Courtesy: Daily Express


Penampang wants to produce calibre futsal players

Penampang: The district is aiming to become an avenue to produce calibre futsal players among the youths and subsequently to play for the State and national teams.

Moyog Assemblyman Philip Lasimbang said they are very serious in futsal development and that former state player Adelaide Cornelius has started grooming the children.

Once they are ready, he said the players would be absorbed into the Penampang team to take part in tournaments at State and national levels.

"Futsal is an exciting extension of football and we're putting in place long-term development plan to achieve our objectives," he said at the press conference for the 1st Adidas-Sportmart Futsal Championship that will commence at Penampang Futsal Centre in Donggongon next week.

He said that the game is also picking up among women who were initially shy to patronise the futsal centre.

But once they've warmed up, he said the women players start to play regularly at the centre.

Futsal, he said is not just a sport but also enhance social and recreation purpose.

In the recent Borneo Games, he said Sabah women futsal team won the gold medal.

On other developments, Philip said the children would be taught basic skills and to develop teamwork spirit among them.

At the same time, he also stressed on teaching the rules and regulations of the game including refereeing.

He said the sport is in need of good officials and that they hope to produce referees for the game soon.

"I anticipate more participation from the youths in the game in the future," he said.

On coaching, Philip said the trainer must have the vision and passion for the game to ensure its continuity and development.

He said Penampang has long been voicing for such sports centre where the kids and youths could spend their energies into something beneficial.





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