Mid Coast Futsal say Iuri Lage is the man to take their organisation forward

Lage will be in Port Macquarie for the next six months in the hope of securing Australian residency which would then allow him to take over from current development officer Alison Fazzolari.

"He played in the top level in Brazil and he's 36 so he knows what he's doing," Fazzolari said.

"He's got a good demeanour with the kids, but he is also firm and gets the best out of them."

The Brazilian moved to Port Macquarie with his wife and daughter after learning Mid Coast Futsal were looking for a new coach.

"When we did the last clinic we had a mate of his who was coaching and he was looking to stay in Australia but didn't so he went to Gold Coast and Iuri was one of his friends," Fazzolari said.

"We want someone young and enthusiastic and we have really good futsal players here who we have employed, but people seem to think you need someone from outside."

Part of MCF's plan is also to send the 36-year-old out to some of the local football clubs next season.

"They have to work for you for two years after you give them residency and he will run holiday clinics in the October school holidays," Fazzolari said.

"He also runs a sports academy in Brazil."

Lage's six-month contract will expire in January, but Fazzolari was hopeful he would stay.

"If he's happy with us and we're happy with him, we'll proceed with a residency for him," she said.

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.