Courtesy: The Singleton Argus


World stage

by Di Sneddon

Jan. 31, 2014

BRADLEY Millar has been named in the Australian Men’s Youth Futsal team, the second time the athlete has been selected to represent his country.

Seventeen-year-old Millar was ecstatic to receive the news last week and now looks forward to the world championships in Beijing in November.

His head is still spinning in anticipation of the competition, something he experienced two years ago as a member of the Australian under 16s side that competed in San Franciso at the world titles.

The competition was fierce, the skill and ability obviously world class and Australia matched it with the best, finishing in second place.

That tour wasn’t all sport and Millar described the experience as an ‘eye-opener’ to another culture, a visit to the infamous Alcatraz prison a highlight of the tourist hotspots.

Bradley knows the Beijing tour will be equally as fascinating.

His selection comes after a trial in October in Newcastle. From there he was selected in the New South Wales country team and took part in a six week superleague competition against some of the top teams from the Sydney-based competition.

New South Wales country won the superleague and then took part in the national championships at Penrith in January.

Some 400 players competed, one of the reasons why Bradley didn’t think he’d be named in the Australian squad.

“There were a lot of players but five members of the country team were named in the final squad,” Bradley said.

While he is yet to be notified of the training requirements, there is no chance he will lose any fitness given his existing training regime as a member of Weston soccer club.

After school, five days a week, he heads to the coast for training at either Maitland, Weston or Bar Beach.

He plays in the Newcastle competition for the Weston Bears on Saturdays and is also a member of the Weston Bears under 19s rep team that plays most Sundays.

Consequently, if there is anyone who can’t wait for the Hunter Expressway to open it is Bradley’s mother, Lesley Millar, who is behind the wheel for all these training sessions and games.

Bradley was quick to thank his mum who said she had an ulterior motive.

“I firmly believe if your children are exposed to sport and have these sorts of opportunities, they will stay on track,” Mrs Millar said.

Bradley says he wouldn’t be the person he is today without the great experiences he has had and continues to have both through soccer and futsal.

Being physically prepared is one of the challenges ahead of Bradley. So is his financial preparation.

Anyone who may be in a position to offer Bradley some sponsorship is most welcome to call 0438 367 846.







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