Thursday July 31, 2008 8:51 pm

Elite Coaches Program Focuses on Futsal (VIC)

Last night Football Federation Victoria’s Elite Coaches Program was lucky enough to have current Futsalroos coach Scott Gilligan down for the 6th installment in the workshop program.

In previous months the coaches have been discussing topics such as skill acquisition and long-term player development which complemented the role Futsal can play in the development of the outdoor game.

Gilligan talked about how the heavier ball and its lack of bounce was great in helping the 6-8 year old kids learn how to control and dribble with a ball. The format, similar to that of small sided games, is played in over 150 countries throughout the world, including having over 30 million players in Brazil.

In countries such as France, up until the age of 12 only Futsal is played as it is great enhancement to technique, which has been shown through the amount of Brazilians that play the code and the success that they have then gone on to show at the elite outdoor level.

Gilligan also spoke about the history of the sport in Australia, from the national league that took place in the 1980’s took our history in Oceania and now in Asia. The sport is growing at a feverish rate, with the amount of countries participating in qualification for World Cups growing at each attempt and professional leagues currently taking place throughout Europe, with Spain the pick of the bunch.

There are definite challenges for Australia in regards to Futsal, with the tougher AFC opponents a stumbling block in qualification, however, there is no doubting its value in enhancing technique and ball control.

The next Elite Coaches Program takes place on August 2th.