The first-ever FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup is happening next year – and the Futsal Ferns are one of 16 teams competing.
Futsal is a smaller version of football where two teams each have five players battle it out on a netball-sized court with a smaller, less bouncy ball.
In May, FIFA confirmed the first-ever Futsal Women’s World Cup will take place in the Philippines in 2025 – and only 16 teams can qualify.
New Zealand’s Futsal Ferns secured a spot after beating Fiji in the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Futsal Women’s Nations Cup in the Solomon Islands in August.
Futsal Ferns goalkeeper Danielle Bradley says the team felt “pure excitement and elation”.
“A lot of the girls have been in the squad for quite a few years now so it’s been a long time coming.”
The Futsal Ferns beat Fiji in the OFC Futsal Women’s Nations Cup in the Solomon Islands in August. Photo: OFC Media via Phototek
It’s been a long time coming indeed
FIFA, the international governing body of association football, beach soccer, and futsal, has had a Futsal World Cup for men since 1989 and it received criticism for its “discriminatory treatment” of the women’s sport over a lack of a women’s World Cup.
“Men have had the opportunity to go to the World Cup for years and years now,” Danielle says.
“[It’s] a great direction for women’s sport to be as equal as men.”
The 28-year-old was also awarded the Golden Glove, which is given to the best goalkeeper, during the OFC Futsal Women’s Nations Cup.
“I try and be the best and put my best foot forward to do our country proud.”
Danielle Bradley (in pink kit) won the Golden Glove Award in the OFC Futsal Women’s Nations Cup. Photo: OFC Media via Phototek
Doing everything they can with what they have
Head coach Nic Downes says the squad, who are between the ages of 19 to 29, has done everything they can to make their dream of playing in the World Cup come true.
While tours and training opportunities are funded, Nic says the players don’t get paid because they’re considered amateur athletes.
“You look at professional players, they work really hard but that’s what they’re paid to do… amateur players have to have a full-time job, but then they’ve also got to put in all this extra time to be athletes as well.
“Sometimes you sit back and just got to appreciate how hard they’re working and they’re trying.”
Head coach Nic Downes (in blue) says the squad’s done everything they can to make their dream of playing in the World Cup come true. Photo: OFC Media via Phototek
Nic says there aren’t as many leagues in New Zealand yet for each player to train consistently in their cities.
He says seven players have moved overseas, mainly to live somewhere new, but to also get more playing time.
Danielle moved to Melbourne last year for a change of scenery, but also to play more futsal.
Melbourne’s league has nine women’s teams, so Danielle can train and play weekly.
“It was hard to do [that in Auckland], you’d have to join a men’s social league to be getting that court time and playing time which made it a little bit tricky.”
Danielle moved to Melbourne last year for a change of scenery. Photo: Supplied
Hopes for more young girls to play the sport
Danielle hopes the Futsal Ferns qualifying for the World Cup will create more pathways for girls and women to play the sport.
She encourages young girls playing futsal to get involved as much as possible.
“Whether it’s a boy’s or men’s social league, getting as much time on the ball, on the court, as possible will always help.
“Then [doing] your own [training] in the background with your strength and fitness, that all contributes to making you a better player.”
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