Aspiring Melbourne-based futsal players will get the chance to test themselves at the top level next month, with Soccer5s Dandenong hosting a qualifying event for the Neymar Jr’s FIVE tournament – with the grand prize a meet and greet with the Brazillian maestro himself.
Following of from the success of last year’s inaugural event, Australia will host 38 qualifying events, hoping to draw the attention of some of the state’s best small-sided players.
The qualifying event hosted by Soccer5’s will be held on the 3rd of April and is one of nine upcoming qualifying events in Victoria.
The winner of the event will go on to compete in a National Final in Melbourne on the 10th of June with the crowned national champions going on to join 53 represented countries competing for the Global Title in Brazil.
“We’re delighted to be welcoming back Red Bull Neymar Jr’s FIVE again this year,” told Soccer5’s Jack Gillibrand.
“The tournament brings a different take on five-a-side when teams lose a player when the opposition score, which is great as it brings new players to our centre to come and try it out”
Teams of five will tussle it out in a series of 10-minute matches “with a twist”.
When one team scores, the opposition loses a player, which makes for a fast, technical and tactical battle for supremacy – one that is unique in the world of football.
The concept was inspired based on Neymar Jr’s childhood in Brazil, with 10,000 teams taking part in the first event series in 2016.
The competition is open to anyone aged between 16-25, with the option to field two overaged players on each team.