Sixth Grader Helps Team Capture Futsal Championship in Brazil

Isabelle competed as a member of the 2015 Girls USYF International Team during an eight-day international experience held Aug. 6-13, 2026. The team brought together top young futsal players from across the United States for training and international competition.

For Isabelle, the opportunity to represent her country was especially meaningful.

“I've always taken pride in representing my club and my township, Upper St. Clair, but I never imagined I would get to represent my country,” she said. “It really was special.”

Her journey to the international team began with the Futsal ID State Trials. From there, she advanced to the National ID Trials, where athletes participated in training sessions and matches before the USYF International Teams were selected.

Isabelle spent the summer preparing for the opportunity.

“I trained futsal all summer long to be prepared,” Isabelle said. “Mentally, I prepared myself by visualizing success.”

The trip also gave Isabelle and her teammates an opportunity to experience some of Brazil’s natural wonders. One highlight was a visit to Iguazu Falls, the largest waterfall system in the world located along the border of Brazil and Argentina.

“I've never seen anything so cool and pretty like that in nature,” Isabelle said.

Futsal is a fast-paced, small-sided version of soccer played indoors on a hard-surface court about the size of a basketball court. Teams consist of five players, including the goalkeeper, and use a smaller, low-bounce ball.

Isabelle has played futsal for the past five years, primarily competing at the ala and pivot positions. She also has played soccer for 10 years and competes as a center midfielder.

While Isabelle enjoys the thrill of winning, she said the hard work that goes into achieving success is just as rewarding.

“Working hard to be successful is a lot of fun,” she said. “Specifically with futsal, I enjoy how fast paced the game is, how physical it is, and how much scoring is involved.”

The USYF International Teams are comprised of elite youth players from throughout the country. Selected athletes train together before representing the United States in international competition.

At home, Isabelle plays soccer for the Century Soccer Club and enjoys hanging out with her friends.

USYF is the largest youth futsal organization in the United States, with more than 100 local leagues. Its mission is to grow the sport of futsal and create opportunities for young athletes to participate and develop their skills. USYF programs include player development, international competition, coach education and referee education.