The shorter forms of these high-intensity games are particularly popular with juniors, many of whom can’t get enough of sport regardless of what form it comes in.

What’s more they are excelling at the highest level, just like Medowie’s Lucas Caines who was last week chosen to represent Australia in the under 12 Futsal team to tour Malaysia in November this year.

Still only 11 years of age, Caines – who has been playing the outdoor game since he was four and also enjoys cricket, AFL and athletics – has the world at his feet.

In the lead-up trials played over three days in Sydney, the gifted prodigy slotted home eight goals in six games including a hat-trick.

“I was pretty excited to hear that I had made the team. Actually I was playing cricket so I missed the call from my mum and eventually found out by a text message,” the talented left winger said.

“My expectation is to just have fun and also to work on my game [before going overseas]. I want to try out for the school [Medowie Christian College] nationals and will continue playing and training in the winter with my club at Nelson Bay.”

Blessed with a ton of speed and many of the skills needed in park football, Caines only took up the indoor version of the game after it was offered at school.

“It was my first year at Futsal and after the season I was invited to attend some rep trials at the Howzat facility in Cooks Hill.”

From there he was then chosen in the Northern NSW team to contest the national championships played at South Windsor from January 13-16. Caines was a stand-out despite the team not qualifying for the finals.

Caines said he was grateful for the coaching and support from his Nelson Bay junior club coach Damien Hurley, regarding him as a “big influence” on his game and recent successes.

Asked if he ever had thought that one day he could be wearing the colours of the Newcastle Jets or indeed the Socceroos, the youngster quipped: “Of course, I would love to.”

He said he attends most Jets home games and was smitten about recently running into both Ronald Vargas and Dimi Patratos at a shopping centre food court. “They were very friendly and gave me their autographs.”

The NNSW Futsal Strikers was established to help with the ever increasing growth of Futsal in the region which includes Port Stephens.

In 2013 their goals and dreams were met with record growth, school participants, increased girls, and record number of both school and club players making Australian tours. They can now add the name of Lucas Caines.