Victoria Country’s director of coaching Corey Smith has praised the quality of young coaches from Ballarat that helped guide regional teams to a successful Australian Futsal Association national championships.
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More than 50 Ballarat-based players and coaches were part of Vic Country sides, which have returned home following the tournament in Sydney.
“As an overall coaching group, Ballarat has the strongest in Australia,” Smith told The Courier.
“Especially with all the younger guys coaching. Their progression is rapid at that level.”
Vic Country won the 12-year-old girls division and made the final in the open men’s competition before going down in the decider. Across the board, 14 of Vic Country’s 21 sides reached the semi-final stage of their respective grade.
Despite winning three crowns last year, Smith rated the 2017 Australian titles more successful given the spread of teams that made it to finals.
Games were scheduled at Hawkesbury Indoor Stadium, Penrith Valley Regional Sports Stadium and Whitlam Leisure Centre throughout the carnival.
Divisions ranged from nine-year-old boys right through to senior men and women.
Adding to the success of the championships, six Ballarat-based players were recognised for their standout performances with a place in an all-stars squad.
This was decided following voting from the coaches, with the best five players in each division gaining the honour.
Trestin Overall (nine-year-old boys), Zac Francis (12-year-old boys), Kristina Antrobus (12-year-old girls), Jason Spirovski (youth boys), Josh Ellen (men) and Jake Francis (men) were those from Ballarat to be named as an all-star.
Smith said numerous Ballarat players have also been offered places in national teams, which will represent Australia at upcoming overseas tours.
