A POPULAR international indoor football game which focuses on players’ ground skills, will have its 12th outing this winter thanks to a joint initiative between the FAI, Fingal County Council and Swords Pavilions Shopping Centre.
The Futsal programme caters for players from Under 8 to Under 11 to help showcase their skills in an environment that the likes of Xavi, Iniesta and the great Messi grew up with.
Over 1,000 players in Fingal will enjoy six weeks of Futsal at four venues: Corduff in Dublin 15, Applewood in Swords, Castlelands in Balbriggan and Gormanston Park.
Run in conjunction with the council’s sports department and community partner Swords Pavilions, the programme ensures the youngest players do not go weeks without playing due to pitches being unplayable.
There are also the well-known technical and decision-making aspects of Futsal which ensures there are goals and skills aplenty.
Republic of Ireland Under 21 manager Stephen Kenny attended the launch.
“I was really encouraged by the possibilities of Futsal in terms of player development,” said Kenny.
“The essence of attacking play, combined with quick decision making, is an approach I fully concur with.
“Some of the most talented players in the world have been exposed to Futsal in their youth which can only aid our future players.”
Paul Keogh, FAI/FCC development officer said: “We are starting to feel a genuine interest and growth in futsal from grassroots coaches in Ireland.
“It has taken several years, but coaches are now really embracing Futsal as a tool to aid players development and enjoyment of the game.
“It was fantastic to have Stephen Kenny present and his attacking philosophy sits very well with Futsal which is all about freedom of expression and fearless play.
“Stephen spoke very favourably of Futsal and its potential in Ireland.
“My colleagues Sharon Boyle, Jamie Wilson and Paul Breen were delighted with the number of clubs present at the launch.
“Support from Swords Pavilions once again is very welcomed and with their support, we will again be linking this year’s Futsal to our healthy eating initiative ‘make nutrition your goal’.”
Fingal County Council Senior Sports officer Niall McGuirk said Futsal is a means for Fingal Sports Office to assist with participation levels and physical activity.
“Using sport for social and physical wellbeing is of paramount importance and having the added angle of nutritional education once again this year is fantastic,” he said.
“Changing habits is a challenge but from evidence from last year this programme really did succeed and it was great to see Swords Pavilions being acknowledged for their support at the recent Fingal Chamber awards.”