Soccer goes outside in

Flames Futsal members, back from left, Nathan Diluca, Blake Froude, coach John Myszka, Luke Myszka, Aiden Giorno, and front, Dan Myszka, Corrie Giorno and Liam Hanlin.

By Marc McGowan
A SMALL indoor soccer centre is offering aspiring locals the chance to represent their country.
Endeavour Hills-based centre Flames Futsal just began its fourth season of competition as it gears up for this year’s Supa Liga tournament in Oakleigh from October to December. Futsal is derived from the Portuguese ‘futebol de salão’ and the Spanish ‘fútbol sala/de salón’, which can be translated as ‘indoor football’. Co-managers John Myszka and Ian Vincent established Flames Futsal two years ago and there are men’s and women’s competitions at the venue.
Myszka also runs a junior program that encourages fun and participation and offers the opportunity for players to take their soccer further.
The centre’s best senior and junior players form the Knox Hornets, who take on seven other teams from around the state in the annual Supa Liga tournament.
The Hornets represent the southern metropolitan region.
“If you’re good enough you’ll get picked for the representative side and do your training at Endeavour Hills and play at Oakleigh and you may get to play interstate and possibly overseas,” Myszka said.
“The tournament is from October until December and will be televised on Channel 31 again this year.
“We are going to have under-10s, 12s, women’s and men’s teams and possibly a 14s side.”
Selectors will pick a Victorian squad from the Supa Liga to compete in an interstate carnival in January.
Myszka said he and Vincent were trying to change the perception of Futsal.
“We’re treating Futsal not as a pastime, but as a proper sport where you can have a calendar of events through the year that will fill you up as much as outdoor soccer would,” Myszka said.
“You have your training and meaningful games and can go on overseas tours and stuff like that.
“That’s what we’re doing and bearing in mind there is a national team to play for as well in the sport.”
Visit Flames Futsal’s website at www.flamesfutsal.com.au for further information.