Ipswich talent plans to kick on in China

By David Lems

LEAVING Ipswich's heatwave conditions to play where it's snowing will be one of the challenges for aspiring professional futsal player Scott Fenn.

Heading off to the earthquake-devastated Chinese region of Chengdu is another unknown for the Ipswich talent.

"I'm a bit worried about things but I'm mainly taking it as a massive opportunity," Fenn said yesterday.

Thousands of people were killed or left homeless when China's largest earthquake since 1976 hit Chengdu in May.

Despite that concern, Yamanto-based Fenn leaves Ipswich tomorrow knowing the rare futsal chance he's been given.

He's been invited by the University of Chengdu in south-western China to spend eight months with a team in the national league.

Having benefited from three months training with elite futsal players and coaches in Brazil last year, Fenn sees the latest trip as a stepping stone to a possible professional contract.

"Asia is growing in futsal and China is up there. They (China) beat Australia this year to make the World Cup," Fenn, 20, said.

"I will be trying to impress the right people."

As the first international player offered the food and accommodation arrangement, Fenn expects to be part of an intensive season.

"Here, we play probably 10 (major) games a year before the nationals come around," the Queensland representative said.

"In China, playing about 60 games in seven months is going to be more than ever."

Fenn was invited to China after South Australian coach Tom Miletic recommended the Ipswich product to Chinese officials.

As he prepared to leave for China, Fenn yesterday enjoyed a surprise party put on by his family.

It could be the last time he experiences hot conditions for a while as he's expecting seven degree temperatures and even snow in Chengdu.

"I think the hardest thing is going to be the language barrier, but I learnt Chinese for six years at primary school (St Mary's)," he said.

Fenn said his stint in Brazil last year helped him in all aspects of the game.

"Skill wise, there's a big difference between Australia and Brazil," the former Ipswich Grammar School student said.

"They play a lot faster game. I got to bring a lot of knowledge back."

Fenn played outdoor football for Premier League club Taringa this season "to stay fit".

However, he said futsal was his future.

"It is my passion. It's just seeing what's possible in Brazil," Fenn said, having recently helped the Queensland side reach the final of the International Cup in New Zealand.

"If this (China trip) works out, I can hopefully go back next year."

Time in China has another appeal for the second-year civil engineering student.

"It's only recently that I realised you could still study overseas," Fenn said.

"Now I can do both studying and playing."