Courtesy: UEFA.com

New publication is a Futsal first

Wednesday, 12 April 2006

Futsal's growing popularity is reflected in the birth of a new UEFA publication - Futsal Technician.

Lozano interview
Pride of place in the inaugural issue of the magazine goes to a pioneering coach - Spain's Javier Lozano, who has won a host of medals at the helm of his country's Futsal fortunes. In a fascinating interview, Lozano speaks about his own career, Futsal's development and his hopes for the game's future.

Much to offer
In his editorial column, UEFA technical director Andy Roxburgh sings Futsal's praises. "Futsal, the game itself, has much to offer as a top-level sporting discipline," he said. "When the hall is full, the floor fast, and the teams of a high quality, then 'fútbol-sala' is fantastic. It is football, but in many ways a different ball game to eleven-a-side."

Pioneering work
UEFA has made its contribution to Futsal's flourishing, with European and club competitions. "The pioneering work of the last ten years is over and Futsal will undoubtedly blossom during the next decade," added Roxburgh. "Olympic recognition would be a major boost."

Coaches multi-tasking
"Is a Futsal coach just a coach?" asks another article looking back at the recent second UEFA Futsal Conference in Spain. Petr Fousek, the chairman of UEFA's Futsal Committee, explains that at the game's beginnings, associations did not employ many Futsal officials, which meant people did several jobs.

Coach education
"This has resulted in a group of technicians who are much more aware of organisational and administrative aspects than their counterparts in the outdoor game," he said. Fousek also talks about the implantation of Futsal within UEFA's ambitious grassroots programme, as well as the education of coaches and appropriate UEFA-endorsed coaching diplomas.

Click here to read the first issue of UEFA's Futsal Technician




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