On 28 January 2019, some key contacts from across Staffordshire were pulled together to provide their knowledge and expertise in the field of futsal.

With this being a major piece of work that is going to take place in the immediate future nationally, it was a great opportunity to hear the opinions of those in the community already engaged in futsal activity and those wanting to be.

On the night the issues discussed covered the rise and success of the Potteries Junior Youth League and Walsall Junior Youth Football League in regards to their futsal offer for U8 teams this season.

There were also points made about neighbouring counties and how their leagues essentially shut down over winter in order for all mini soccer/youth teams to participate in futsal from November to February.

Engagement with schools for their facilities and up-skilling teacher knowledge around futsal was discussed as well as the price and availability of goalposts that meet the required standard.

Venues and facilities were another topic up for debate to look at providing a sustainable offer across the whole of the county for futsal. Although this will involve providing places for fixture and festivals to take place, these are the same places that teams will be looking to train or practice the game for themselves especially over the dark autumn/winter part of the season.

Moving forward, the key areas that we at Staffordshire FA will be concentrating on are providing a full pathway from U8s upwards, with the premise to start at the bottom - a lot like mini soccer by building a strong base to progress through.

By introducing children across the county to this format, it is envisaged that their futsal development will complement their traditional football development. Workforce will be developed around futsal so more coaches have access to the knowledge and are then able to understand the rules, the philosophy and the benefits for their players in games or training.

FA Level 1 courses have been running and continue to do so with the idea of holding FA Level 2 courses for futsal in the near future so coaches can have a pathway as well as the players.

Finally, we will be also looking to develop some footage in order to educate coaches and players about futsal not being an alternative to football but a tool to develop many aspects of the game. The aim is this footage will highlight the vast benefits of playing, the rules and some insight from people already playing and coaching as well as parents.

One things for sure, futsal in Staffordshire is going to take off in a big way – so make sure you’re part of it!

To find out more about futsal, please CLICK HERE