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FUTSAL'S fast and furious action was on display at Thursday's running of the Bendigo Schools championships at Bendigo Stadium.
The titles action was an entree to September when more than 1500 players will take to the Bendigo Stadium courts to contest the national schools championships.
Area manager for country Victoria of the Australian Futsal Association, Corey Smith said there were a lot of great goals and passages of play in Thursday's matches.
The 12-minute halves meant teams were able to contest more matches in the round-robin format.
"Futsal is a fast-paced game and helps develop foot skills and quick passing."
The Bendigo titles drew five schools- Girton Grammar, Strathfieldsaye, St Kilian's, as well as Woodend, and Pleasant Street Ballarat.
The 12-boys title was won by Strathfieldsaye from Woodend.
Girton Grammar was well represented in all age groups and won the 11-boys and 10-boys finals.
Pleasant Street was runner-up in 10-boys.
The all-Girton match for the 12-girls division was one by Girton (2).
More than 70 students from Girton Grammar competed.
Futsal is a form of indoor soccer with five players on each side.
It is an international sport, particularly popular in South America, Asia and Europe.
Famous international soccer players who began in Futsal include Lionel Messi, Christiano Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Neymar.
Smith said the titles were also a chance for players to impress Victoria Country selectors.
"We have or will play regional finals across the state," Smith said.
"It's the first time the Australian Schools Futsal championsihps will be played in Bendigo," Smith said.
"There will be players from 10 up to 19 taking part.
"Most of the matches will be in Bendigo, but some will be played in Ballarat."