Settling Into the Rhythm of Futsal

By day three in São Paulo the tour had well and truly shifted into what could only be described as Futsal, Futsal, and more Futsal. The long journey from Australia was still fresh in everyone’s bodies, but the excitement on the faces of players and parents proved that the energy of this trip was far greater than the fatigue.

Breakfast in the hotel lobby had become routine. Players gathered, plates full, laughter spilling across the tables as they prepared for another big day ahead. What made this day different was the knowledge that two of the biggest clubs in Brazil, Corinthians and São Paulo FC, awaited us. Both clubs are powerhouses in football and Futsal, producing some of the most talented players in the world. For our young squad, this was the ultimate test.

The Corinthian Experience

After a light training session to preserve energy, the team boarded a bus for the hour-and-twenty-minute ride across the city. As soon as we arrived at the Corinthians complex, the players’ eyes widened. This was not just a stadium, but an entire sporting community behind gated walls. Basketball courts, swimming pools, tennis courts, restaurants, bars, and of course the legendary Futsal halls.

Even though the main Futsal arena was under renovation, the history of the place was overwhelming. The boys walked through the change rooms with awe, while parents strolled around, coffee in hand, soaking in the grandeur.

When the Corinthians U13 Futsal side arrived, the contrast was obvious. Their players were taller, faster in warm-ups, sharper in every movement. You could feel the respect, maybe even the intimidation, in our players’ eyes. But when the whistle blew, they stepped forward with courage.

The result went as expected. Corinthians’ mastery of the ball and understanding of the game showed why Brazil is considered the heart of world Futsal. The goals came quickly, but what stood out most was how our boys adjusted. They rallied, reorganised, and showed resilience far beyond their years. The scoreboard was not kind, yet the lesson was priceless. Without experiences like this, there is no true measure of where we need to go.

At full time, the handshakes, photographs, and smiles said everything. Parents watched in awe at the maturity and tactical knowledge displayed by 13-year-olds who played like professionals. Everyone left with a renewed respect for Brazilian Futsal and a clear understanding of how important this sport is to player development.

Dinner that night was shared pizzas in the Corinthians complex, players chatting between bites, exhaustion and pride written all over their faces. The bus ride home was quiet. By the time we reached the hotel, showers and sleep came quickly.

Facing São Paulo FC

The following evening was another test of character. After a relaxed morning and some light preparation, the squad travelled across São Paulo to face São Paulo FC. Once again, the facilities were breathtaking. This was one of the largest clubs in Brazil, and the players felt it the moment they walked through the gates.

Parents who had spent the day in Rio de Janeiro met us at the stadium, bringing back stories of their adventures, while our boys stepped into a professional environment that most kids could only dream about. The São Paulo Futsal court was vast, with seating surrounding the pitch and an atmosphere that suggested history had been written here many times before.

The game began cautiously, with our boys conceding early. But something had shifted. The experience against Corinthians seemed to have hardened them. Their touches were sharper, their confidence higher. At halftime, we were still in the match. The team talk that followed was full of belief, and when the second half began, they produced something extraordinary.

Against all odds, our U13s dominated the remainder of the game and emerged as 6–2 winners. The roar that followed each goal echoed around the court, and the parents celebrated as though it were a World Cup final. For our players, this was not just a victory, it was proof that resilience and learning from setbacks create moments of triumph.

Lessons Beyond the Scoreboard

By the end of the week, we had faced Corinthians, Santos, São Paulo FC, and several strong school and academy teams. Each match was a stepping stone, preparing our players for the challenges ahead in Fortaleza where the main tournament awaited.

The lessons were clear. In Brazil, Futsal is not just a sport, it is a foundation. Every young player begins their journey on the Futsal court before progressing into football. It is in these small, fast, and demanding spaces that the world’s greatest players are formed. From Pelé to Neymar, countless stars honed their technique here, and watching our boys adapt to this environment showed why.

Parents reflected with pride, players learned humility and resilience, and coaches knew that every training session and every match was shaping not just athletes, but young men who now understood what it meant to play against the best.

Looking Ahead

Saturday became a rest day. Families enjoyed São Paulo at their own pace, whether through sightseeing, shopping, or simply sharing stories. The players enjoyed some downtime before an early morning flight to Fortaleza, where the tournament awaited.

Among the highlights of the week was the opportunity to visit Santos and play on the very same courts where Pelé and Neymar first developed their magic. To stand where legends began their journey was something almost no Australians have ever experienced, and it gave our players a sense of being part of football history itself.

The week in São Paulo had been intense, exhausting, and unforgettable. Our boys had stepped into the homes of giants such as Corinthians FC and Sao Paulo FC and held their own. They had eaten pizza in world-famous stadiums, shaken hands with future stars of Brazil, and discovered what Futsal at the highest level truly looks like.

For the Australian U13 squad, this was more than a tour. It was a journey of discovery, courage, and growth. And as the plane lifted off for Fortaleza, one thing was certain. The adventure had only just begun.