Courtesy: Football Australia


Lockhart: ‘Let’s make Futsalroos history’

Thursday, 8 September 2016 -
Russ Gibbs
Becoming the most successful team in Futsalroos history is the ultimate aim according to Dean Lockhart as Australia prepares for the FIFA Futsal World Cup Finals in Colombia.
Progressing from the group stages of the tournament for the first time, and securing a berth in the knockout phase, is the ambition for the current group of players who, like Lockhart, have had to make notable sacrifices to participate on the global stage.
“We want to make Futsalroos history,” Lockhart confirmed as the squad prepares for the opening match of the competition against Mozambique. “We want to be the first team to progress out of the group and make it to the Round of 16. That is our idealistic goal.
“Any progression from there would be a bonus, but ideally that is where we want to be and we want to make history – that is the ultimate goal for us.”
Should the Futsalroos succeed in their ambitions Lockhart is sure that the game in Australia will receive a much-needed boost and has called upon the vast army of Futsal players and supporters in the country to unite behind the national team.

“I hope that everyone gets behind us,” he said. “We don’t get to see what the reaction is like, other than what comes though social media, but I want everyone to get behind us and really support us. I want everyone watching and tuning in and start maybe recognising the sport a little more and get a push to bring it to the forefront of people’s minds.” Whilst experienced in terms of having played for the Futsalroos in other tournaments, including the qualification process for this FIFA Futsal World Cup, this will be Lockhart’s maiden appearance at the premier event and he is hoping that the experience can lead to further progression within the sport. “The whole experience is going to be great,” Lockhart said. “A few of the boys have spoken about the last tournament in Thailand and just how different it is in comparison to other tours. I am really excited about the opportunity to prove myself on the World stage, not just in Asia, where we have performed really well in the past. This is playing against the best teams in the World and for me that’s the most exciting challenge. I want to put in really good performances on the court. I think if you perform well and people notice it, then you can get recognised. I have always wanted to play overseas with my Futsal, so maybe there will be the opportunity to get scouted. I will put my best foot forward and hopefully get the chance to play abroad.”

The team clearly has a unique and close-knit bond, due to their non-professional status, and the Inner West Magic star believes that the friendships built within the group could count a lot towards the challenges that lay ahead. “Everyone gets along really well. Everyone has similar interests and we are able to discuss things other than futsal and the harmony within the team, obviously having a lot of boys who get along well, means everything. “You take that into the games and everyone has the same goal of wanting to achieve and play well at the World Cup.” The Futsalroos commence their FIFA Futsal World Cup campaign on Sunday 11th September (local time) against Mozambique. The match will be screened live on SBS on Monday 12th September with coverage commencing at 6.50am (AEST).



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