A huge shout-out, humble gratitude, and a heartfelt massive THANK YOU to Futsal WA (Supa-Liga) Director Greg Farrell for orchestrating and supporting our development in this fantastic and tremendous opportunity. Playing against such brilliant superstars of the sport has given us growth, belief, and evolution through this titanic experience.
WOW. Shattered expectations — I’m left in disbelief.
As a coach, this was the penultimate victory and triumph of the human spirit, a moment to collectively celebrate the validation that I Am HERE and proud to be alive!
The Challenge of the All Stars 🌟
Today’s exhibition match against the WA State Futsal All Star team brought the best and brightest players who play this game semi-professionally at its highest echelon. It testifies to the amazing ball skill and talent this sport produces, with these players competing and representing both state and national level.
They have been the hardest challenge our team has faced in this four-year journey, pushing us beyond our limits.
“This was like David taking on Goliath!”
Digging Deeper 💪
Today we needed to dig deep, to push beyond physically and emotionally, and to keep climbing the never-ending mountain. The All Stars were dazzling with the ball, pressing us to stretch and reach into overdrive.
We needed every player doubling up defensively, dropping back to chase and win every loose ball, fighting in the true Azzurri spirit — tenacious, indomitable, odds against giants of the sport.
The First Half – Fire and Steel 🔥
The first half was played at the B2 level with partial vision loss, adapted by our competition to provide a competitive introduction to Blind Futsal. The match was fiercely intense and physical, with the half ending 0–0.
“Unbelievable scenes… end-to-end, you could barely breathe!”
The Second Half – Into Our Zone 🌌
The All Stars were upgraded to B1 level, allowing our team to navigate in a fairer, more evenly paced tempo. The game remained 1000% fast, furious, and full of excitement.
The first half had been blazing transitions, overlapping runs, and keepers pulling off magical saves. The second half freed us to play in our own world and comfort zone, coming together to press forward with attacking pressure.
The All Stars struggled without subs to rotate and catch breath, while our team thrived. We are used to playing for longer durations with no interchange, no breaks, chasing and defending with constant pressure.
One Man Fortress 🧤
Man of the match for the All Stars was their renowned, outstanding goalkeeper, Daniel Formato, who put on a spectacular one-man show. He coordinated from the back, pulled off save after save, and lived up to his Golden Glove reputation as an all-round brilliant superstar.
Our Team – The Azzurri Wall and Firepower 💙⚡
- Carl – our resident keeper, returned this week to maintain his season-long clean sheet.
- Captain Ben – a rock of Gibraltar, unshakable in defence.
- Tom – instrumental in transitioning the ball, upsetting set plays, and sparking openings.
- Mackenzie – a force of nature, a tornado cutting through, tackling, passing, firing constant shots.
- Loc & Rishi – in perfect synchrony, like balanced scales of judgement, sweeping up threats and launching attacks.
- Salih – the bull up front, battling the wall of four defenders stretched wide like the Great Wall of China, calm under pressure, anchoring and pushing forward.
“Every single one of them bled for the badge tonight.”
The Decider – A Hidden Goal Revealed ⚔️
At full time, it seemed destined for a draw — our first in four years. Even the penalty, taken by Salih, was saved to keep it 0–0. That alone would have been a Cinderella ending.
But later, reviewing the footage, the truth revealed itself.
Tom pushed past two defenders and struck. The keeper deflected. Mackenzie, running in, hit the rebound first-time exactly as we practiced last week. The shot cracked towards goal, both Mackenzie and Tom colliding as they struck together, the ball ricocheting at blistering speed.
At first, it seemed to smash off the bar and play continued. But slow-motion analysis confirmed the ball struck the inside rear post, crossed the line, and ricocheted out. Even the keeper’s body language followed the ball in disbelief as luck seemed to favour the All Stars.
But in fact — it was the nail that toppled the house of the mighty All Stars.
Like David versus Goliath, we had scored the goal to claim victory.
1 – 0. The Azzurri spirit prevails.
More Than Football 🌍
This was an extraordinary exhibition game — nonstop action, dazzling skill, and the kind of football that makes you believe you’re watching sighted players. It is a credit and testament to the Perth Soccer Club WA State Blind Futsal Team.
This match should have been witnessed and applauded by more of our club supporters. At our next return match, we hope to see a huge supporting crew to cheer, celebrate, and witness more than futsal — to witness life itself, living, thriving, and beating the odds however insurmountable they may seem.
✨ Light exists in darkness.
✨ Hope, love, and strength live in sport.
✨ Sport is the gateway to inclusion, reminding us all that we are one human spirit.
FORZA AZZURRI
Ken Anthony – the proudest coach in the world.
Much Love! ❤️