Courtesy: New Straits Times


Futsal way to develop child's skills

by Fadhli Ishak

FOOTBALL legend Datuk Soh Chin Aun believes futsal can provide a fun and healthy way to develop the nation's future batch of players. Chin Aun, speaking at the launch of the Milo Hidup Bola Under-12 and Under-16 Futsal Carnival at the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) on Sunday, said the fast-paced sport promoted a number of key elements crucial in developing quality players.

"Futsal teaches children to have good ball control, speed, stamina and also promotes quick-thinking and reflexes which are so important in the game," said Malaysia's former football captain.

"Having good skills in futsal can make for a good football player and I believe this Milo tournament is a step in the right direction.

"Too much training (alone) will not always inspire children. It is important to give them enough competitive exposure so they are able to gain experience while enjoying the sport."

The tournament, which is already in its seventh edition, has become the largest futsal competition in the country since its inception in 2006. Last year it attracted more than 1,200 teams.

The event, which is co-sponsored by Figos and supported by the Sports Ministry, kicks of at state-level on April 14 and will culminate with a grand final on Sept 16 at the Sports Planet, Ampang futsal complex.

The overall winner of the tournament, for both under-12 and under-16 categories, will receive RM15,000 while the runners-up will get RM10,000.

Third and fourth placed teams will receive RM7,000 each.

All prizes will be given out in the form of saving account books in the name of each winning child to encourage them to start saving from an early age.

Entry forms can be obtained from www.milo.com.my or www.syoknyasukan.com.




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