Courtesy: Vermilion Standard


Futsal season wraps up, players look ahead to outdoor

by Francois Biber

All winter long soccer players have been occupying the gym at St. Jerome’s learning about a new form of indoor soccer called Futsal.

Ralph Troschke first introduced Lakeland College to Futsal and in 2011 the Rustler’s won the provincial championship.

In November the Vermilion Soccer Association acquired two Futsal-sized nets and a bag of Futsal balls so minor soccer players could take in the game over the winter.

The philosophy behind Futsal is the ball. Troschke explained the synthetic material is thicker and the ball is a little smaller to promote the development of ball-control skills and dribbling.

Although there are no teams in the area with a U14 Futsal team, about 14 players have been practicing and scrimmaging Monday and Thursday nights.

“I’ve noticed in the last few weeks there’s certainly a difference in the way they control the ball. At the beginning of the indoor season the ball was popping out more often,” said Troschke.

In what is meant to serve as training for the outdoor season, Troschke said it’s always been hit or miss with surrounding communities when it comes to forming a league and playing a game each week.

“I tried reaching out to St. Paul, Vegreville and Wainwright, but no one had a team to play against at this age bracket (U14),” said Troschke.

However, the fact that a dozen players have consistently made it out each week illustrates that there is a desire to continue the soccer season into the winter.

For 13-year-old Andreas Troschke, just playing a similar type of game and getting exercise is enough of a reason to play Futsal.

“It’s definitely fun to come out every week and play. It’s a hard work, but it’s fun at the same time,” said Troschke.

“This was always built as a training program for the outdoor season and I think it’s serving that purpose.”

The Vermilion Soccer Association will be holding its annual general meeting March 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Father Coudreau Centre at St. Jerome’s where they will also be accepting registration for the outdoor season.




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