Courtesy: Macarthur Chronicle


National debut on futsal team

04 Dec 07

FORMER Eschol Park resident Shane Soutter's debut in the Australian colours was relatively low key, but it was the culmination of a futsal love affair spanning almost 20 years.

Soutter, 23, ran out with the Futsalroos - the national futsal team - when the side played a friendly against Malaysia at Minto Indoor Sports Centre two weeks ago. In a show of support from Minto-based national coach Scott Gilligan, the likeable debutant started the game and was given quality court time in front of a bumper 500-strong crowd.

"My mum watched about half of the game; my family is not really into sport," Soutter said.

The Futsalroos - also featuring other Campbelltown players Simon Keith, Tuan Cao and goalkeeper Gavin O'Brien - drew 3-3 following a controversial after-the-siren penalty from Malaysia which found the back of the net.

Soutter was introduced to futsal at The Grange Public School, Minto, in a school tournament when he was 10. He enjoyed the experience and five years later grabbed the opportunity to play local competition and sign up with Campbelltown City Quake for representative duties.

At Quake he found national coach Gilligan a demanding but precise taskmaster. "I think about a year ago I was getting close (to national selection)," Soutter said. "I'm also lucky with the players around me; the team is starting to be a lot more consistent and that helps me."

Soutter admits every game and training session is a selection trial for him, with Gilligan overseeing the Quake's Premier League men's team.

"I'm playing for my spot every week," he said.

"Even when my legs are dead."



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