Courtesy: Newcastle Herald


Futsal World Cup in Scotland: Three Newcastle teens count down the hours

30 Aug 2016

NEVER did these Newcastle teenagers think they would be representing Australia in Scotland for a game of futsal.

But here they are – applying the finishing touches to their training regime before flying out for the under 17 Futsal World Cup on Thursday.

Futsal, which is a variation of soccer played indoors, has enjoyed somewhat of a popularity surge in recent years.

And Manoli Papapiropoulos, Patrick Langlois and Musa Kamara – who all play Newcastle Premier League soccer – are reaping big rewards from the five aside game.

“Absolutely futsal is taking off,” Patrick, who is the team captain, said.

“It’s a lot quicker and faster than soccer, and it gives more of a chance to show off individual skill a bit more.

“But we didn’t think we’d be getting to play it in Scotland for Australia.”

Up against the likes of Spain and Portugal, coach Corey Smith said the team was preparing for “all possible outcomes”. “There’s a real buzz at the moment,” he said.


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