FOUR futsal youngsters have joined the growing ranks of Bendigo players to have represented their country overseas.
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Alec Edlin, Kayden Marchant, Riley Tawton and Tommy Leung travelled to China on Sunday, to play in the Chinese national championships.
They are the latest to make national teams from Bendigo, with others this year heading to Brazil, Spain, United Kingdom and United States.
Bendigo Futsal competitions co-ordinator Gill Edlin said the quartet won a place on the Chinese tour through their involvement with the Gol Brasil Academy.
The program aims to provide participants with not only on-field training but also in character development, leadership and team building skills.
"Most of the kids who get selected from overseas tours come from the national schools titles and national championships," Edlin said.
"With the China trip it's through the academy, so they are not necessarily selected for being the best player, but more so for being kids who give back (to the sport).
"They referee and are involved with all the programs."
About 200 junior and senior players from Australia are playing in the tournament, against players from across the world.
Edlin and Marchant are lining-up with the under-16 team, while Tawton and Leung are under-12s
They will be away for 14 days and back in time for the start of the summer futsal season in October.