Courtesy: Gympie Times


Gympie teen futsal talent picked for international tour

by Kara Sonter

29th Nov 2012

THERE'S certainly talent in the genes of futsal-playing brothers Anthony and James Bierton, with both of the boys taking their skills to an international forum.

Anthony followed in his big brother's footsteps when he was selected for an Australian futsal touring team.

While James has only recently returned from a tour of Brazil with an Australian team of 16 year olds, Anthony is currently preparing to jet to the United Kingdom.

Anthony, who plays at Gympie Futsal and for Gympie State High School, has been selected the Australian under-14 boys' futsal team as the side, along with an U14 girls' side, undertake the 15th annual UK tour by the Australian Vikings Futsal Association.

He was selected for the team after a stellar performance at the National Futsal Championships in Cairns earlier this year, which caught the attention of an international selection panel.

It's an impressive accomplishment considering he's only been practising on the futsal court for the past year, learning to apply his impressive football skills in the inside arena.

Anthony and his teammates, who include several other players from Gympie and the Sunshine Coast, will train with Everton and Manchester City staff coaches and play games against local clubs.

Games against UK's premier football clubs, top-level training and sight-seeing (which may include visits to Manchester United and Chelsea football clubs) will offer Bierton a taste of professional football life in what will be his first trip overseas.

His mother Kerryn said, while she was excited for her son to take up the opportunity to travel and play overseas, she would have a hard time saying goodbye at the airport.

In the meantime however, the supportive parent has started a fundraising drive to get some help paying for the trip, which is expected to cost more than $7000.

Kerryn has started a Facebook page, Helping Anthony Play for Australia, for fans to see Anthony's progress and offer support.

Anyone interested in contributing to making Anthony's international futsal dream come true can access the Facebook page or phone 0412  255  086.

Anthony will represent Australia in the North Wales Tour of a Life Time Futsal Tour with the Australian Vikings team from April 9 to 28 next year.






Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com