The event is regarded as the most prestigious international youth futsal tournament on the planet and the Auckland-based New Zealand side arrived in Orlando, Florida looking to focus mainly on furthering their development and gaining experience against top-class opponents.
They managed to do that and more by exceeding their expectations on the court, making it all the way to the final of their category before falling 8-3 to the ABK Futsal Academy.
Coach Rhys Greensill was delighted with the efforts of the players, who earned their place at the world champs by qualifying through Australia’s Craig Foster Cup in January.
“The aim of bringing the girls to the worlds was to expose them to different styles of play and learn how to play against these styles,” he said.
“We achieved all we wanted from the trip, playing the top teams from several countries and experiencing their different styles of futsal. This positive experience augers well for the future and will live long in the memory of the girls.”
The side, nicknamed the Eastern Belles, cruised through the group stages at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex by winning all three matches. But they faced a stern examination of their abilities in the semi-final, coming from behind against Barrie Futsal Club before scoring the winner with seconds left on the clock.
Scott Gilligan, who coaches the Futsal Whites national team, was in Orlando to lend his tactical nous to the Belles and was pleased with the rate of improvement the players displayed since his first training session with them in March.
“The girls showed plenty of heart and never once gave up on each other. This was never more evident than in their semi-final victory,” Gilligan said.
“In the final, we went down 3-0 early but came to terms with our change in defensive tactics and more than matched our more technical opponents. The second half especially was a testament to the way the girls adapted to this change and, combined with their passion to succeed, they were able to draw the half 3-3.”
The team will now look to continue its development by returning to regular action in the senior women’s competition at the University of Auckland.
World Futsal Championships Results
AFF 3 – 2 Brookline Blazers
AFF 5 – 2 CCF Chaos
AFF 12 – 2 TBU
Semi-final:
AFF 3 – 2 Barrie Futsal Club
Final:
AFF 3 – 8 ABK Futsal Academy
Story courtesy of Auckland Football Federation.

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