She couldn’t wait for her national uniform to arrive – and who could blame her?
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Representing your country is a massive honour at any time, but consider this: Brianna Redding has just made the national under 21 Futsal team ... at the ripe old age of 16.
To give it its correct name, it’s the National Youth Team and they’re off to Spain to compete next month.
Brianna, a goalkeeper, is the baby of the side and a serious talent.
If you’re unfamiliar with Futsal, it’s like mini soccer, five a side, and can be played on a basketball court or an astro-turf field.
In other words, hard surfaces.
“Oh yes, it’s physically demanding and can leave you pretty bruised when you dive around, but in the heat of the moment you don’t even think about it,” Brianna admits.
“I love outdoor football too, but the thing with Futsal is that it’s so fast and skilful – non stop action for 40 minutes. It’s crazy quick.”
Unlike most players who want to be creative outfielders, Brianna has always wanted to be in goal.
“I remember years ago when I was small and Dad was our coach, he picked my cousin in goal and I chucked a poo,” she recalled, breaking into a laugh.
“I wouldn’t speak to him… it was terrible. I don’t know why, I’ve just always wanted to be in goal.”
Brianna can’t remember how she started in Futsal, but knows she loves it.
She is a member of the Northern NSW side, competing against teams from all around Australia.
And when she’s not doing that she plays for the Wallsend Devils in the Women’s Premier League competition for outdoor soccer – this season it will be the under 20s team.
All in all that equates to four nights a week training, plus match days. Life’s not dull in the Redding household.
The big question is can she continue to do both sports, or will she soon have to choose?
“I honestly don’t know,” she admitted. “I know I love both. There’s nothing better than playing outdoor with your friends, but at the same time Futsal is played at a million miles and hour and is so exciting.
“Right now I don’t want to think about it.”
Which should be enough to keep both sports happy – for the time being at least.
