country.

“We’re starting trials earlier this year, so we can get the teams together for a number of sessions before heading to Sydney early next year.”

The National Futsal Championships will be played at four venues across Sydney from January 4-8.

“Futsal is important in helping players to develop technique and awareness and improving ability to play in tight areas,” Church said.

“But it’s more than just a development tool. It’s action-packed, exciting and it’s so much fun for the players involved.

“We’re confident we’ll have another excellent group of kids this year, who will represent WA very well.”

Church said Football West would look to include regional representative teams in coming years.

Trials will be held at the Maccabi Sports Hall, 61 Woodrow Avenue, Yokine, each Saturday on June 18 and 25 and July 2, 9, 16 and 23

Trials will run from 10am to 1pm. Times will be made available closer to the date after Football West has assessed the expression of interest numbers.