Silver medallists net world qualification

YOUNG athletes have put Futsal Ballarat on the world map, with success at the recent 2024 Gold Coast International Futsal Cup.

The club’s under 10 boys squad won silver at the tournament which was played at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre.

Having progressed undefeated to the grand final amongst a pool of 30 teams, the boys kicked four goals to Feenix Futsal Club’s eight in the decider.

As the silver medallists, the under 10s have qualified for the World Club Futsal Championships in the United States of America.

“The club is delighted with this result,” said Ballarat Futsal director Andrew Burgess.

“Our players showed that they can compete with the best in Australia. We are producing quality young players, and these results reflect the hard work that everyone is putting in at the club.”

Five Futsal Ballarat teams competed at the Gold Coast International across five age categories including under nine, under 10, and under 12 boys, and under 11 and under 15 girls.

Futsal Ballarat director, Dermott Tebb, said the tournament is a “marquee” event.

“We are very proud of all players and teams that competed and represented the club,” he said.

“The club had a combined record of 20 wins against just 10 losses for the event and showcased the talent that is being produced at the club.”

Futsal Ballarat had a big 2023, with the win of the Football Victoria Futsal Club of the Year award, and success from director Dermott Tebb as coach to national champions, the under 13 Victorian girls squad.

The Gold Coast International attracted 275 teams in 2024 from across the country and New Zealand, Asia, and the Solomon Islands.