Drogheda Welcomes Futsal thanks to the Des Smyth Drogheda Youth Foundation

Following on from an introduction to Futsal programme run by Welcome Youth Project this Summer which was kindly sponsored by the Des Smyth Drogheda Youth Foundation - Futsal is now officially here to stay in Drogheda as more and more children are signing up with Welcome Youth to learn how to play.

What is Futsal ? Futsal is the official 5-a-side soccer game and the only 5-a-side soccer recognised by FIFA. Futsal is taking the country by storm as more and more players, coaches and clubs discover the unique and positive qualities of the game. It is a game played around the world, originated in South American ghettos and many of todays world stars began their youth soccer playing Futsal. The Brazilians attribute their world soccer success to Futsal - Pele, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho grew up playing Futsal and credit Futsal with developing their exceptional skills.

Welcome Youth officials have been in correspondence with Derek O' Neill FAI Futsal Coordinator and have recently met with Mick Neville of the FAI, Community representatives, the Community Gardai and the Mayor of Drogheda to discuss the set up of an official FAI - Futsal League for the children and young people of Drogheda in 2010. According to (WYP) Chairperson, Tony Sutherland "This meeting went exceptionally well with all in attendance agreeing to initiate a Pilot Phase for the 4 - 7 years as this target group of children are noticeably under provided for in the sports sector of Drogheda and to introduce Futsal workshops for children aged 8 - 12 and 13 - 16 and Futsal workshops for sports and youth leaders in sports and youth clubs in the coming months to support the FAI Futsal Development Plan. This will then lead onto the set up of an official FAI Futsal League in 2010. Welcome Youth ran numerous Futsal pilot - workshops throughout October to support Football against Racism in Europe (FARE) and it was warmly welcomed by over 60 children."

(WYP) Coordinator, Sharon Healy who has been one of the driving forces behind the introduction of Futsal to Drogheda says, "I am delighted that Futsal is now being recognised and accepted in Drogheda as a sport of its own. I would very much like to see it develop and become a "Street League" of the future which was once infamous in Drogheda and indeed many of our great players grew up playing street football including Gary Kelly who I believe scored many a goal in the alleys of Marion Park. I believe that if we can promote Futsal as a "Street League" it will regenerate community spirit but also help to combat anti-social behaviour by providing an affordable sport that is relevant to children from all types of background and give them a sense of pride to be involved in representing their own streets or estates. We have had a huge response from the children of the Twenties to play Futsal and I have no doubt that this will spread throughout the town once people become aware of the game. We are extremely grateful to the Des Smyth Drogheda Youth Foundation for sponsoring the Futsal Workshops over the Summer to introduce this unique ball game to Drogheda and for providing an opportunity for many children to get involved in Sport who are socially and economically deprived from affording to play sport due to the current economic crisis and growing unemployment. I would like to thank Mary Bohill and Valerie Artherton in the Drogheda Borough Council for their ongoing assistance, Marie Russell from Moneymore Community House, David Mc Donnell of D.I.F.E, Garda Anita O' Shea, Derek O' Neill and Mick Neville of the FAI and also the Mayor of Drogheda, Micheal O' Dowd and Councilor Imelda Munster for their continuous community support with this worthwhile project.

The Futsal Workshops and eventual League will be open to teams from Youth Clubs, Sports Clubs, Community organisations, Housing associations, Ethnic Minority groups, Disability groups and also individual children from all over the town. Everyone is welcome to get involved. For further info. contact Tony Sutherland on 086-2030518 or write to welcomeyouthproject@live.com.















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