Courtesy: Bendigo

Wednesday, 3 January 2007

Duo tackle indoor title

EAGLEHAWK'S Simon Doherty and Epsom's Jared Ridsdale capped several months of try-outs by being selected in Victoria's under-16 team to contest next week's national Futsal titles.
The indoor soccer action kicks off in Canberra on Monday, with Doherty and Ridsdale among a team of 10 vying to be No. 1.

Talented midfielders at the outdoor game, Doherty and Ridsdale tried out for the state Futsal team for the first time.

"To be selected was a goal, but I shocked when told I was in the final team," said Ridsdale, a first-year player at the indoor game.

The try-outs began in late September and the Bendigo boys, which included Adrian Stockwell, travelled to Melbourne most Saturdays.

"Playing indoor soccer has really helped increase my fitness, and also skills," Ridsdale said yesterday.

On the court the action is non-stop, with the ability to switch from attack to defence a skill every player must have.

A Bendigo representative at junior level the past three or four years, Jared has great support from his parents, John and Kerryn, who have done plenty of driving for various matches and training runs.

A goal for Jared is to play for Epsom's division one team this season.

Simon Doherty first played indoor soccer in Swan Hill and has continued on since moving to Bendigo three years ago.

A big year for Doherty included being runner-up for Eaglehawk's division one best and fairest award.

He also has great support from parents, Denise and Mark.

Bendigo Bearings and the Tyson's Reef Hotel kicked in to support Doherty and Ridsdale in their campaign.

Any other businesses or individuals keen to assist them can phone John Ridsdale on 0418 507 117




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