Courtesy: A2Z Soccer


Michel Platini launches FAI Futsal Development Plan

06 December 2007

The main aim of the Programme is to establish Futsal as the preferred version of five-a-side football in Ireland and to increase and sustain participation at all ages and ability levels by promoting and developing the game as a complementary format of football within the football family. The game allows players to improve their technical skills as it requires quick thinking and rapid decision making facilitating the development of overall football "intelligence".

The FAI Futsal programme was designed in consultation with key stakeholders throughout the country along with officials from UEFA and FIFA to foster the game over the next four years in a bottom up/top down approach in such areas as Grassroots Futsal for adults and children, education, high level competition and marketing and management.

Michel Platini, UEFA President, said: "I want to congratulate the FAI for establishing this plan to develop and promote Futsal in Ireland. UEFA fully supports this initiative and welcomes the FAI into the UEFA Futsal family."

Packie Bonner, FAI Technical Director, said: "Futsal is a game which can facilitate greater participation and player development and should be afforded the best possible opportunity to develop and flourish in Ireland."

He added: "I am excited about this programme because I feel that by embracing Futsal in the manner outlined in the plan, along with the fantastic work that Derek O'Neill, FAI National Futsal Co-ordinator is doing every day in the community, is a sound investment in the future development of young players in Ireland."

Derek O'Neill, FAI National Futsal Co-ordinator, said: "The launch of this programme comes after months of hard work and dedication by a number of people. I have no doubt that their hard work will pay off and that Futsal will establish itself as an integral part of Irish football."



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