TWO of the South Coast’s top football prospects will have the opportunity have to show off their exploits in Italy, after been named in the Australian 14 boy’s futsal team.
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Milton pair Kai Bowman and Michael Attard, both 14, were named in this prestigious squad on the back of strong performances at the National Futsal Championships, held in Sydney in January.
“We were both very surprised when the Australian squad was announced,” Bowman said.
“It took a while to probably sink in – it was a shock at first but after a couple of days, it felt amazing that I’ll have the opportunity to represent my country.”
Preparing the pair for Italy will be Southern NSW coordinator for the Australian Futsal Association Warren Lewiston, who said the boys thoroughly deserved this chance to play against international opponents.
“I’m really happy that the boys got selected, after playing well at January’s nationals,” Lewiston said.
“Both of them have show strong progression in their training in the past six months – which resulted in this selection.
“The way they have both adapted their games from football to futsal has been amazing – with futsal helping their outdoor games.
“Futsal teaches you accountability and to play with speed – meaning the brain has to be switched on at all times.
“I think the future is exceptionally bright for both of them.”
The boys’ team was supposed to go to the United Kingdom as part of the tour in October, but in recent weeks, it changed to Italy.
“Obviously we were excited to go to the UK but when we found out it had been changed to Italy, I was over the moon,” Attard said.
“As excited as we are, we don’t really know what to expect, as it is our first time competing overseas.”
Both boys, who are students at Ulladulla High School, rate this as the highest achievement of their career.
“Nothing in my career even comes close to making this side,” goalkeepr Bowman said.
“It makes it even more special to be able to do it alongside a good mate like Michael – considering we both started our careers playing for the Milton Ulladulla Panthers.”
Attard and Bowman, along with their NSW futsal side, will train with coach Lewiston once a month before the Milton pair will head overseas to play with the Australian side.
The pair hope this is the start of a long and successful career in the sport.
Attard’s GoFundMe can be found at: https://funds.gofundme.com/dashboard/michaels-futsal-tour-to-italy/
Courtney Ward
Sports Journalist for South Coast Register and Milton-Ulladulla Times, who loves all things sport and travel. All views are my own.
Sports Journalist for South Coast Register and Milton-Ulladulla Times, who loves all things sport and travel. All views are my own.
