Courtesy: The Queensland Times


Lutkins shooting for national team

28th January 2010

KATE Lutkins knows hard work pays off.

Hopefully it pays well enough to get her to South America later this year.

The all-round Ipswich sportswoman recently returned from the national Futsal titles in Sydney, where the Queensland team she captained reached the final four.

“We did pretty well but were kicked out in the semi-finals,” Lutkins said.

Lutkins rated the defending champions’ early exit as disappointing but remained happy with her own performances and enjoyed the leadership role.

“It was probably better (for me) than last year,” she said.

“I had a pretty shocking nationals last year when I didn’t get much of a chance.

“(This time) I was captain which was awesome.

“I started most games.”

Queensland’s run came to an end in the semi-finals when they were beaten 4-3 by NSW Metro but Lutkins said her team was unlucky not to advance.

“They scored some lucky goals in the first half and just shut it down in the second half so we couldn’t get anything through,” the Raceview 21-year-old said.

Lutkins enjoyed her role in front of defence and hopes she did enough to earn a place in the national team to compete at the World Cup in Argentina in October.

“I was playing more in the pivotal role, protecting the back but at this level everyone moves around,” said Lutkins, who is preparing for the upcoming outdoor football, AFL and futsal seasons.

“I’d hope I’d make (the world cup squad) but I’m not sure.”

The World Cup will be preceded by a training camp in Brazil for the Australian squad.

“It’d be amazing,” Lutkins said.

“I just have to work hard and train hard.”

Doing just that was the reason for Lutkins’ good form at the nationals.

“I’m more committed this year,” said Lutkins who will represent West Moreton at the Queensland regional futsal titles from February 12-14.

“I’ve worked harder. We did heaps more fitness and I did my own outside training.”



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