Queensland Roar has finalised a partnership with Vikings Futsal to strengthen its grassroots association in across the state.

The partnership, finalised this week, promises to bring exciting benefits for both sides.

Vikings Futsal is the largest futsal organisation in Queensland and has around 2400 teams and 16,000 registered players in south Queensland alone.

Queensland Roar CEO Lawrence Oudendyk said the partnership would allow the club to maintain contact with the wider football community over summer.

“Their season runs from September through to February, so it’s very much in line with our season,” Mr Oudendyk said.

“It is good for us because we lose connection with our junior outdoor footballers after August and we don’t see them again until February or March when our season is over.

“Obviously a lot of their supporters are football fans as well and we can encourage them to come to games and encourage our fans to play futsal.”

Vikings Futsal CEO Alistair Miller said rather than competing, a close relationship would help the growth of both organisations.

“A lot of players play both and a lot of players only play one,” Mr Miller said.

“But at the end of the day, in this area Queensland Roar is the focal point of the football community and we want to support them to the fullest.

“We’ll be encouraging our members to support the Roar and, from our perspective, we’ll be seen to be supporting the football community by getting behind the Roar’s progress.”

News of the partnership was well-received by Roar striker Sergio van Dijk, who said he enjoyed playing futsal during the football off-season.

“In the winter in Holland it’s a lot colder than it is here so it’s great to play futsal because it’s indoors,” van Dijk said.

“It improves your technique because you generally have to control the ball better than in outdoor football where the pitch is bigger.”

Queensland Roar’s mascot Roary will be at Enogerra Futsal Club’s sign-on this Saturday. For more information on futsal go to www.vikingsfutsal.com

Source : Queensland Roar
Published : 30/07/2008
By : Jake Pratley

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