Football West Gold Fields State player Joel Di Toro has landed himself a professional futsal contract in Italy.
Di Toro, who has represented WA at four National Futsal Championships, has joined Futsal Veglie Salvatore Russo.
The 20-year-old is the first Australian-born male player to earn a professional futsal contract in Italy.
Di Toro started futsal when he was 12 while also playing Junior NPL at Inglewood United. He has featured in the Pro Futsal League with a number of clubs including Murdoch Warriors and Stirling Braza Ginga. His futsal journey has already taken him to a number of countries including the US, Spain and most recently Colombia.
Football West Coach Development Officer and long-time head futsal coach Garry Church said: “It is fantastic to see Joel grow over the years from his first trip with the State Futsal team and his continued development playing in the Pro Futsal League.
“It is always pleasing when a person who has had a vision to play professional futsal is persistent in their journey. I am sure there have been many setbacks along the way, including injuries, but that just makes it more of an achievement when you get there. We wish Joel all the best in his journey.”
Futsal Veglie Salvatore Russo are based in south-east Italy, near Lecce, and play in the C2 division of the FIGC National League.
Last year, Perth SC NPLWA – Women’s skipper Zoee Spadano joined the Milan-based Kick Off C5 Femminile futsal side.