For futsal and soccer players the spiritual home of their sports is Brazil.

Bendigo teenager Curtis Baker will get the opportunity to play the game he loves in Brazil when he represents the Australian under-16 futsal team on a Brazilian tour in November.

“It’s exciting to get the chance to play (in Brazil),’’ Baker said.

It will be the second time Baker has been part of a national squad, having toured Greece last year.

“We won four games, lost four and drew two games in Greece,’’ Baker said.

“It was hard competition over there.”

Baker’s efforts in Greece were recognised by tournament organisers who presented him with a sportsman’s award for his individual performances as well as his conduct to umpires and his peers.

Baker retained his place in the Aussie squad on the back of standout performances for Victoria at last month’s national titles in Sydney.

Baker took up fustal a few years ago as a way of working on his soccer skills over summer.

“I want to take my fustal or soccer as far as I can,’’ Baker said.

“I probably like soccer better... but the fast pace and skills of futsal are fun as well.”

Baker is in the Bendigo City FC under-16 squad for this year’s National Premier League Victoria season.

Baker is likely to play as a forward this season.

The under-16s will be coached by former Spring Gully mentor Grant Lane.

“We’re looking pretty good this year,’’ Baker said.

Baker trains with Bendigo City twice a week and plays futsal on Friday nights in Bendigo.

The Bendigo fustal league is going from strength-to-strength with hundreds of children aged six to 18 playing each Friday night.

“I think the teams have doubled in number compared to last year,’’ Baker said.

“It’s a lot of fun to play.”

Baker and his parents are fundraising for the trip to Brazil.

Any businesses who would like to help Baker get to Brazil can e-mail malbaker55@gmail.com

The tour runs from November 17-December 6.