Football Federation SA State Team Players Thomas Goodman and Ryan Kinner have joined the National Team in Spain to compete in the CPISRA Intercontinental Cup, held from 27 July to 10 August.

Goodman and Kinner have both represented South Australia at the National Championships in previous years with this year seeing them being named in Pararoos Head Coach, Paul Browns 14-player squad after completing several training camps with the Pararoos.

The Pararoos will be up against approximately 320 Athletes from 16 different countries throughout the world, all competing to qualify for the World Cup 7. The competition for people with cerebral palsy will be held in 2015. 

Participating teams include Netherlands, Canada, Scotland, Ukraine, Russia, Spain, Argentina, Northern Ireland, Venezuela, Portugal, Japan, England, Brazil, Australia, United States and Ireland.

FFSA State Team Coach Susan Bassett said she was very proud of the boys competing at this level.

“This is a great achievement for both Tom and Ryan and its fantastic that 2 players from SA have been selected to represent Australia and play at International level.

“Both players fully deserve this opportunity and I’m sure if they continue to work and develop as players this will be one of many for them. I am very proud to be coaching Tom and Ryan and wish them and the Pararoos team the best of luck.”   

Australia defeated Venezuela 2-0 in a friendly in the lead up to their first match against Portugal. 

After some good build up play through Pyne and Goodman and some tight passing in the attacking third, central midfielder, David Barber managed to get in behind the defensive midfielder to slot one in past the keeper to give Australia the lead.

Late in the match, slowly building down the left through Kinner, a switch though the midfield found Barber and a shot from 25 metres out. The South American goalkeeper had the shot covered, but the shot had too much power and crossed the line.

Australia was defeated in their first official game of the tournament 0-1 to Portugal and take on Ucrania Wednesday 31 July and the USA on Friday 2 August.

This year will also see the FFSA State Paralympic Team take part in the National Championships at Coffs Harbour. 

The Championships will take place from 29th September to the 4th October and a select team of 12 players from SA will be announced soon.