Athletes with Disabilities shine at FFA Futsal Nationals

The games were played at such a superb pace and skill level, that the athletes gained a huge supporter base and made ardent believers out of the hundreds who watched their matches ?from FFA officials to futsal players and their parents, the most used words of the tournament was ?Wow, did you see that?.
The tournament was a monumental achievement for the athletes. The smiles as we entered the AIS for the march past lasted the whole week.
In all for this year we had 6 teams competing ? 3 from NSW, Southern NSW, Western NSW and ACT. The competition was remarkably close and after the rounds were played 4^th place had to be split by goal differences after a 3 way tie for 4^th. NSW Thunder made the semis by a meagre total of 1 goal difference from the ACT.
The semi finals were amazing games. Southern NSW who had gone through the early stage undefeated cemented their favourite mantle with a 6 ? 2 win over NSW Thunder. In the other semi, NSW Lightning beat the odds to win 6-5 over Western NSW in a game that had over 6 lead changes, 4 post rattlers, a shot by the goalie that the other keeper taped over the bar, 2 heart palpitations, and the juxtaposed emotions of elation and despair. ?Wow, did you see that??
The actual final was not the best futsal played throughout the tournament. It was a case of big time nerves and playing on the big stage. The faces as the athletes lined up to march on to the AIS showed how nervous everyone was. In the end Southern NSW were deserved winners over the NSW Lightning 6-1. They had been the stand out team from the week?s competition. Congratulations to Rodney Afif (Lightning) for being named player of the final and congratulations also to Craig Muhlbrock (Storm) who was a deserved winner of the MVP of the competition.
However the real winners was this amazing group of athletes who had demonstrated to all in the futsal community what a valued part they play in the futsal community. All who were there and witnessed first hand (most for the 1^st time) where cheering the loudest.
The week also culminated in a spectacular presentation night at Ainslie Football Club. It was here that Damien Briggs and Mathew Morrison from Football NSW and Rob Varela (Australian Coach) were on hand to announce the Australian training squad to compete at the Global Games in Genoa, Italy in September 2011. The night was a great success with all the athletes and supporters taking the opportunity to let their hair down and have a great time.
An event of this magnitude needs the cooperation of hundreds of people. To all who work to make the championships such a success ? from the bottom of our hearts thank you.
In particular, Pat McCann from Capitol football, who 2 weeks before the comp had only 3 people for the ACT team brought together a team of hundreds (biggest bench you have seen). Under his leadership the ACT played better every game and missed the finals by 1 goal. A powerhouse in years to come and Pat in a word is ?sensational?.
To all the coaches and managers, not 1 incident in a week as packed as this one speaks for the way everyone went about their responsibilities and worked as one.
To the supporters and parents ? beyond everything else; be it motivators, advocates, believers, tireless workers ? the fun and joy witnessed and had -?priceless?.
To the FFA, in particular Mathew and Vito, who came in their own time to watch the games and in their own words ?had their eyes opened?. Thank you for the words of encouragement and the offers of support, both are greatly appreciated.
To Robyn Smith from Ausrapid ? a tyro who never stops and is always ensuring people with disabilities are involved ? don?t stop.
To Peter Muhlbock ? the photos are awe inspiring.
Finally to all the athletes; beyond imagination. ?Wow, did you see that!?
The Australian training squad for 2011 Global Games are:
Wayne McDonough                   NSW Thunder
Adam Grogan                           NSW Thunder
Shannon Wolford                      NSW Thunder
Craig Muhlbock                         NSW Storm
Phillip   Nicholson                     NSW Storm
Hyssam Elrich                           NSW Lightning
Rodney Afif                              NSW Lightning
Phillip Whitehead                       NSW Lightning
Nicole Simpson                         NSW Lightning
Beau Holt                                  NSW Lightning
Michael Borel                            Western NSW
Simon Leung                             Western NSW
Jamie Allnutt                             Western NSW
Ben Taprell                                Western NSW
Caitlin Cooney                           Southern NSW
Dane Pritchard                          Southern NSW
Koby Banks                              Southern NSW
Tim Walsh                                 Southern NSW
John Riuz                                  Southern NSW
Mitchell Forrest                         Southern NSW
Nathan Weylan                          Southern NSW