Xavier Brightman is preparing to enter the great unknown after he was selected to represent Australia on a futsal tour of Greece.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 15-year-old was picked after impressive performances for NSW Southern at the National Under 15 Futsal Championships and the National Under 16 Futsal Championships throughout January.
His under 15 campaign was also highlighted by selection in the tournament's All Star side.
A member of the Illawarra Academy of Sport, Brightman credited the work he has done both on and off the court for helping him perform at his best.
"I think a lot of training is the reason I've played well," Brightman said.
"We've done lots of training and working on our combinations as a team, that led to us doing pretty well at the competitions.
"The Illawarra Academy of Sport training has been really helping. The strength and conditioning work has helped me a lot.
"I'll be playing outdoor this winter so that will help me prepare for the Greece tour and then I'll do more specialist training leading up to the trip."
The tour will not be the first time Brightman has represented his country, the teenager touring Spain with an Australian futsal side in 2017.
It will, however, be the first time he has played against teams from Greece and while he does not know what to expect from the Greeks, he's confident that prior European experience will hold him in good stead.
"It was very exciting to be selected, being able to go to a different country will be a good experience, so I'm looking forward to it.
"I have never played any Greek teams before, I expect they'll play a pretty European style, but I'm not sure if they have a specific style.
"That trip to Spain will definitely help me prepare. We're also thinking of going to a competition in October in Brisbane which will help warm me up for the indoor play before I go to Greece."
Brightman will maintain his skills throughout the winter by playing outdoor football for Coniston Under 18s.
While you're with us the Illawarra Mercury is offering sport readers 20% off an annual digital subscription. Sign up to stay up to date with all the local sports you love for only $3.00 a week. Terms and conditions apply.