Courtesy: The Anniston Star



Calhoun County YMCA youth program director to start futsal game in January

By Michael A. Bell - Staff Writer

In January, Jessica Zmuda is bringing a modified version of indoor soccer to the Y. Called futsal, the sport is played with a heavier, smaller ball, and, unlike indoor soccer, futsal players do not play off the walls. Instead, they stay within the boundaries of the basketball court.

When it comes to keeping everyone active, Jessica Zmuda thinks outside the box. As the Calhoun County YMCA's youth program director, Zmuda, 26, headed a dodgeball league last year and helped orchestrate kickball games, with both activities well-received by kids and the kids at heart.

"I think when you think outside the box, you're going to be able to get more people there," she said.

A group of guys who had played pick-up futsal last year at Miller Gym at McCellan approached her with the idea, wanting to formalize it with actual teams, practices and games.

Zmuda grew up enjoying playing indoor soccer in Ohio. She also wanted to bring its excitement to Calhoun County, giving more variety of sports to play during the winter other than shooting hoops.

"There are so many kids that don't have any interest in playing basketball," she said. Considering Alabama's staggering obesity rate it ranks No. 2 in the nation she wants to get more kids active and having fun at the same time "something else to stay in shape during the winter months that's not basketball."

Jay Jenkins of Anniston recalled dozens of children, including his own, packing Miller Gym last year playing futsal. He said the goal is to develop a league in Anniston, and have it spread to other cities across Calhoun County.

"We've just got to find a way to keep our kids physically active in the winter months," he said, adding that the sport will help soccer kids stay sharp during the off-season.

To Zmuda, who has worked with the Y since graduating college, it's about giving kids more outlets to be active and stay healthy.

She's also planning to host a one-day, round-robin dodgeball tournament in January, and to start some flag football games in the fall.

"I just have a lot of fun with what I do," she said.





Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com