Aurukun athletes, parents and staff celebrate the launch of the FNQ Futsal Titles pathway program, which will nurture talent and dedication in the community. Photo: Facebook (Aurukun Shire Council).
Aurukun is kicking it up a notch for the upcoming FNQ Futsal Titles with a new pathway program encouraging commitment and dedication.
Aurukun Shire Council launched the program earlier this month after growing interest in the championships since the western Cape York community participated in 2024.
Sport and recreation officer and coach Rathin Saha said last year, everyone who expressed interest was able to participate, but this year, with more players than needed interested in joining, they could be more selective, and build talent in those taking the sport more seriously.
“After last year, we promoted the futsal program a lot in this community, and then we have, of course, a greater number than last year,” he said.
Mr Saha said though there were no official tryouts for the team to travel to Cairns in early November, players would be looked at long term with their training and school attendance.
‘Now, we do weekend training – every Saturday and Sunday for the kids, and then every Monday, training for the adults,” he said.
“They need to go to school, they need to come to each and every training, and they need to behave well in the community.”
He said programs such as futsal in Aurukun played a huge role in holding participants accountable, and, at times, had completely changed the trajectory of young people’s lives.
In the lead-up to the titles, Mr Saha said he felt good about the futsal talent in Aurukun, and the commitment to learning the finer points of the game.
“We are fortunate that we have got a good number of [participants], and we have the availability to choose from talent,” he said.
“I can see the potential already; they’re very athletic, and they’re already showing their commitment.”
