26th National Australian Futsal Championships
10-14/1/2005
Canberra (AUS)


RECORD 132 TEAMS TO CONVERGE ON CANBERRA FOR THE 2005 NATIONAL AUSTRALIAN FUTSAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

The National Australian Futsal Championships is the pinnacle event on the Australian Futsal Calender and showcases the best talent that the region has to offer. A record 132 teams, playing in sixteen age categories from 10 years to Open Age will compete at the 26th National Australian Futsal Championships in Canberra from the 10th to the 14th of January 2005. This year teams will be drawn from 6 states and territories, with the Solomon Islands flying the flag for the Oceania region.

An overall increase of 34% in participant numbers compared to last years Nationals gives tournament organisers hope that the event will continue to grow and eventually boast a true international flavour in the years to come. ACT Futsal President Keith Knight commented on the amazing increase of participant numbers stating, "the formation of new State bodies under the Australian Soccer Association has led to an increase in popularity for the sport resulting in more and more people playing the indoor game".

"The 2005 National Championships will bring our regions best Futsal talent together for an intense week of competition. The Solomon Islands will again be one of the major drawcards. Their excentric style of football is something very special to see"

Knight went on to say "The fact that every state federation has nominated more teams than in previous years is just another sign that Futsal is now one of the fastest growing sports in Australia. Most notably for the 2005 Nationals we have seen a 41% increase in female competitors compared to the last championships".

One of the 'blue ribbon events' at the National Championships, the Open Mens Category, is set to be the most competitive national competition ever staged in Australia. Each state is fielding their best squads and it is anticipated that the majority of Australia's 2004 World Cup team will be competing.

Over the past decade, the ACT has dominated the Open Mens category; however, in 2004 they were comprehensively defeated in the final by NSW 5-3. ACT Captain Angelo Konstantanou believes they can regain their title in 2005. "We have one of the best teams we have had in years. Our preparation has been really good and the guys are looking forward to the competition".

The Opening Ceremony for the 26th National Australian Futsal Championships will be held at 5 pm on Monday the 10th of January 2005 at the AIS Main Arena, and will be followed by the opening games of the 'Nationals'.

The 2005 National Australian Futsal Championships will conclude on the 14th of January with each age category's final to be played at the AIS main arena. Admission is by gold coin donation, with finals kicking off at 8:30 am.


In brief:

· 132 teams competing over 16 categories
· 6 Australian States and Territories competing
· Solomon Islands competing in Under 13 and Under 14 Boys Categories
· 446 games in total over 5 days of competition
· 34% increase in team participation numbers from previous National Championships
· 41% increase in female participation numbers from previous National Championships

For Further Information
David Lee
E-Mail: info@actfutsal.asn.au