Victor Brauner is very much an unknown quantity within the National Premier Leagues but the Brazilian midfielder plans on making a lasting impression this winter.   Brauner travelled the globe playing the game he loves with stints in Brazil and Italy prior to arriving in Western Australia where, until this year, he has focused on the indoor version of football.

“I started playing in Brazil when I was 6 and switched between futsal and football until I was 18, playing for Clube Atletico Juventus, Gremio Recreativo Barueri and Santos,” Brauner, 28, explained.   “I then moved to Italy where continued to go between the indoor and outdoor versions of the game for Ceccano, Pesaro and Terni.”

“I came to Australia about five years ago and hoped to play but when I couldn’t get an international clearance I got involved with futsal.   I’ve been lucky to win the F-League (national futsal league) twice, the WA State Futsal League twice and was awarded the Most Valuable Player and Golden Boot at last year’s Series Futsal Australia.”

It was while preparing for last year’s AFC Futsal Club Championships, in which he played for Vic Vipers, that Brauner became aware of Inglewood.   “Katie (Holtham), our physiotherapist, was constantly saying ‘You need to come down to Inglewood’.   We talked about it again and again until Taki (Nicolaidis) invited me to join the club,” he said.

“My impressions of Inglewood so far could not be better.   Everyone has been very welcoming and the team has got a great balance between hard work and fun, creating a perfect atmosphere to work in.   My number one goal this year is to help the club better last season’s performance, and since we finished second there is only one better place to go.”