COurtesy: Times of Malta


Five-A-Side Football

Futsal Malta to play in Euro Championships

Ex-Czech Republic coach Striz takes charge of Maltese team

Czech coach Michal Striz will lead a Maltese Futsal team in the 2007 European Championships starting with next January's mini-tournament which involves four other national teams besides Malta.

Striz, 44, has loads of experience in international Futsal competitions. He was appointed to coach the Maltese team earlier this month after the Malta FA analysed a list of possible candidates to take the job.

In 1994, Striz, a former Czech national team player in five-a-side football, was voted as his country's best Futsal player. He coached the Czech Republic Futsal team and led the side to a third place at the European Championships of 2001 and 2003. Under Striz's charge, the Czechs also finished fourth in the World Championship of 2004.

Malta's opponents in the qualifying round will be known in next month's draw at UEFA's headquarters in Nyon.

Striz still has to name his squad but has already prepared a programme of training which includes three sessions per week at the Hibs Sports Complex and De La Salle, Cottonera.

The Malta FA yesterday said that the qualifying mini-tournament could be staged at the Hibs Sports Complex next year. The facilities are up to standard but no decision will be taken until the draws will be made.

In Malta, Striz will also assist Maltese Futsal coaches to upgrade the local game.

"Hibs will be taking part in the Champions League next season," he said. "They've already started preparations and I'm looking to assist as much as possible their coaching staff.

"I will also seek to help other coaches along the season. We intend to hold special courses in Futsal coaching.

"The five-a-side game here is still in its infancy but we can improve the standard significantly if we have more qualified coaches to lead the teams in the national league."

UEFA Jubilee pitches
This weekend, the Malta FA will inaugurate four new mini-pitches with an artificial turf pitch installed. These will be based at Pembroke, Rabat Depiro, Qala and San Lawrenz.

The project, marking UEFA's 50th anniversary, also includes the opening of 25 other similar mini-pitches in various localities.

Six mini-pitches are already in use and works on two more will start soon. The aim is to provide a safe place for children where to practise their favourite sport.

The project is likely to be completed next year.



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