Extract from a larger article posted on the NZ Herald: click here


Having a ball as soccer clubs take off

by Gill South

And if an hour on a Saturday morning isn't enough for your ball-mad youngster, the next big thing is Futsal. There is a growing movement in Auckland for the indoor game which began in Brazil.

Futsal is Fifa's only approved 5 v 5 indoor football which is essentially, a smaller version of outdoor soccer played indoors.

It involves a lot of touches with a small, low-bounce ball and is all about improving skills and technique faster, says Craig Empson, CEO of Auckland Futsal which is working with the NZ Football Futsal initiative to incorporate Futsal into football development.

Stars such as Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho swear by it, doing it in their youth before turning to the outdoor game, says Empson. Auckland Futsal organises futsal leagues on Sundays and some weekdays from venues all over Auckland. Saturday afternoons may happen soon, too.

"It is a guaranteed game which is indoor," says Empson. He has young Brazilian players coaching the children and professional umpires so parents can relax.

And as a parent with a limited number of raincoats, those indoor games have lots of appeal.

More detail
To find a club in your area, visit the following football organisations:

www.aucklandfootball.org.nz

www.northernfootball.org.nz

By clicking on the football link on www.sportingpulse.com, you can find more information about soccer in your area.


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