OUTSTANDING soccer prospects Charli Vogtmann and Annika Driscoll are two local juniors headed for big things in the world of football.

The Nelson Bay duo broadened their football education with skilful performances at Football Australia’s recent National Futsal Indoor Soccer Championships in Melbourne.

Charli and Annika made a huge impression when they demonstrated their class and versatility for the Northern NSW Under 15 Girls squad that reached the quarter finals of their competition.

The dynamic fifteen-year-old wingers helped their team advance to the last eight after clearing a strong group, eventually going down 6-2 to finalists Football Queensland.

Both are junior products of Nelson Bay Futsal.

Northern NSW entered five teams in the prestigious tournament with Under 16 Boys coach and local Nelson Bay FC official Steve Punshon describing the event as “a wonderful experience.”
An elated Punshon told News Of The Area that “enjoyment and development were the key takeaways from the week.”

“The best players in the country didn’t disappoint as they delivered a thrilling week of action with all Northern NSW teams proving competitive.

“All our players gave it their all, with two of our teams progressing into finals after finishing in the top four of their groups.”

Almost 6000 fans, players and family members packed into the Parkville International Indoor Facility for Netball and Hockey to watch over 100 State teams play across twelve age groups and formats.

The tournament featured 50 qualifying games each day prior to knock-out finals, run across seven international size pitches.

Northern NSW U13 Girls missed out on the finals but played Football NSW Country in the play-off where they won 5-4 on penalties.

The U14 Boys placed fifth in their pool while the U16 Boys exited at the group stage, crashing out after a 3-1 loss to Football South Australia in the semi-final group decider.

Highlights included a 4-2 victory over Football Tasmania on Centre Court 1 as well as a spirited fightback against Football NSW Thunder, narrowly losing 3-2 to the perennial finalists.

Coach Punshon was pleased with his new group’s overall tournament performance.

“After a 20 year absence at Football Australia’s National level in this format of the game, it was a great experience and privilege to lead a squad for Championship week in Melbourne” Steve exclaimed.

“A newly selected group came together well and impressed with their ability to learn and galvanise under pressure. “We have achieved the goals we set prior to the tournament and can build for the future.”

Punshon praised the efforts of Vogtmann and Driscoll.

“Both Charli and Annika were able to showcase their talents against the best players in the country and have bright futures in the game.”

By Chris KARAS