Australia is set to make its mark on the global stage as Mosaic Sports Club becomes the first team to represent the country in the 2024 Socca World Cup. The tournament, held in Oman from November 29 to December 7, will feature top six-a-side teams from around the world, and Mosaic Sports Club is determined to rise to the occasion.
The journey to this milestone has been one of hard work, dedication, and passion. With matches scheduled against Albania, Latvia, Mexico, and Peru, the Australian team is ready to compete and showcase the potential of six-a-side football on an international level.
Building Momentum and Team Preparation
Team captain Sam Young spoke about the excitement leading up to the tournament. “It hasn’t fully sunk in yet, but as the days get closer, the reality is starting to hit. We’ve been watching footage of our opponents, and the standard is incredibly high. Everyone’s motivated, and we’re ready to step up to the challenge.”
The six-a-side format brings unique challenges compared to traditional eleven-a-side football, requiring faster gameplay, higher intensity, and greater versatility. “It’s a much faster game with a lot of one-on-one play,” Young explained. “Everyone needs to be sharp and responsible on the ball, and we’ll rely heavily on the entire team rotating to keep the intensity up.”
Key players to watch during the tournament include Benham, a younger player with impressive skills and goal-scoring potential, and Shane, the team’s veteran leader, who brings experience and composure to the defensive line.
Goalkeeper Shane Watson, who also has a background in futsal, highlighted the adaptability required in six-a-side football. “The role is closer to futsal than traditional soccer. It involves a lot of footwork and passing back, almost acting as an outfield player. The unique penalty format, featuring one-on-one duels from halfway, will also be a new challenge, but we’ve practiced and are ready if it comes to that.”
A Vision for Growth
Club President Jarrod Galbraith-Martens expressed his pride in the team’s journey. “It’s been a massive effort to get here, and we’re incredibly excited. This is the start of a big journey for us. Our immediate goal is to progress out of the group stage, but this tournament is also about building momentum for the future.”
Galbraith-Martens’ passion for six-a-side football stems from his time coaching South Africa in the 2019 World Cup in Perth. That experience inspired him to create a team that could represent Australia on the international stage. “Six-a-side football combines the best elements of futsal and traditional football. It’s fast, intense, and offers players the chance to showcase their skills in an exciting format.”
Looking ahead, the club aims to use this tournament as a springboard to grow six-a-side football in Australia. “We want to engage with local clubs, venues, and sporting bodies to invest in this format. It’s a fantastic way to develop players, coaches, and the sport overall in Australia.”
A Historic Opportunity
Coach James Morrison praised the team’s preparation and readiness. “It’s been a whirlwind getting everything organised, but we’ve had excellent training sessions and even a camp in Dubai. The boys are fit and confident, and we’re ready to make a strong impression.”
One player embracing the moment is Andre Da Silva, who represented South Africa in 2019 but now plays for Australia after gaining citizenship. “It’s an honour to represent Australia,” he said. “To the younger players, I’d say: work hard, stay dedicated, and believe in your dreams.”
Supporting the Team
Fans can follow Mosaic Sports Club’s journey live on Oz Arab Media’s YouTube channel, with matches scheduled against Albania (November 30), Latvia (December 2), Mexico (December 4), and Peru (December 6).
As Mosaic Sports Club takes on this historic challenge, their efforts not only highlight the skill and determination of the players but also mark the beginning of a new chapter for six-a-side football in Australia.
