The 2019 season saw a number of changes to our Men's Futsal National League squad.  This year the squad was based out of Manawatu and was lead by player/coach Adam Cowan.  The group consisted of a mixture of players from Manawatu, Hawke's Bay and Whanganui who overcome logistical challenges to get together on a regular basis to ensure that the team were prepared   as possible and could represent the Federation proudly.
 

After a slow start to Series One the team gelled together and saw a number of excellent performances including dropping only one game at the last series to eventual winners the Wakito Rapids, which at the completion of the competition saw Central finish 5th on the table.

Player/coach Adam Cowan had a fantastic season not only claiming the Golden Boot award for 2019 but also making his debut for the Futsal Whites at the OFC Nations Cup held in New Caledonia.

We managed to catch up with Adam on the return from the National Series Two to hear his thoughts on the season along with his experience with the National Team.

Q: As this was your debut season coaching the Central Futsal MFS team what aspect of the team’s performances has pleased you most?
The most pleasing thing for me this season was how we played in our last series. We not only scored 28 goals in 4 games but only conceded 12 goals which is exceptional.
We were a little under prepared for the start of this year, but we ended up being a side who played for each other and we became a team no one wanted to come up against...which speaks volumes from where we come from.

Q: What are your main learnings from this year that could help take the team and Federation forward in the future?
Identifying the up and coming talent from our large Federation is a big one, I want the best up and coming players to experience the Super League futsal.
Having a squad full of talented players, challenging each other for the 14-man playing squad would be a healthy place to be.

Q: Who were the players that impressed you this season and why?
Liam Outtrim in goal - it was his first season as a futsal goalie and it’s a massive change from football. He made exceptional saves during the year and became more confident each game. I'm sure he has put himself on the radar of the national coaches.
Another one is Nick Carrick, he scored 14 goals and gets better each year. Now with a little experience he is starting to show his full potential and is not only scoring goals, but his defensive work has more importantly improved.
 

Q: Prominently known as a football player, what attracted you to the fast-growing game of futsal?
What attracted me to futsal was it covers all the aspects of football I love...taking players on, shooting a lot and defending one-on-one.

Q: Talk us through the moment you got the call up to play for the Futsal Whites?
It was a weird one, I was definitely not expecting the call from Marvin.
I was pleased to go to the camp before the World Cup Qualifiers and to have the opportunity to make the squad.

Q: What was it like being part of the National team?
Being part of the Futsal Whites and representing the country was the highlight of my career.
The tournament was amazing, I learnt so much in the two weeks and I'm looking forward to pushing for more caps.

Q: Have you got any advice for aspiring futsal players looking to further their development across the Federation?
The best thing players can do is get as much court time as you can, keep fit and work on the technical aspects of the game.

Article added: Friday 29 November 2019