Courtesy: Macarthur Chronicle


Mark Symington aims for spot in Australian futsal team

7 Feb 12

MACQUARIE Links footballer Mark Symington is hoping he’ll be luckier this time around after his selection into the national futsal train-on squad.

Futsalroos head coach Steven Knight has named a 24-man squad to prepare for the ASEAN qualifiers for the Asian Futsal Confederation Futsal Championship 2012 in Bangkok from February 21-26.

Symington, 22, also was selected in the Australian squad two years ago but missed out.

This time, still with youth on his side but with more experience under his belt, he’s hopeful of being named in the final line-up.

He will be under consideration with Campbelltown City Quake Futsal Club teammates Simon Keith and Gavin O’Brien.

Keith, 36, of Campbelltown, and O’Brien, of Wollongong, are national team veterans with Keith a former Australian captain.

``We have a very good balance of youth and experience,’’ Knight said.

``We will have a number of training sessions over the next couple of weeks before the final selection is made.’‘

A Campbelltown Quake spokesman congratulated the players’ selection.

``Mark is a flanker with speed and strength; these qualities were pivotal in getting him the call-up. Simon is a team leader and valued for his experience and know-how. Gavin has been an Australian representative for many years as one of the nation’s top goalkeepers,’’ he said.

The Futsalroos have been placed alongside Cambodia, Malaysia and Vietnam in Group B. The top three teams from the ASEAN qualifiers will progress to the AFC Futsal Championships in the UAE in May.




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