Sport
2 June, 2023
Lowood teen embarks on UK futsal tour
Lowood State High School student Leah Beecham (pictured) had the honour of being in winning Australian teams on a tour of the United Kingdom (UK), under the Australian Futsal Association banner.
The year 9 scholar played at U14 level as the Australians played in Wrexham, Edinburgh and Peterborough, and also made a day trip to London without playing futsal there.
Australia won the majority of its games as the tourists played against a range of UK teams, with Leah relishing her time abroad.
Leah played on the flank and also filled in as goalkeeper, after the first-choice goalkeeper contracted laryngitis halfway through the tour.
Leah’s chance to represent Australia on the UK tour came about from a school competition which unlocked another opportunity.
“I went to Oxley to train, and in September (2022) I went to another competition at Nissan Arena, which from there I was picked in an All-Stars group,” she said.
“Those and many more from the competition got asked to compete in the UK.”
Leah said she felt she played fairly well, and received compliments on her ability to play all positions on the court.
“Most games were indoors, however we played a couple outside although it was very cold, but we all adjusted after warming up,” she said.
“In the UK the way they played was far more physical and aggressive than what I’m used to here (in Australia).
“My team persevered and learnt to stand strong against them.
“I was nervous arriving and during our first competition, however I warmed up to the pressure and it was a lot easier.”
Despite the physicality and aggression from opponents, Leah said what she enjoyed most about the tour was “playing against teams that were taught to play in a different way as we are here”.
As for the environment in the UK, Leah said it wasn’t too different from Lowood although England had “far more ancient buildings still intact”.
“It was quite mesmerising learning some of the history behind it all,” she said.
“There was a lot of sightseeing during the tour.
“It was interesting but I do wish there was more training involved.”
Leah said it was an amazing experience overall, although she did not believe she would do it again in the near future.
