Broadened Horizons with Futsal

THE jetlag has worn off and local girls Amy Parkinson and Bethany Lloyd said their experience representing Australia in futsal has inspired them to set new goals in the sport they love.

Amy Parkinson and Bethany LLoyd at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Fransicso.

“It was fantastic going to the US and sight seeing, but representing Australia was the highlight,” said Amy Parkinson.

“It was definitely another level of competition, with teams from China, Mexico, Brazil and a range of teams from the America,” she said.

“Many of the teams we versed have played together since they were 10 years old, whereas in the Australian team we are from all over the country and the first chance we had to train together was in America, so it was tough competition, but we played well,” she said.

“We had the USA women’s futsal coach come and coach us for a day, which was great,” Amy Parkinson said.

Amy Parkinson played in the under 17’s Australian team and Bethany Lloyd from Aberdeen was in the under 19’s Australian team; both girls attend St Joseph’s High School in Aberdeen.

“It was good to have someone I knew there and it was lucky to have someone from such a small area also make the Australian team,” Amy Parkinson said.

Amy is now setting her sights on playing for the northern New South Wales futsal team, with an aim to be selected for the New South Wales team and go on to qualify for the Australian team again.

Bethany Lloyd said she wants to represent Australia again, but will have to take a break for the Higher School Certificate.

“I would like to, but ‘m not going to because I am going into year 12, so I’m going to miss this year,” said Ms Lloyd.

“After that it would be awesome to aim for the team again,” she said.

“Our coach at St Joseph’s has been unreal, we wouldn’t know the sport without him,” she said.

“He encouraged me to try the sport and it has taken me everywhere, so it is awesome,” said Bethany Lloyd.

Bethany wanted to thank the following for helping her be part of the Australian team: Avisto Hair, Hollydeen Estate, Upper Hunter Shire Council and the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union, as well as many family and friends.