FUTSAL COMES TO KENT

Pele, Zico and Ronaldinho all play it and swear by it.  Futsal is played by more than 25 million people around the world - and the UK is the final frontier, writes Gary Macbeth.

The game of "Futsal" was introduced to west Kent last weekend with a display of skill, fin and competitive spirit at Go Travel Kent League outfit Tunbridge Wells' Culverden Stadium.

Although being held on grass, the pitches were good and hard due to all the recent heat.

First Class Football are working with the FPL and the Kent County Football Association to form youth and adult Futsal Leagues in the Kent area, so it seemed an ideal and fun opportunity to introduce the Futsal ball, rules and non-contact spirit to the teams.

The teams quickly adapted to the low-bounce ball, and were displaying some great technique, with a lot more control and passing on the ground.  Coaches and players agreed that this has set the stage well for further Futsal activities and leagues.

The eventual winners of the Year 3/4 competition where Pembury's 1's, who were representing Portugal, whilst Sherwood Park representing France were the winners of the Year 5-6 competition.

So, what is Futsal?

With its origins in Uruguay, and made famous by Brazil, the UK is finally waking up to the game of Futsal.  It's five-a-side football with a difference; it's a non-contact sport, the balls are smaller and there's a greater emphasis on skill.

As a non-contact sport, Futsal allows total focus on speed, skill and overall technical and mental agility.  Physical strength becomes much less significant.  All players learn to both defend and attack, with flying substitutions and rotational tactical plays; the net result is that coaches and players focus on total football.  All skills are transferable to the 11-a-side game so it makes for the perfect complement to an overall soccer development programme.

It's the official FIFA and UEFA 5-a-side soccer sport and is played by millions of people around the globe.

An England national team was formed in 2003.

The Futsal Premier League is a new indoor soccer league and Academy

The FPL are keen to boost the sport as a grass-root level and hopes to play a major role in soccer development in the UK

Get Involved
The Futsal Premier League is building a network of partnerships with sport providers and coaches to help build regional leagues and to help deliver coaching programmes.  Any coaches or sport providers involved in football or 5-a-side should contact the FPL at info@thefpl.com or for more details visit their website www.thefpl.com

PLEASE MENTION YOU SAW THIS ARTICLE ON www.kentishfootball.co.uk WHEN YOU CONTACT THE FPL.