Courtesy: Manning River Times


Manning futsal teams make national finals

13 Jan 2017

Two Manning futsal teams were finalists in the Australian championships played at Penrtih, Windsor and Liverpool this week.

In all eight Manning teams were involved in the various grades – a record for Manning Futsal at this level.

Manning girl’s 12s were the defending champions. The side played Sydney Metro in the semi-finals, the team they defeated last year to win the championship.

Manning won the semi after a tremendous performance to advance to the final where they clashed with Queensland Country but were beaten 3-2. This was a great effort from coach Mick Grass and his players.

Manning 16 girls defeated Central Coast 2-1 in the semi-final to move to the final against Queensland Gold. They were competitive in the first half but eventually went down 7-0. Jane Lynch was the coach.

The 15 years girls had a tough tournament with only six players due to a late withdrawal. Having only one substitute at a nationals is a huge ask, particularly in 40 degree heat at Penrith.

But the girls handled adversity with great determination and played through to the quarter finals, where their tournament was ended with a 2-0 defeat by Queensland City Gold, the eventual Australian champions. Rebecca Deer prepared the girls, coaching them on the first day while Peter Forbes took over due to Rebecca’s work commitments.

Five boys teams entered – nines, 10s, 12s, 14s and 15s.

The nines were the youngest team Manning Futsal has entered in a National titles.

Manning had many wins and draws between them in all the grades which is particularly encouraging as some teams had never previously competed at national level and they will be better for the experience, Manning Futsal’s Cheryl Forbes said.

Coaches were Michael Wallace, Scott Dawson, Peter Forbes, James Goldsmith, Adam Christenson and Nathan Somerville.

There were further honours for two Manning players.

Manning’s Rosie White was awarded the “Golden Boot” award for the 16 girls for the highest number of goals scored in that competition.

All Star teams are selected by coaches in each age division, being a goalkeeper and four court players. Xanthe Parsons was named All Star goal keeper for the 12 girls and Rosie White was also voted an All Star court player for the 16 girls.



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