Courtesy: Cairns Post


Brazil beckons Cairns futsal pair

by Andrew Piva

Saturday, February 20, 2010

TWO Cairns teenagers are packing their bags to receive a futsal education they will not soon forget in the sport's South American stronghold.

Kieran Pates and Josh De Nittis, both 17, fly out next week to train with two of the most prestigious futsal clubs in Brazil for three months.

Pates, a goal keeper, is heading to Brazilian National League Futsal Club Minas Tenis, which is renowned for producing world-class players.

De Nittis’ destination is Cruzeiro, which developed the supreme talents of Brazilian three-time FIFA World Player of the Year, Ronaldo.

Both boys were part of FNQ Futsal Elite Futball Academy and were granted overseas invitations after impressing talent scouts at various tournaments.

Brazil is the No.1 ranked futsal-playing nation on earth and has won the FIFA Futsal World Cup four times.

FNQ Futsal director of coaching Tony Cifuentes said Pates and De Nittis would have access to the sport’s best minds and facilities.

"They’re both quite talented and just the experience of going over to Brazil and being around some of the best coaches and players in the world will be invaluable for them," he said.

"At the same time it won’t be easy.

"There will be different food, a language barrier and a lot for them to take in.

"But they’re both sensible boys with good heads on their shoulders and should do well."


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