TWINS Zada and Charli Robinson didn’t expect to be headhunted when they made it through to the Australasian Champions of Champions School Futsal tournament in Brisbane.

The sisters from Bonny Hills were playing for Port Macquarie’s St Joseph’s Primary School in the November event, when they drew the attention of national selectors.

“It was a selection to go to China, but we didn’t really know that,” Charli said.

“They had the scouts there, watching everyone,” Zada added, “and no-one had any idea.”

Along with three of their Port Macquarie team-mates, they were invited to be in the Australian Futsal Association’s U13 girls squad to tour China in July and August.

The tour is part of the international Jiangmen Futsal Festival and will see the girls play teams from across southern China over eight days of competition.

All five girls are now at different high schools but still play together in the local futsal competition.

“Everyone else in the team is from all over Australia so we don’t get to meet them until we’re there,” Zada said.

Futsal is a fast-paced five-a-side hardcourt version of football.

When the indoor season is in recess, Zada and Charli can be found playing outdoor football, touch football or representing the Mid North Coast branch in surf life saving.

A fundraiser for the girls is being held at the Wauchope-Bonny Hills surf club this Saturday night, 15 June, from 5.30pm.

“It’s a trivia night and it’s Australian themed,” Charli hinted.

The girls will get the chance to visit schools and spend some time sightseeing in China, but Zada is keeping her eye on the ball.

“We’re basically there just to play football and to represent our country,” she said.

By Sue STEPHENSON