FUTSAL WA

Futsal WA Junior State Exhibition Matches

On Saturday 22nd January, Futsal WA hosted multiple junior exhibition matches between their respective state teams and an all-star selection from the Supa Liga Junior competitions. A total of 8 squads battled it out in their respective age groups (U13 Boys, U14 Boys and Girls, U17 Girls) in a 40min match, fully live streamed and commentated spectacle. Special mention to Joma and Onside sports for providing the players with their kits, the State teams lining up in a classic WA black and gold look, the All-Stars sides playing in a smart white top and grey shorts combination and the goalkeepers turning up in either orange or light blue.

U13 Boys lining up for a pre-match photo

The day kicked off with the U13 boys going head to head in an end-to-end game that ended 8-4 in the State teams favour. The State team did well to gain an early lead in the match and from then on the All-stars were playing catch up, they never gave up, constantly showing signs of pulling back the lead, but in the end the State team proved to be too strong in defense. The next game was in the U14 Boys age group. This time it was the Supa-Liga All Stars who came out on top in a thrilling encounter that ended 4-6. Both sides showed exceptional attacking skills with plenty of shots on either end, it was the keepers kept the match at a reasonable score line.

Next up we had the U14 girls come up against each other. The 8-0 score line reflected a one-sided win for the State team, however it was anything but that. The All Stars were extraordinarily unlucky in their shooting as they hit a combination of the posts and cross-bar at least a dozen times during the match (as well as some brilliant saves from the goalkeeper). Finally it was the U17 Girls turn to face each other in what turned out to be the grandstand finish to the day. The enthralling encounter showed off some of the more elite tactics of futsal, with the State team playing a fly-keeper for some of the match. The match ended 4-4 after full-time and it all came down to a best-of-5 penalty kick off. The WA State teams ended proceedings as the winners thanks to some brilliant goalkeeping and clinically taken penalties.

Annie Leyland, the Head of Operations at Futsal WA had this to say about the day “These exhibition matches gave players and staff the chance to showcase the futsal talent and ability that is available here in WA, we were very impressed with the quality of Futsal on show. Over the past 2 years we have seen tremendous development in junior Futsal. This progression has occurred in part due to our junior futsal academies, annual school titles and the Supa-Liga competition. There are exciting times ahead, with further expansion of our junior academies and leagues on the horizon!”

U17 Girls WA State Team after winning their match

The exhibition matches were played with plenty of smiles and excitement as the majority of the boys and girls usually line up together on the same sides with their respective clubs in Futsal WA’s Junior Supa Liga. The matches offered players a new challenge to overcome as well as giving them different perspectives of the game from the superstar line-up of coaches. A big special thanks to all the volunteers who helped out in the canteen, providing food and drink to the competitors and all the guests who attended. Special mentions also go out to all the staff and volunteers who helped set up the occasion which turned out to be a resounding success thanks to their willingness to help out on the day and grow the sport of Futsal in WA!