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05Marvin EakinsNew Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBNew Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010InterviewFutsal Whites pivot Marvin Eakins’superb performances in Fiji last yearmade everyone at the OFC FutsalChampionships sit up and take notice.The New Zealand skipper had morecourt time than any other outfield playerand steered his inexperienced sidethrough the early stages of preparingfor a shot at qualifying for the 2012FIFA Futsal World Cup in Thailand. THEPOWER OF FIVE caught up with Eakinsas he prepared to enter the FutsalWhites high performance camp inHawke’s Bay.Marvin, tell us about your early days offootball - schools/club played for.I started playing football for my hometown, Papakura, when I was seven. My dadcoached me and has been a huge influencein my football career as well as my mum.I also played for Mt Wellington and Metroas a junior. I went to Auckland Grammarand was selected for the 1st XI when Iwas 5th form. From there I went onto bevice captain. We were a successful teamand during my years we won the AucklandLeague twice, the Cup twice and appearedin three National finals, winning one.What about senior football - both inAuckland and now Hawke’s Bay. Whatteams have you played for?When I left school I played for University-Mount Wellington and was there till 2006when they decided to pull out of theNorthern League. I had a season withPapakura then three good years withManurewa AFC. From there, I signed forHawke’s Bay United for the 2010/11season. Currently I am playing forMaycenvale in the Central League.And futsal? When did you first start playing?How did you get introduced to the game?I started playing futsal in 2006 for a socialteam at East City Indoor Soccer Club. Iwent from filling in every now and then tojoining a team permanently. From there Ihave been heavily involved with East Cityand developed my game there.What appeals to you about futsal?Futsal is such a fast paced game. You get alot of touches on the ball in a smaller areaand you are always involved. It improvesyour ability to play in and get out of tightareas and there can be a lot of goals!When were you first chosen for NZ?2008. I was named vice captain for theWorld Cup qualifiers that year.Can you tell us a little about your role asa pivot in the team? What are the keyattributes of a pivot?As a pivot I have a few important roles.I need to be able to organise the teamdefensively because I can see things thatmy team mates might not be able to.At times I may end up as the last line ofdefence so winning important tackles orslowing down the opposition so my teammates can get back becomes vital. Its notall defence though! As a pivot I can triggerattacks and score my fair share of goals.Which you did in Suva last year...Scoring those 2 goals against Vanuatu wasgreat and I enjoyed the moment. In sayingthat - when it comes to international futsal,every goal is vital.How does the team compare with teamsfrom previous campaigns? And how is thepreparation going?Every campaign the squad gets strongerand stronger. In my opinion this squad canget us to the World Cup. Preparation isgoing well. A lot of it has been put on theindividuals so I am sure they have all beenworking as hard as me.Though you missed the National FutsalLeague through football commitments - doyou feel the National League has been amajor factor in preparing the players forthis year’s campaign in Fiji?Unfortunately I couldn’t play in the NationalLeague but plan to in future competitions.The National League has given players thechance to play against quality opposition ona more regular basis. It has also providedan opportunity to put your hand up fornational selection.