Community support for futsal trip

A YOUNG Miners Rest futsal player is kicking goals after returning home from his first interstate tournament.

Playing as part of Victoria’s under 8 team, Kylo Montgomery was one of more than half a dozen young local athletes to represent the region as part of the National Club Futsal Championships earlier this month.

The event marked his first time playing interstate in a national tournament since he started playing futsal at the Major League Indoor Sports Centre in late 2022.

“The highlight for me was when I did a half-court throw,” Kylo said.

“I started to scan and see where the people were at and I saw one my teammates Liam and threw the ball all the way to him and he nearly scored a goal.”

Playing at Menai Indoor Sports Centre in New South Wales, Kylo took part in six matches over three days.

To cover travel, accommodation, and tournament costs, the community assisted with fundraising for the family.

Kylo’s mother Belinda, who made the trip with her son, said the local support was essential to their participating in the tournament.

“My husband reached out to the Mount Bolton Lions Club who donated some money as well as the 321 Cafe in Learmonth,” she said.

“We also reached out to the Miners Rest Primary School where the kids go, and the junior school council helped with a Zooper Dooper drive to raise money.

“Without that support, we would’ve really struggled.

“It was nice to see that support especially when he’s lived in Miners Rest nearly all his life, He’s always seen around town with a soccer ball.”

Ms Montgomery said it’s been great to see her son make new friends out of the trip.

“He’d never played with the other Ballarat kids prior to this but they’ve all formed such friendships and played so well together,” she said.

“For the next season, I think at the end of January, we’ve got about four or five them playing together to form their own team at Futsal Ballarat.”