Young Gladstone Futsal Players Set To Take World Stage By Storm

Central FC and Clinton FC players are set to take the Futsal world stage in the coming months, flying to Spain, Belgium and Brazil to compete in the U14 Girls Australia team at the Costa Blanca Youth Cup and in the U15 Boys Australian Futsal teams.

Charlotte Nagy, from Central FC, has been selected to play in Spain mid-next year in the Costa Blanca Youth Cup, marking the next stage in her soccer journey that began when she was just 7 years old. Over her career, she has represented Central at an academy level, travelling across the state each year to compete at the highest level in competitions, including competing in the Football Queensland Academy program and the State Championships for Soccer in 2025.

Her futsal journey started in March last year, when she was invited to try the sport in Rockhampton, competing against teams from across Australia and earning the All-Star Award voted by the coaches (Top 10 players from the U13 Boys competition). In that tournament, she competed with the boys' U12 team due to a lack of girls' options and was selected to play with the U13 Boys in the National Schools Championships this past July.

Charlotte’s selection to play with the U14 Australian Girls team in Spain has been an incredible achievement for the young athlete, and as a big advocate for girls in sport, she wants to be a great example of what you can achieve with hard work and huge goals.

Mason Mansfield, Lachlan Stoneley and Josh Long from Clinton FC have all played soccer together since they were in Mini Roos, beginning their futsal journeys 3-4 years ago. All three boys enjoyed the sport, securing a spot as part of the AFA’s Talent Identification Program (TIP) and being selected for the Central QLD State Futsal Team to compete at the 2026 National Club Futsal Championships in Sydney in January 2026.

Their fantastic performances were noticed, and the boys were selected to represent the Australian Futsal team, with Lachlan and Mason touring Brazil in mid-November, and Joshua in Belgium this week. Each of the three boys said they couldn’t believe they were selected, and the preparation for the competition has included prioritising recovery, improving their training, turning in their schoolwork early and eating well.

“I’m preparing by training every day, and I’ve been following LDN Movements (UK Futsal team) for tips and inspiration,” Mason said.

The highlights of each of their trips will include attending professional futsal games, exploring state-of-the-art sports centres, and learning first-hand how Brazil and Belgium’s sporting culture shapes some of the world’s most disciplined and dynamic athletes, making for unforgettable experiences across the board.

“Getting to see the futsal /football and culture in Brazil and meeting kids from different parts of the world.” – Lachy on what will be the most exciting part of the trip.

“Meeting players from other countries, checking out their facilities and coaches. I am excited that we get to visit Villers-Bretonneux on Remembrance Day.” – Josh on what will be the most exciting part of the trip.

The outpouring of community support for the young athletes has been immense, with Charlotte’s family having organised a personal fundraiser to help get her to Spain next year, while Clinton FC is donating jerseys to local kids in Brazil that Lachlan and Mason will distribute.

The Gladstone community wishes each of the athletes a fantastic time in their respective competitions, and if you would like to help Charlotte’s journey to Spain next year, scan the QR code to donate.