As the 2020 FFA National Futsal Championships draw to a close, it’s a great time to reflect on what representing Queensland means to the players that are selected.

With nine Queensland teams making the trip down to Australia’s capital, it was a week filled with excitement and high level competition, which eventually saw three Queensland teams make it all the way to the final.

This year’s U17 Queensland girls captain Sarah Holland knows just how it feels to play on Grand Final day, having done so before with the U15’s two years ago.

Now 17 years of age, the Toowoomba-based ace has represented her state in each of the last four years – taking on captaincy roles in the last two of those.

Before heading back to Brisbane, Sarah took the time on Friday evening to sit down with Football Queensland and provide more insight into her futsal journey, and how it led to representing her state.

Q&A WITH SARAH HOLLAND

How long have you been playing futsal and why did you start?

“I’ve been playing futsal since I was about eight.”

“It started out as just fun and friendly competition with friends, but as I became older it started becoming more competitive.”

“I started learning more about futsal so our team could beat other teams and win competitions.”

What’s the selection process to make it into the state team?

“The selection process to make the female state team is you play with your club team in the State Titles – from that, 20 girls are chosen from around 90 girls to make the next round of trials.”

“After three sets of trials, ten girls are then selected in the final squad to represent Queensland.”

Is this your first time at futsal nationals? If not, how many times have you played here before?

“I have played at futsal nationals for the past four years.”

“It’s one of the best weeks of the year for me so I keep wanting to come back and play again.”

What is it about futsal that you love?

“I love futsal because it is different from outdoor in the way that it’s fast, fun and you can make lots of friends while still competing to win.”

What is your best moment as a player?

“My best moment as a player ever was playing in the FFA National Futsal Championships Grand Final two years ago.”

“Playing in the stadium with the crowd and the rest of the Queensland teams supporting you is so much fun, and it gets you so pumped to win because the team has worked so hard to get there.” 

What has been the highlight of your week so far?

“A highlight of my week so far was when we were tieing in a tough match and we got to experience that exciting moment when someone finally scored the goal that put us in the lead.”

“Everyone is so happy in moments like that, and it gives the team so much energy to keep going.”

What are your future goals as a futsal player?

“My future goal as a futsal player is to just keep playing and winning competitions with friends, and having fun while doing it.”

Words: Darren Newell