April. A FA futsal practical demonstration was followed by an FA presentation to the LFA and interested parties, detailing the position held by futsal within the FA. Those present were able to ask questions direct to Mr Dermot Collins, Head of Small Sided Football, so no one was in any doubt that the game was seriously supported by the FA.
The Lincs FA is one of a small group of county FA’s designated to develop the game, the development plan is currently being written.
Mr Collins mentioned at the meeting that over 1000 coaches had taken the ‘introduction to futsal course.’ The FA Futsal Cup had passed 400 teams entered for this season’s competition. He also spoke of a German study that had shown that two groups of players, one coached by a futsal coach, the other by a football coach, had revealed that the futsal group had improved better, during the study, to play football than the football group. I have heard that the study is to being replicated for the FA at an English University.
Graham Dell (England Futsal Manager) has said that both the FA and Loughborough University have studied the aerobic benefits of futsal and how they may be of benefit to football. Both studies are complete but and are at a publication stage.
To my knowledge the first girls’ futsal tournament will take place this Saturday at Second Ave Resource Centre. Details Brian Noble
Now that mini soccer is finished advertising has been booked with the Grimsby Telegraph to promote the start of junior futsal leagues and tournaments. The rules were sanctioned by the LFA some time ago. If there is interest girls leagues can be included.
This years FA National Championship will include a ladies tournament for the first time. Sara Teal was discussing with Dermot Collins the logistics of a local qualifying tournament. A great opportunity missed if we do not go for it.
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