Oxley College student Hugh Callaghan and Moss Vale High School student Luke Olesen, from Southern Branch FC, will compete overseas as a part of the National Youth Futsal team.

The boys were selected for the team following their performances in the Australian Futsal Association National Championships in Penrith in January.

Despite hot conditions during the championships, the boys performed well and were two of 20 boys 16 years to 19-years-old selected.

Hugh Callaghan said he felt lucky to have the opportunity to play futsal overseas.

“I’m looking forward to playing in Spain, getting to show off my skills on the world stage and run out in the green and gold,” Callaghan said. “It’s good to know hard work pays off.”

Callaghan is working hard in the lead-up to the trip.

He is completing a six kilometre run every two days, and between two to three hours of futsal practice every two days. Callaghan said when it came to moving up the ranks in futsal, patience was an important part of the process. “You go off to trials and you might get rejected. If you quit then it’s over,” he said. “You have to have patience, have fun and see what happens.”

Olesen said when he found out he was selected for the team, it felt surreal. “I was really excited, I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “My family couldn’t believe it too. They were very supportive and happy for me to finally go somewhere.”

The boys credited their parents for driving them to training and their Southern Branch FC coach Warren Lewiston for their success in making the team.

If you would like to sponsor Callaghan and Olesen for their trip, call Jenine on 0410 693 348.