It was on his third birthday at Anchorage Park Kindergarten that Arzan Todywalla’s father noticed his son kick a ball at the speed of a rocket.
Arzan was 18 months old when his parents migrated to New Zealand. The young parents went through all the normal struggles as new migrants to ensure their children did well in life.
After recognizing Arzan’s talent, dad Viraf secured his admission at Fencibles United AFC when he turned six, expecting that after some years of practice, their son would be ready to play competitively.
However, Arzan proved himself within the very first year by winning Most Valuable Player of the year in 2007 alongside other accolades – and he hasn’t stopped.
In 2011, Arzan participated in a Futsal trial, a variant of football played indoors on a hard court that is smaller than a football pitch with five players on each team. He was selected and began to enjoy the challenges Futsal provided.
Since then, Arzan has represented New Zealand overseas in the game and won the title of ‘All Star’ in 2014 – a much sought-after title by more than 500 Futsal players in New Zealand and Australia.
Arzan has recently been selected as part of the Oceania Football Confederation U18 men’s Futsal team to play in the inaugural U18 National Futsal Squad competition at Bruce Pulman Park, Takanini, from October 4-7.
“I am excited and feel honoured to be a part of OFC U18 and very grateful to the coaches Marvin and Bakkr to train, support and above all believe in me.
“I am looking forward to gain utmost experience and try my best to make my nation New Zealand proud,” said Arzan.
