This time of year is always exciting for kids but it's set to be the best Christmas yet for the Auckland Wolves under-12 futsal team.
The side recently arrived in Spain and are now just days out from their first World Futsal Cup match.
The Wolves aren’t just in Spain to make up the numbers, having qualified for the tournament last year after beating Australia.
Since then, they’ve also got some extra firepower in the form of coach Marvin Eakins – the current coach of the Futsal Whites who earlier this year secured a spot for next year's FIFA World Cup.
"The lads are good," Eakins said.
"They're really talented, there's some real, raw talent there. They've been playing futsal for quite a while and my role is to try and get them prepared for what's different, which is a tournament environment."
Eakins conceded the tournament isn’t just about the matches for him though.
"It's a really good opportunity to do some networking as well," he said.
"We don't really get to venture, especially in recent years, out of New Zealand very often to see different styles of futsal."
But he and the Wolves are hoping the Kiwi style will prove challenging to combat.
"We play quick," one player named Harry explains.
"Quick passes and you have to track back on your man each time."
For their age, their team culture is impressive but it’s built on the majority having played together since they were five years old.
Although, some like Nate have joined from outside Auckland.
"I'm from Hamilton and when we first started training for this tournament, I'd come up on Saturdays and Sundays," he said.
"It's a long drive but I've got used to it now."
It's been a big commitment but it's all worth it, as he and his teammates now spend the silly season in Spain playing the game they love.
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