By REBECCA BILLS
THE Monbulk Pumas decided to hang up the studded boots and give indoor soccer a go earlier this month in the Futsal Oz Tournament.
With the new Futsal Oz Centre in Mount Evelyn newly opened, coach Martin VandenBerg said it was a great way for a local team to get involved at the centre that predominantly has players from the inner-Melbourne suburbs.
“It’s something new for the team to play futsal as we are normally an outdoor team,” he said.
“They have performed well up against the competition but unfortunately not won any games.”
Futsal Oz owner Peter Parthimos said it was a massive step for Futsal Oz to expand to Mount Evelyn as they will now be able to offer what they do in the inner city of Melbourne in the eastern suburbs.
He said the facility would now enable the organisation to hold national and international events all under the one roof with the plan to upgrade the multi-use facility into the biggest purpose-built Futsal complex in Australasia.
“With five courts including a couple of international size ones, this complex will put the far eastern suburbs on the map for Futsal Australia,” Mr Parthimos said.
“I am delighted to announce that Futsal Oz has the opportunity to directly invest in the future of Australian Futsal.”
Futsal Oz Brunswick manager Sofiane Soufi said it was wonderful to see the Monbulk Pumas enjoying the day and hope that this will be the start of a great relationship with all soccer players in the area.
The new complex is located at 19-23 Hereford Road, Mount Evelyn and offers five brand new futsal courts, a metro cafe area and soon a fully furnished new gymnasium.
