COACHES AND REFEREES INTRODUCED TO FIFA FIVE-A-SIDE

Football coaches and referees from across the country are being invited to attend an introduction class to Futsal FIFA five-a-side, this Saturday (July 9).

The Football Association is staging coaching and referees seminars as part of the National Futsal Finals, which is being staged at the English Institute of Sport - Sheffield on July 8 - 10.

FIFA instructor Jyrki Filppu, is travelling from Finland to lead the session for referees as well as officiating at the tournament.

Mr Filppu will provide knowledge on the rules of Futsal to current and aspiring referees and how people can organise games in their local
community.

Graeme Dell, who coaches the England national Futsal side, will deliver a masterclass, offering tips and advice on how to teach the game to young people.

The seminars follow the introduction of an FA Futsal Coaching qualification, while the FA is also committed to producing its own Futsal Referees Training Qualification next year.

Dermot Collins, FA National Manager for small-sided football, said: "This coaching qualification will assist the process of introducing a South American twist to the popularity of domestic five-a-side football.

"Games cannot be played without officials and as Futsal is so new it offers the most talented referees a rapid progression to the highest levels of the domestic and international game."

Admission to the FA Futsal Finals is free for spectators, with matches
taking place throughout the weekend.

Anyone wishing to attend the seminars on Saturday can call the Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA on 0114 241 4992.