A new era for indoor soccer in New South Wales starts this weekend with the inaugural Johnny Warren Challenge to showcase the best Futsal players in Australia.
A new era for indoor soccer in New South Wales starts this weekend with the inaugural Johnny Warren Challenge to showcase the best Futsal players in Australia.
The unique two-day tournament pits prominent “outdoor” teams against the best Futsal players in the FIFA-endorsed indoor game.
Marconi Stallions, Macarthur Rams, A.P.I.A. Leichardt Tigers and Newcastle United will flag the “outdoor” flag against the best Futsal players of the Australian national team, the State teams of NSW and Queensland and the NSW Futsal development squad.
The tournament has world-class facilities at the State Sports Centre at Sydney Olympic Park. The action kicks off at 9 am this Saturday 28 August and reaches a climax with the final at 5 pm Sunday 29 August.
“I-ve been an advocate of Futsal for 30 years, it-s such is a natural game for Australian soccer,” said Johnny Warren, the former Socceroo captain and recipient of the FIFA Centennial Order of Merit.
“Futsal is a simple answer to the technical development dilemma for Australian soccer. The skills of court soccer create agile and inventive players on the ball, the type of attributes we need to see more of in this country. Every kid in Brazil is brought up on Futsal including all the greats.”
The Johnny Warren Challenge marks a new beginning for Futsal in NSW. On Monday 1 September, administration of the indoor game will be unified under Soccer NSW.
“It-s about time,” said Johnny Warren. “Futsal has so much potential and now that everyone is pulling in the same direction the game can achieve so much.”
The event has a strong commitment to raising $100,000 for the Sydney Cancer Foundation. Johnny Warren, a cancer sufferer, devotes his charitable energies to the foundation.
“It-s important that the event is a success for Futsal and the Sydney Cancer Foundation,” said Johnny.
“I think it will be a great event for the fans and I hope the soccer family can get behind the tournament and support the sponsors who have contributed so much.”
For full details of the Johnny Warren Challenge, see www.nswfutsal.com or www.soccernsw.com.au
