Xavier Brightman returned from Spain last November having had his first taste of playing in an attacking position. It’s now clear he’s caught the goal-scoring disease.
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The Wollongong junior recently claimed the title of joint Golden Boot winner at the National Club Futsal Championships in Blacktown.
Representing Southern NSW, Brightman finished the tournament with 12 goals, equal with Central Coast’s Bailey Holt.
Brightman was moved from his usual defensive position into an attacking role midway through the three-day tournament and he’s looking forward to spending more time at the front.
“It was a suprise to win golden boot,” Brightman said. “I was getting three or four goals a game.”
”But it felt good to be scoring goals at the tournament instead of just defending.”
The competition was won by Victoria Country, who defeated Central Coast in the final.
Brightman’s father Josh was proud of his son’s achievement, especially since the 13-year-old had played very sparingly in attack prior to the tournament.
“We just want him to have fun,” Josh said. “But for him to gain that success, which we didn’t know about until we got a phone call from another parent saying ‘where are you, he’s won’.
“It’s not something we kept track of, but we are thrilled for him to have received it.”
Josh said it was clear Xavier enjoyed playing up front.
“He prefers the target position. It gives him the chance to get up the court and go. What player doesn’t like scoring goals?”
After taking up futsal to improve his skills for the outdoor game, Brightman fell in love with the intense nature of the sport and he now focuses much of his energy towards the indoor game.
“I love having mates and playing alongside them,” Xavier said. ‘I also love the competition, getting knowledge about the game and other players and having to constantly adjust.
“Because of the fast-paced nature, I have to be on my toes just to stay focused.”