Courtesy: The Gympie Times


Futsal rep ready to go

by Matthew Lee

7th January 2009

QUICK reflexes, a thirst for competition and natural skill has allowed Gympie futsal player Jake Stokes to secure a place on a Queensland representative side taking part in national competition in Sydney beginning this weekend.

Stokes, 17, claimed the highly coveted spot on the side after playing as a member of the Wide Bay side in the Viking Futsal Association competition last year around Easter at the Gold Coast.

It was in this competition that Stokes' ability was showcased over a series of games to selectors and his involvement in the Queensland side confirmed.

“The games were quite tough but it was a good experience and I was able to put my game together in front of the selectors,” he said.

But four months lapsed before Stokes found out whether he had been selected.

“It was around four months before we heard anything,” he said.

“An envelope arrived in the post one day and by that stage, we had all forgotten about it. It was a slight surprise really.”

The national competition will run into the majority of next week, leaving Stokes plenty of time outside of competition to take in the surrounds.

“We have to travel down by bus, so the first day will be just recovering from that long trip,” he said.

Over the last few months, Stokes has been training and bonding with the side.

“We have had training sessions every two weeks at a number of locations, including one in Gympie and another in Maryborough,” he said.

“It's been good because I haven't had to travel too far.”

Stokes' interest in futsal was first developed after being introduced to the game as a Year 8 student at Gympie State High School.

In addition to playing with Gympie High and in the Viking Futsal Association competition, Stokes also plays soccer with the Gympie Miners.

Playing for the Miners has equipped Stokes with a range of skills which he draws on when playing futsal.

“Both games are very similar, but there also some big differences as well,” he said.

“My fitness is great and I feel in excellent shape.”

Another great opportunity to arise from this representative journey is also the chance to play abroad.

Stokes' mother Maree Evans said there was a possibility of making an Australian side to tour places like Russia or Brazil.

“They are exciting prospects, so Jake can have that possibility to look forward to following the Sydney trip,” she said.

And confidence is not lacking in the young star who says he is “confident” of a good result from his visit to Australia's capital city.

“We have a capable team and we should give it a good go,” he said.









Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com