DESPITE not having a local competition to take part in, and lacking the proper facilities to practice in, two Scone girls have excelled at futsal and have been promoted to the national team.
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Sarah Whitley and Ilisa Whitehead, both 15, will travel to Italy in April next year with the U16 squad after being selected following exceptional performances at nationals and for Northern NSW.
Considering just five players are allowed on the court, and a maximum on nine on the bench - although it is typically less - it's quite incredible that two locals have managed to break into the side.
The girls, who both hail from St Joseph's High School, were understandably delighted about the opportunity.
"I was really excited because it's going to be my first time going overseas, I'm a bit nervous but still excited," said Ilisa.
While Italy is certainly a new stretch, they are used to travelling given they are part of state league which requires them to play and train in Newcastle and the Central Coast.
On top of that, they play in the Herald Women's Premier League with Thornton, which in itself shows their versatility.
The pair attempted to explain how they got involved with futsal, and whether there were any difficulties adapting to it from regular football.
"I've been playing for about three years, and people I've known played it and I watched them and just thought it looked like fun," said Sarah.
"It's much more aggressive because it's really quick and the ball is harder, so when you get hit it can hurt more," added Ilisa.
"You've got to really think on your toes and know what you want to do before you get the ball."
The trip will come at a large cost though, and the girls are hoping to raise some funds to help them make it to Italy.
They were recently given $500 each by the Upper Hunter Shire Council for travel expenses.
