Champs ready for the world
FNQ Super League eager to build female futsal and links with football clubs
They’ve claimed the inaugural FNQ Futsal Super League and now much of the FNQ Hotdogs squad is preparing to take on the world. Five Australian under-20 squad members were part of a 5-2 triumph in the men’s final against Cassowary Coast on Saturday, showing all the class you would expect from a team with six years experience. The national squad players are on the hunt for sponsorship in a bid to cover costs of a looming trip to Colombia for the under-20 World Cup.
THEY’VE claimed the inaugural FNQ Futsal Super League and now much of the FNQ Hotdogs squad is preparing to take on the world.
Five Australian under-20 squad members were part of a 5-2 triumph in the men’s final against Cassowary Coast on Saturday, showing all the class you would expect from a team that has been together for the best part of six years.
Hotdogs coach Ronnie Leporati, the Australian under-20 coach, said it was a monumental effort for his side to topple an opposition they failed to beat in the regular season.
“It was the best game the boys played all year and they had to play well to beat these guys,” he said.
“I know these boys have got good talent and they had to stand up and they did.”
The national squad players are on the hunt for sponsorship in a bid to cover some of the costs of a looming trip to Colombia for the Under-20 World Cup.
Hotdogs’ under-13s added to the club’s finals day success with a 2-1 win secured in the last 10 seconds of the match, while their under-15 mixed side went down 5-4 to Redlynch Redbacks.
FNQ Futsal Super League organiser Tony Cifuentes declared the maiden version of the league, 15 teams across four divisions, a huge success.
“It’s the first time we’ve tried to play the locals, especially the junior players, on the big international-size court ... so this was a great experience for them,” he said.
“When they go overseas they all play on the big international courts, so this was good for them to develop and improve.”
Cifuentes hoped for enough interest to expand to a standalone senior women’s Super League side in the next edition, while also engaging local football clubs in their off-season.
“We’re trying to encourage more girls to compete. At the moment the girls have to play against the boys … but if we can get more players we can certainly have more girls and a ladies competition,” he said.