Futsal champs head to nationals

Eleven Year Two boys are living out their dream in Brisbane this weekend, making history for Holy Family Primary School as they prepare to compete in the Australasian Champion of Champions futsal competition.

 

“Those boys deserve it. They have trained very hard,” coach Daniel Ruiz said.

 

“This is the first time anyone at Holy Family has made nationals at this level, and we are the only Canberra team going to this tournament. It is once in a lifetime for these boys.”

 

In March, the Holy Family Cougars played at an ACT Futsal gala day.

 

“These under 8’s actually won the competition,” Mr Ruiz said.

 

“The day they won it, they were losing two nil during the game, so it was very mixed emotions. But they ended up winning 3-2. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, but at the end of the day a very proud moment. It was pretty cool. They are still so little – we weren’t expecting anyone to get through at this age level. And this particular group was only put together just for that game.”

 

Mr Ruiz said the students were incredibly excited about heading to Brisbane to compete.

 

“On Monday we did a presentation to the school, and they got to try on the kit for the first time,” he said.

 

“We got them playing jerseys, polos, tracksuits, a backpack, a drink bottle – all with their names on it. You should have seen their faces when they got to wear it.”

 

Mr Ruiz said futsal gave children a chance to be successful outside of the classroom. 

 

“I think that is one of the abilities of sport,” he said.

 

“When you go on a sporting field, there is that comradery – that’s something you can’t really teach.”

 

Win, lose or draw, Mr Ruiz said the players could be incredibly proud of themselves.

 

“They are very resilient little people, and they have been very determined as well,” he said.

 

“I just want them to have some fun. I want them to feel successful and feel like the champions they are.”