Courtesy: Solomon Star News via SIFF Media


IFA plans to organize Futsal and Beach Soccer Leagues

Wednesday, 17 February 2010

The Isabel Football Association (IFA) is planning to establish Futsal and Beach Soccer Leagues in the province this year.

This was revealed by IFA President, Stanley Siapu, in an interview with the Solomon Islands Fotoball Federation (SIFF) Media Office yesterday.

Siapu explained that the aim of the IFA is to grow both Futsal and Beach Soccer in Isabel Province.

“The aim of our plan is to lay the groundwork for the development of both codes and also to bring to the surface talent that we know exists in the local communities in Isabel.

“The plan by the national body to organize national competitions for the 2 codes is our cue to kick start,” Siapu said.

Initially, the Futsal and Beach soccer leagues will be held in the Buala region.

This is due to the cost of bringing teams from outside Buala to participate.

However, IFA aims to expand this as more funds are available and when the player base is large enough. IFA is expecting up to 8 teams to register for each code when their respective leagues start.

Two suitable venues have already been identified for the Futsal league. The first is a grass-court in Jejevo and the other is a hard sand court in Buala village.

According to Siapu, both venues have previously been used for Futsal games by villagers and students in the area.

IFA is still looking for a possible site for their Beach Soccer pitch. Siapu said that there are many potential sites in the area but IFA has to look for one that is the best in terms of sand quality, space and ease of access.

Potential for Small Sides Games in Isabel
IFA is confident that the potential for Futsal and Beach soccer development in Isabel is high. This is mostly due to the topography of the island which makes both codes an attractive alternative to 11-a-a-side football.

“Large flat areas are scarce in Isabel and the 11-a-side code requires a lot of land for just one pitch unlike Futsal and Beach soccer,” Siapu said.

He added the other factor, especially true for Beach Soccer, is that players do not require boots, socks and sin pads so it’s affordable for rural people.

At this stage IFA will need a lot of support for it to foster the development of the 2 codes in Isabel. The development of a permanent and housed Futsal court is seen as the vital piece in the puzzle for IFA.

“I believe that the development of a proper Futsal court will propel the growth of the game here in Isabel,” Siapu said.

Interest in Futsal and beach Soccer is growing in the rural communities in Solomon Islands especially with the success of the National Teams in regional and international championships.

The first ever national championships for the Futsal and Beach Soccer will be held this year.



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