The dream of playing in one of the best competitions in the world is slowly becoming a reality for Notre Dame student Daniel Cappellaro who is heading to Barcelona as part of a four-month loan dean with Spanish futsal club FC Castelldefels.
Futsal, which is mainly played indoors, was developed in Brazil and Uruguay between the 1930s and 1940s.
The game consists of five players to a team and is played with a smaller ball than that used for soccer.
Futsal has been a big part of Mr Cappellaro’s life who played for Cambio Cumbre in the WA State League.
His passion for the sport led him to open his own soccer coaching company called D10 Football; the first initial of his name combined with his favourite number.
It was in 2011 when his skills caught the attention of some of the game’s biggest names whilst playing for Deportivo Caseros, a Buenos Aires based team, in a futsal competition in Argentina.
“I enjoy the high level of technical ability that is brought out of the players through playing futsal,” Mr Cappellaro said.
“It’s great to have the opportunity to play in a different country, experience different levels of play and different cultures.”
In addition to his skills on the pitch, over the past few years Mr Cappellaro has been involved with Perth Glory, WA’s A-League soccer team.
He actively participated in the club’s program, ‘Glory in the Community Program’ and his involvement included cultural enrichment, school visits and community outreach endeavours.
Associate Dean at Notre Dame Chris Mawson congratulated Mr Cappellaro, who is studying a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Management.
“This is yet another one of Daniel’s many achievements so far, which have previously included starring in the football video game FIFA Street,” Mr Mawson said.
“Daniel’s ability to balance his studies, work at Perth Glory and his interests in futsal through his passion, commitment and plain hard work should be commended.”
Mr Cappellaro has always dreamt of travelling to Barcelona. He is also a huge fan of Brazilian player Neymar who plays for Mr Cappellaro’s favourite team, FC Barcelona.