Liv Deane on the UC Women's Prep, Experience and Competition

The National Tertiary Futsal Championships take place at the Central Energy Trust courts in Palmerston North from July 26th-28th. AUT, the University of Auckland, University of Waikato, Massey University, University of Canterbury and University of Otago are represented in this year’s women’s tournament. Many of the country’s top young players fresh from the Ford Futsal Super League along with some players who are involved in the NZ Women’s Futsal Ferns FIFA world cup build-up all taking part.

Warren Olsen (writer and commentator) had a chat to Liv Deane, a key member of the Shingo Ina coached University of Canterbury side to see how their preparations are going and what particular aspects of her own game she will be focusing on.

Q: Another trip to Palmerston North for the Tertiary Futsal Champs, is it a competition you look forward to? I see you have Shingo as coach this year which tells me you girls are keen to go one better than last year’s loss on pens in the final.

LD: Yes, we’re all really looking forward to it. We've been training together for about eight weeks now, so it’ll be great to put everything into practice against strong opposition. Having Shingo as our coach this year has been amazing, his experience and the intensity and structure he brings to each session has really pushed us to lift our standards. With all the hard work that’s gone in from both the team and the staff, we’re all in it to win it.

Q: You also play football as a striker at the top level, what would you say is the main difference between Futsal and Football and is there an aspect of your game you have to focus on when switching back to Futsal where perhaps you play in a different position?

LD: I would say the main difference is definitely speed and intensity, futsal is much faster and more technical. In football, I’m more focused on timing runs to get in behind the defence, whereas in futsal I look to receive to feet more and play quick combinations. When switching back to futsal, I really focus on my first touch and keeping my head up as the game moves so quickly. I’ve definitely noticed that my futsal experience has improved my overall football game too, especially in tight spaces and decision-making under pressure.

Q: It was a closely fought championship last year when you went down narrowly to Auckland in the final. Being a three day comp the depth of a squad can be a key factor in the finals, are there many new faces in the side and how do you think this year’s team shapes up in comparison to last year’s?

LD: I think being able to have more trainings together as a team has helped us gel even better while also making and it easier for the new faces in the squad to slot in. The overall depth of the team is definitely one of our strengths. There’s a balance of experience with Super-League players like Sam Whyte, Olivia Hooper, Saskia Pelham and myself alongside the fresh energy that some really talented new players have brought in.

Q: You were a part of this season’s Super-league squad for Canterbury, which would have been a great experience. Futsal fern Jamie Evan’s from Waikato is one of a number of players who featured in the Super league taking part, what other players should we look out for and who do you expect to be your main challengers for the title this year?

LD: The reigning champs Auckland will definitely be the team to beat. We expect them to have a lot of players from the Super-League winning Papakura side, including potentially Ellena Firth, who actually played for UC last year, along with Ella James, Jordana Bremer, and Alosi Bloomfield, all of whom have national team experience. They bring a high level of skill and intensity, so they’ll be a tough challenge.

Thanks Liv for your insights. The Auckland line-up does certainly look strong but we know as always any Canterbury side and especially those coached by Shingo will be up for it.

All games on the main court will be live streamed via NZ Football’s YouTube channel. Go to NZ Football, Competitions, Futsal for more details.  

Credit: Warren Olson; writer/commentator/friendsoffootballnz