FUTSAL
FOCUS ON FUTSAL £300,000 INVESTMENT BOOSTS FUTSAL IN ENGLAND Last September saw the launch of The FA’s first ever dedicated Futsal fund to help develop the sport in England. Normally a five-a-side game played on a flat indoor pitch with a weighted size four ball, the exciting, fast-paced sport is played across the world and is officially recognised by both UEFA and FIFA.
The fund was targeted at previously unengaged groups, including:
The scheme has already made a considerable impact, with 254 packs awarded to community groups from across the country. This has helped to provide access to over 100,000 players and inspired the creation of around 400 new Futsal leagues and competitions.
• Female Futsal (12-18 years) • Youth Futsal (14 years-and-over) • Youth football leagues (U14-to-U18) • Association of Colleges (AoC) members with facilities offering community usage • English Schools’ Football Association (ESFA) and Independent Schools Football Association (ISFA) member schools with facilities offering community usage
Michael Skubala, England Futsal Head Coach: “Futsal is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK, yet the majority of youngsters in schools won’t have had the opportunity to try it prior to this Football Foundation scheme. Futsal is brilliant for helping to develop the technical skills of players, communication and overall player development, so it’s fantastic to see The FA investing in the future of the sport and helping people to get involved.”
The FA pledged £300,000 to providing Futsal starter packs to County FAs, football leagues and schools, designed to adapt existing sports halls, playgrounds and other hard surface facilities and provide new opportunities to youngsters looking for their first experience of Futsal.
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FOCUS ON THE FOOTBALL FOUNDATION
