You may not know this, but Lismore is a hotbed of futsal talent. Four VIFPs on the Australian team are close to arriving in Colombia right about now for the VIII FIFUSA World Cup.

Clay Skinner from Just Futsal NSW and Gold Coast United, and Hunter Hotko from Just Futsal NSW, GC United and Galaxy FC, will be playing under the guidance of Vinnie Leite (coach) and Alex Argolo (physiologist).

Vinnie Leite, began three futsal leagues in the Northern Rivers. He is dedicated to developing the next generation of players.  

“I started futsal in 2010. We had about 40 to 60 people playing futsal. This year, we're going to have over 1000 people playing in our region. 

“I saw the quality in these two players. To see these two take this journey and go to this tournament, which is a one off opportunity, might change the course of their lives. 

“FIFUSA is very big in South America. In Colombia, we will have 5000 to 6000 people watching our games. And for a kid that comes from Lismore, playing in front of that many spectators, for the world to see them, that's incredible. 

“You can always make more money, but you can never make more time. So the time is now for them to shine.”

(Clay, Vinnie and Hunter leaving for Columbia. Image credit: Vinnie Leite)

Both of the boys are thrilled to be representing Australia on the world stage. Playing together for Gold Coast United, gives them a familiarity with each other's skill set that many national players thrown together never have the opportunity to develop.

Vinnie has revelled in seeing Hunter develop as a player. “Hunter has been with me since he was seven years old. So I've been coaching Hunter for 9 to 10 years, and I’m very, very proud of the time spent with him, not just as a player, but watching him turn into a man. 

“As a young man, Hunter was very insecure, didn't have confidence at all, didn't want to take penalties. He was always shy.

“Then to see him come out of his shell and become a very, very good player, very nice and charismatic. Everybody loves being around him. He communicates a lot on and off the court. 

“He's liked everywhere he goes. He has become a leader, even though he's young. He steps up to take leadership in everything that he's part of. He's very, very skilful. 

(Hunter Hotko with the ball. Photo: Snapshots by Dawn Photography)

“His decision-making is incredibly good. He is so creative in tight spaces. He can get out of tough situations and even score. 

“He could be the next generation of Futsalroos if he doesn't make it to the Socceroos. He can easily play for the Australian National Team if he's given the opportunity. Opportunities like this World Cup.”

Hunter says, “I'm very grateful for such a big opportunity. It has always been a dream to represent my nation but I never thought it would come true. I hope I can go over there and play my best and make all my supporters proud.'

Vinnie describes Clay as a shy player, “He still doesn't talk much, but he talks through his legs - he shows his skills. He's a very strong player. 

“He had a terrible injury, a broken back. He was almost out for one season, didn't play football, and thought that he could never play again at a high level.

“He did physio for about six or seven months. He really focused. He knows what he wants, and to see him now going back to play for Gold Coast United, one of the best football clubs in the NPL League, and now trying for the Australian National team is a testament to his efforts.”

(Clay Skinner, photo provided by Mrs Skinner)

Clay says, “I am excited to be travelling to Colombia to play futsal. I started playing futsal when I was 13 at Just Futsal with Vinnie, and I fell in love with the game. Vinnie and futsal helped me develop my skills and made me a better football player.

“I hope futsal is in the 2032 Olympics when it comes to Australia. It will be my ambition to be in that team.”

Our support and luck go with these men.

Twenty (20) teams will be battling it out, starting in 4 groups of 5 starting on September 13th.

Australia has a hard draw, up against Brazil, Ecuador, Pakistan and Mexico.

The matches for the first round are:

• 15th September - Australia Vs Brazil
• 16th September - Australia Vs Ecuador
• 17th September - Australia Vs Mexico
• 18th September - Australia Vs Pakistan

Futsal World Cups explained

There are two internationally renowned Futsal organisations. FIFA and FIFUSA. Vinnie explains, “FIFA has a bigger reputation - all the big football players play for FIFA. 

“FIFUSA is older and specialised on development of the sport. It gives opportunities to under 13’s, 15’s and 17s, and men's and women's, so there are opportunities for them.”

FIFUSA doesn’t have the big player draw cards and funding, so players have to pay their way to get there, but Vinnie says the experience, especially playing high level in front of big crowds, is well worth it.

In Australia Futsal has not been promoted as much as in other countries. But in the leading teams around the world, showing prowess on the Futsal court is a necessary part of honing skills.

“In South America, Futsal is played more than football. Good players are considered superstars. People migrate to football later because of the money, chasing that dream career. 

“In places like Brazil and Spain, all the juniors start playing classical futsal. Most of them play futsal two nights a week and one night of football. 

"So the kids train three nights a week until the age of 13 or 14, then they fully move to football once they acquire all their skills. That's why they produce the best players in the world.

“Australia is crawling compared to those nations that are running in front of them, but in the last four or five years, the landscape has changed a lot with a lot of futsal tournaments.”

Follow the World Cup at the Futbol de Salon Australia - FSA

Or with the local club, Just Futsal NSW

And if you are keen to give futsal a go, teams are forming now for next season!

If you have the futsal bug, here is another article written about the physiologist for Australia’s team, Alex Argolo.