FIVE of Bendigo’s brightest futsal stars will have the honour of representing Australia next week.
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Riley Tawton, Ruben White, William Keating, Willem Edlin and Bailey Dalton have been picked in the under-12 national team that will be involved in an extensive two-week tour of Malaysia.
It will be the first time some of these futsal young guns have travelled overseas.
Bailey Dalton's father John said the international tour would be a great opportunity for the youngsters.
"They were all rapt when they received their Australian gear last week," he said.
"It all started to sink in when they put their tracksuit on and and it said Australia on the front and had their name on the back."
About 15 juniors were selected to compete in national teams after impressing selectors at last year's national school championships.
John said it was great to see Bendigo produce so many talented futsal players.
"All the guys have built up good relationships and they are all comfortable with each other," he said.
"It makes the trip more special because they are going with their mates."
John said the tour would help develop the juniors' skills.
"The tour will give them good direction and good grounding if they want to continue," he said.
"Playing for Australia means a lot of opportunities may open up for them."
The team leaves for Malaysia on June 3.