MANNING Futsal has a bright future and new president James Goldsmith is very excited to see just how far the game can grow.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mr Goldsmith was elected as president of Manning Futsal at the recent AGM. As an association referee, representative player and high performance coach, he said his decision to run for president was a natural one, and one that he is very keen to fulfil.
The president’s role is a large one, due mostly to the exponential growth in the game over recent years, both locally and nationally. In the recently completed Manning summer competition, there were more than 850 registered players in 118 different teams including, in seniors, three grades of open men, three grades of open women, two grades in open mixed and a youth competition. In the junior competitions, there were age groups from under eight through to under 15/16s. Some of these age groups also required a split into A/B competitions, such was the number of teams entered.
“The sheer number of teams, both in juniors and seniors, shows how diverse the sport is, it really appeals to all ages and both males and females,” Mr Goldsmith said.
Despite the numbers and large amount of work required, he is undaunted.
“It is a huge undertaking to oversee futsal in the Manning, but we have a strong committee, a dedicated tournament manager and many helpful members, so we will continue to ensure our competition is well run and attracting players, sponsors and supporters,” Mr Goldsmith pointed out.
In addition to his role in the domestic competition, Mr Goldsmith plays a part in the representative side of Manning Futsal, and was a member of the open men’s team that played in the Port Macquarie regional championships. Manning Futsal sent two teams, an open men and open women.
“It is a tough competition, played on the international-sized field. Our players don’t have those facilities and we were playing against some very strong sides, but it was great to have Manning represented,” he said.
Manning have built a profile in the national competitions. Despite competing against much larger associations, Manning sent eight junior teams and one youth men’s side to the nationals in Sydney last January.
Two of these teams, the 12 girls and 16 girls, made the championship game. Two players, Rosanna White and Xanthe Parsons, were named as tournament all-stars and 28 Manning players were selected to representat in international tours.