A TALENTED young Futsal player from Valla Beach is preparing to represent Australia on the international stage after being selected as goalkeeper for the Australian Under 16s team to compete at the prestigious Costa Blanca Cup in Spain.
Fifteen-year-old Corbin Gill will travel to Benidorm for the tournament, which will be held from 1 to 6 July. The tournament attracts some of the best junior Futsal talent from around the world.
Corbin’s selection follows four years of dedication to Futsal, the fast-paced indoor version of soccer.
His representative journey began through school competitions before progressing through regional and state pathways and ultimately earning a place at the National Futsal Titles, where national selectors identified his talent.
Corbin has previously represented Far Northern NSW and currently plays as goalkeeper for the New England Mountaineers Under 16s side.
He said one of the aspects he enjoys most about Futsal is the teamwork and the speed of the game.
Away from Futsal, Corbin is a familiar face on local football fields.
A lifelong member of Nambucca Heads Strikers FC, he has played with the club since the Under 6s and this year is enjoying his first full season in the senior men’s team.
The Costa Blanca Cup has been running for 21 years and is regarded as one of the premier international youth Futsal tournaments outside of the World Cup.
More than 20 nations are expected to be represented at this year’s event, including England, Brazil, Venezuela, Belgium, France, the United States, Ireland, Colombia and Canada, alongside numerous Spanish teams.
The tournament will feature more than 100 teams across junior age divisions ranging from Under 10s through to Under 19s.
For Corbin, the opportunity to wear the green and gold is the culmination of years of hard work, commitment and support from those around him.
“I’m so grateful and thankful for everyone who helped me to get to represent Australia,” he told News Of The Area.
By Mick BIRTLES
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