Courtesy: Bendigo Advertiser


Bendigo under-10 futsal players close in on semi-final berth representing Victoria Country

by Kieran Iles

10 Jan 2017

UPDATE: A Bendigo team representing Victoria Country’s dream run has come to an end at the 2017 Australian Futsal Association National Championships.

The under-10 team coached by Jake Francis bowed out in the quarter final stage, losing to Queensland 5-2.

The team had earlier won its first six games of the tournament.

The game was played in humid conditions and at a frenetic pace, with the temperature inside the stadium reaching 42 degrees.

EARLIER: A Victoria Country team entirely made up of Bendigo players is pushing for a semi-final berth at the 2017 Australian Futsal Association National Championships.

The under-10 team, coached by Jake Francis, has qualified for today's quarter final by winning six of its seven minor round games.

The quarter final clash against Queensland is due to kick-off at 5.20pm.

A spot in Wednesday's semi-finals awaits the winner.

The team's sole loss came on Tuesday afternoon against undefeated New South Wales Metro 3-6.

Francis said he could no be prouder of his players' efforts so far in Sydney.

"We are playing teams from all over Australia - Queensland, New South Wales and Tassie in our group," he said.

"All the kids are from Bendigo, all eight in the squad.

"They have gone above and beyond expectations."

Francis believed the side was capable of going deep into the tournament.

"Even though we lost the last game we showed we can push the best teams," he said.

"In the finals anything could happen."

The squad comprises Elliot Forsyth, Archie Goudie, Ryan Kalms, Liam Yates, Lachie Ross, Jack Mitchell, Riley Kerr and Noah Rimmer, most of whom are involved in state academies.

Nearly 50 futsal players from Bendigo are representing Victoria Country in Sydney across several age groups.


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