Courtesy: The Jakarta Post


Going to the beach for some kicking

Clouds and intermittent showers on Saturday did not stop people from coming to Pantai Festival beach in Ancol, North Jakarta, to watch or join the third "Futsal On The Beach" competition.

Some 32 teams participated in the event, playing on two futsal courts set up on paving blocks over the beach sands. Plastic nets towered behind the goals to keep balls from plunging into the sea.

People cheered, and sometimes swore, from the stands as players of various ages showed off their best at the five-a-side soccer.

Fajri, a 30-year-old participant and employee of a car dealership, came with his wife and two children to the beach.

"They always come whenever I play in a competition, but this time they're also here for the recreation of Ancol," he said.

Teamed with his neighbors, Fajri, who has been playing futsal two years, said he just played for fun.

"Due to my age and stamina, winning such a competition is no longer a goal. The sport demands more strength than soccer. Younger players have better chances than I do."

Ancol Dreamland and BOLA sport tabloid collaborated in organizing the competition, which offers Rp 7.5 million (US$798) in prize money. The finals will be held Sunday.

Futsal has gained in popularity in Jakarta in recent years, giving rise to futsal halls around the city, although not all are standard futsal courts.

"Most of them use artificial grass instead of rubber or board floors. Artificial grass is for indoor soccer, not futsal," said Ismayanto, a senior high school student and participant who has been playing soccer six years.

The competition's organizing committee chief Agung Kristianto from BOLA said one of the aims of the event was to promote the standards of futsal.

"It would be such a waste if public enthusiasm was not directed into playing the sport by the rules. We have the potential to gain international recognition in this sport," he said.

Indonesia's first national futsal team was formed in 2002 during the Asian Football Confederation Futsal Championship in Jakarta. The team, comprised of national soccer team players, dashed out in the first round. In the SEA Games in Thailand earlier this month, Indonesia took bronze.

Although Fajri was not hoping to win any prizes, failing to make it to the next round was quite disappointing for him.

"Look at the bright side. At least my family can have a good time at the beach today. I have to go back to the office. It's not a day-off for me," he said with a laugh. (dre)






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