Thunder and Lightning strike in the National Capital

On finals day NSW had teams representing in all 16 age groups, 8 of these finals were contested by both Thunder and Lightning. NSW teams went on to win 12 Finals. NSW Lighting sides preformed well on finals day winning 3 finals upsetting the thunder sides.
The NSW Thunder Men?s team were defeated by 2-1 to ACT Cobras in the final with players from both sides eyeing off selection in the National Futsalroos team for the upcoming KL5, AFC Championship and the upcoming World Cup to be held in Brazil this year.
The NSW Thunder Women?s team defeated a gallant Queensland side in a nail biting penalty shoot-out to make it 3 consecutive titles for the Thunder women.
The NSW Thunder 12 boys were on fire in the final vs. Victoria who had won it for the last 2 years. Thunder ran out 8-1 victors with some outstanding goals being scored.
The NSW Lightning 13 Girls were the first Lightning side to win on finals day with a nail biting 3-2 victory over the NSW Thunder side, both sides had chances to win the game and in the end the Lightning girls took the spoils.
The NSW Thunder 14 Boys were also very impressive on finals day with an 8-2 victory over the NSW Lightning.
The NSW Lightning 15 Boys were another side who impressed on finals day playing some fantastic Futsal. The Lightning boys ran out victors 9-4 over NSW Thunder boys.
The NSW Thunder 16 Boys side finally tasted victory after 2 previous defeats at the final hurdle they beat a solid NSW Lighting outfit 6-5. The Lightning boys pushed Thunder to the final whistle.
The NSW Thunder 16 Girls were also on fire on the final day with a comprehensive 7-1 victory over NSW Lightning.
Football NSW Futsal would like to congratulate the following players on their outstanding performances throughout the week.
Under 11 Boys

• Player of the Final: Alexander Vlismas ? NSW Thunder

Under  11 Girls

• Player of the Tournament: Amy Harrison ? NSW Thunder
• Golden Boot: Zoe Gomez (10 Goals) ? NSW Lightning
• Player of the Final: Melissa Caceres ? NSW Thunder

Under 12 Boys

• Player of the Final: Mohammad Qasimi ? NSW Thunder

Under 12 Girls

• Player of the Final: Vanisha Kumar ? NSW Lightning
• Golden Boot: Kristina Janeska (11 Goals) – NSW Thunder

Under 13 Boys

• Player of the Tournament: Patrick Antelmi ? NSW Lightning
• Golden Boot: Patrick Antelmi (12 Goals) – NSW Lightning
• Player of the Final: Alex Doyle ? NSW Lightning

Under 13 Girls

• Player of the Tournament: Heidi Makrillos ? NSW Thunder
• Golden Boot: Heidi Makrillos (18 Goals) ? NSW Thunder
• Player of the Final: Bethany Sweeny ? NSW Lightning

Under 14 Boys

• Player of the Tournament: Zack Yaghi ? NSW Lightning
• Golden Boot: Jake Mason (13 Goals) – NSW Thunder
• Player of the Final: Bruno Pivato ? NSW Thunder

Under 15 Boys

• Player of the Tournament: Shervin Adeli – NSW Thunder
• Golden Boot: Shervin Adeli (12 Goals) – NSW Thunder
• Player of the Final: Mitchell Davidson ? NSW Lightning

Under 15 Girls

• Golden Boot: Natasha Lo Giudice (17 Goals) – NSW Thunder
• Player of the Final: Natasha Lo Giudice- NSW Thunder

Under 16 Boys

• Golden Boot: Mitchell Stamatellis (11 Goals) – NSW Lightning & Pat Disalvo (11 Goals) – NSW Thunder
• Player of the Final: David Von dicklage – NSW Thunder

Under 16 Girls

• Player of the Tournament: Kayleigh Koops- NSW Thunder
• Golden Boot: Kayleigh Koops (13 Goals)- NSW Thunder
• Player of the Final: Kayleigh Koops- NSW Thunder

Youth Men

• Golden Boot: Kane Wright (8 Goals) – NSW Thunder

Youth Women

• Player of the Tournament: Trudy Worboys – NSW Thunder & Stephanie Haim ? NSW Lightning
• Golden Boot: Stephanie Haim (5 Goals) ? NSW Lightning
• Player of the Final: Claire Walsh – NSW Thunder

Open Men

• Player of the Tournament: Lachlan Wright ? NSW Thunder

Open Women

• Golden Boot: Jo Anne Saliba (8 Goals) – NSW Storm
• Player of the Final: Brooke Cowie – NSW Thunder

Football NSW Futsal would like to thank all Coaches, Managers, Players and Parents who combined to make it a fantastic week in the ACT.
Of important interest –
During the week the FFA held the first meeting regarding a National plan for Futsal development pathways from grassroots through to National selection for Players, Coaches and Referees alike. They discussed appointing a project manager to oversee the initial stages of the Futsal development plan. This will focus on more effective integration with the outdoor game as well as club development. It will also include these objectives:

• FFA will work with Member Federations to ensure that Futsal is fully integrated into their
• organisational structures FFA, through Member Federations, will work with all stakeholders to encourage closer links
• between outdoor clubs and Futsal teams/centres
• FFA to provide better services and programs to Futsal including Coach and Referee Education
• and Development
• FFA to ensure that a clearly articulated pathway exists for talented players within Futsal

With FFA now taking an active interest in Futsal the future looks bright for our sport