Courtesy: UEFA


Roxburgh revels in Futsal 'magic'

Tuesday, 14 February 2006

by Greg Demetriou

from Madrid

UEFA technical director Andy Roxburgh touched on the "magic" of Futsal in an illuminating address to the second UEFA Futsal Conference in Madrid.

Rapid rise
Looking at Futsal's development from its creation in the 1930s to the modern-day game, and more specifically reviewing UEFA's increased efforts at promotion and progress in the past decade, Roxburgh used video footage and personal experiences to underline just why so many are turning to Futsal. His words would have done much to sway newcomers, while reminding the experienced of why they show such commitment.

'Incredibly exciting'
Telling of his experiences at the 1996 UEFA tournament for national teams - a fledgling forerunner to the official UEFA European Futsal Championship, Roxburgh said: "What this tournament proved was this was a game of speed, both in technique and decision-making. It was about tight spaces and creativity. It was incredibly exciting, a completely different atmosphere to that which you get in outdoor football."

'Shining star'
As Roxburgh ran through a dramatic last decade of progress, the Spanish contribution, both sporting and logistical, was hard to ignore since that first major European event in 1996. Not surprisingly then, there was a special salute to Spain, which has stood out as a "shining star" in European Futsal despite a number of nations also showing world-class ability in recent years.

Wider appeal
Those present were also given the chance to see evidence of Futsal's wider appeal and worth. From illustrations of how football star Ronaldo was able to use skills learned in the small-sided game at the FIFA World Cup finals to a video demonstrating how Futsal matches have the capacity to entertain until the very end, because trailing teams are able to press opponents by adding an extra outfield player at the expense of their goalkeeper.

'Very significant'
With the standard higher than ever before, Roxburgh explained how it was a natural progression last year when Futsal moved to UEFA's professional football division: "We had come a long way from 1996 when Futsal was embraced for the first time in a UEFA context. What we did was have an internal transfer, it was very significant. It sent a signal that we felt Futsal should be in the same category as professional competitions like the EURO and Under-21s."

United front
He added that the football development division at UEFA would continue its involvement with Futsal, just witness this week's 170-people strong conference, but that the departmental move underlined that Futsal no longer came under just one desk. Instead "the whole organisation is now contributing to Futsal's development and growth" - including referees, who recently held their second Futsal course in Switzerland.

Grassroots need
With all of UEFA for Futsal, there will clearly be no resting on laurels. Roxburgh said the focus must switch to the grassroots and progress from "the bottom up as well as from the top down". He said there must be greater promotion, and crucially, told the gathered delegates that they should do all they can: "Futsal is fantastic when you see it in a packed hall, on a fast surface with good players and a lot at stake. What you see is sensational...it is a kind of magic."



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