Emily, 13, only started playing futsal in October and was selected to play at the championships in December.

She took up futsal, which is similar to indoor soccer, but with a smaller ball and five players per team, because it is fast and fun.

State Futsal coach Tony Scalzi handpicked the team, which included four of the South Australian under 14 girls’ soccer team, the Skillaroos, of which Emily is apart.

Futsal is played in ‘half season’ and the team played in the under 16 girls’ competition in Adelaide running from October to January.

However, Emily said selection for the national championships wasn’t guaranteed, with other players trying out for that as well.

“You need to have quick ball skills and fast reflexes,” Emily said.

She won the trophy at the championships for the best 13-year-old girl.

The championships were played at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra from January 17 – 21.

SA played two games on each of Tuesday and Wednesday, and one on the Thursday before losing to Victoria in the semi-final on the Friday.

As well as teams from throughout the various Australian states, there were also teams from New Zealand and Samoa competing in the championships.

Emily’s team drew with tournament winners New South Wales Thunder in the first game of the event.

She continues to train for the Skillaroos in readiness for the national soccer championships to be played at Coffs Harbor in July.

In addition to that, Emily will continue playing for Adelaide Uni’s under 15 team in Adelaide.

She will attend a training camp with Adelaide Uni in Mount Gambier in March in readiness of the season start in April.