WHILE most teenagers are readying themselves for Christmas, two Year 11 students from St Joseph’s High School, Aberdeen, will be showcasing their futsal skills on the other side of the world.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Muswellbrook’s Sophie Morgan and Scone’s Mikaela Tilse, both 17, have been selected in the Australian youth squad to tour Spain and Wales over the next 18 days.
The pair will undertake training and social matches to prepare for the feature event, the Roy Miller Cup, in Wales on December 5.
“We were surprised and excited to be named in the team,” the girls said.
“We only know a couple of the players – most of the girls are from Queensland, Adelaide, Sydney and Perth.
“However, we’ve both been on tours before.”
Morgan ventured to the United States previously, while Tilse found herself in Brazil.
As individuals, they share a similar journey.
The duo was introduced to futsal through their school competition, each represented Northern NSW and both play the large-field version, football, in Newcastle.
“We’re hoping to gain more experience and discover new styles on the tour,” Tilse said.
“Futsal is big overseas, so it’s the perfect place to learn about the game,” Morgan added.
“We’re scheduled to play some mini tournaments and ‘friendlies’, too.
“We’ll also get to see a few EPL (English Premier League) matches and visit the training centres for Real Madrid and Liverpool.
“On top of that, we’ll sample the local cuisine in those countries and build friendships with the other players – so it balances it out.”
Even when they return home, there is more futsal action on the horizon.
Morgan will take the field for Northern NSW and Tilse for Western Sydney at the Nationals at Penrith in January.
Beyond that, the 2020 Olympic Games loom.
“We’re not really thinking about it,” Tilse said.
“At the moment, we enjoy futsal for the fun.
“But, it’s there [Olympics] in the back of our minds,” Morgan chipped in.