A FRANTIC week of futsal lies ahead for Ballarat.
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The Ballarat Futsal Centre will host the AFA National School Futsal Championships from September 29 to October 2.
This year’s competition will be split between Bendigo and Ballarat, with the AFA aiming to promote the sport in country Victoria.
More than 300 players and 30 teams across the under-15, 16 and 19 girls and under-16 and 19 boys grades will grace the BFC.
The four-day event will feature open and closing ceremonies, and a number of new awards including best players, the golden boot and MVP accolades for each level.
AFA tour and tournaments co-ordinator Jade Banks said the two regional facilities made perfect candidates for hosting the tournament.
“We decided to have the championships in regional Victoria this year to show the country futsal kids how big the sport has become,” Banks said.
“Futsal in Ballarat is growing at great numbers, and this is reward for that.
“It’s a futsal-only centre, which is ideal for us.”
Players who were selected to compete have earned their positions by tackling AFA regional school competitions and excelling during state trials.
Those who stand out during the championships will be chosen by AFA officials to represent Australia on playing tours of Brazil, China, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Spain, the United States of America and Greece.
Coach of Vic Country’s under-15 girls’ side Jack Mirabella believes Ballarat, playing under the Vic Country banner, has a chance to feature strongly in each of the competitions.
“I think we have a real chance at having a crack at each title,” he said.
“The girls have been training very hard since nationals in January and building up to this to hopefully get a win at the end of it.
“New South Wales always brings a very strong team – it won the national championships back in January, so hopefully we’ll knock them off that podium.”