By Chris Mamo, Program Coordinator, Sydney Academy of Sport

The Sydney Academy of Sport and the NSW Futsal Association recently partnered to run a highly successful Talented Athlete Program (TAP) for Futsal.

Futsal is a fast paced modified version of football (soccer) played indoors on a smaller court.

Players representing NSW regions were identified at the Australian Futsal Association National Championships held in January 2012 at Windsor.

Nearly 40 boys ranging in age from 11-13 attended the program participating in an intensive three day camp which included specialist coaching on formations, technical skill development and game strategy.

The boys were also introduced to the areas of nutrition, speed and agility, recovery and team building.

A big thanks goes to Mitre Sportswear and the NSW Futsal Association for sponsoring the camp by providing a full kit for each participant.

Based on the success of this camp, the Sydney Academy of Sport and NSW Futsal plan to run several camps during 2013 and hope to run a girls program as well.