Competing in the State Futsal Championship in five categories (under-9, 11, 13, 15 and 17), Flamengo will enter the court this weekend already qualified for the next phase of the competition in all age groups. On Saturday (22.05), the under-15 and 17 kids will play against Pentágono, in Gávea, starting at 14 pm. The other three age groups of Rubro-negro will face América, also in Gávea, on Sunday (23.05), starting at 9 am.

Aware that they are scouting talent, Flamengo's futsal coaches are thinking further ahead.

"The work is focused on supplying the youth teams on the field. The under-9 category, for example, is participating in the first official competition of the Rio de Janeiro Futsal Federation. On the field, the first official competition only takes place for those 13 and older," explained Israel Falcão, under-9 futsal coach.

With the work organized and integrated into the football department, there's no shortage of promising talent. This is the case with nine-year-old twins Lucas Freitas and Luan Freitas.

"I joined Flamengo a year ago, and I really enjoy playing here. My lifelong dream is to be a Flamengo football player," said Lucas.

When asked who they look up to, the boys didn't hesitate.

"My idol is Zico. I even have his shirt," said Luan.

Last weekend, the red-and-black futsal team won in all age groups. Against Mackenzie, in the under-9, under-11, and under-13 categories, they won three times: 13-0, 3-0, and 5-3, respectively. Meanwhile, the under-15 and under-17 teams defeated Magnólia/Bom Pastor: 6-1 and 6-5.

Check out Flamengo's position in the league tables:

Sub-9
2nd place – 28 points (1st Fluminense – 33 points)
Sub-11
3nd place – 28 points (1st Fluminense – 30 points)
Sub-13
1st place – 33 points
Sub-15
3rd place – 16 points (1st Vasco – 18 points)
Sub-17
2nd place – 16 points (1st Pentagon – 22 points)