The fastest version of soccer is now available in Vernon
Ian Murphy, along with a dedicated group of volunteers, have come together to offer an indoor version of soccer known as futsal.
“Futsal is a small-sided (five-on-five) format of indoor football that is recognized and supported by FIFA and UEFA and is gaining more and more attention as a teaching tool for junior players,” said Murphy.
“While it originated in South America and was quickly adopted by the Latin American and European countries, it has now become a crucial component for the development of players of all top European clubs.”
The game, for kids aged six-to-12, is played on a hard surface with touchlines and with a smaller ball that has less bounce than a regular outdoor soccer ball.
It is perfectly suited to the climate of Canada and the development of skill amongst young players as it promotes skilful, creative play above physical contact.
“Its teaching ability cannot be overstated as all of the current top players in the world, at some or other stage of their development, played futsal,” said Murphy. “Most every Brazilian or Argentinean player’s introduction to soccer is via futsal, even the great Pele.”
The popularity of the game is set to increase hugely in North America with the first-ever Professional Futsal League set to start sometime in 2017.
The European Football Club runs futsal sessions at Vernon’s Priest Valley Gym every Saturday between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
For more information, visit www.efsokanagan.com.
In Vernon Men’s Indoor Soccer League action at the VantageOne Soccer Centre Wednesday, Topsport FC overcame a 3-0 deficit with seven straight goals for a 7-4 win over Turnkey FC in what was a must-win game for both teams.
A counter-attack led to a goal from Fabrice Fanfani which sparked some life back into the Topsport team. With little time left in the first half, Topsport was pushing for another goal to try and get back into the game. James Hesketh was the savior as he finished a rebound making it 3-2 going into half time.
The second half kicked off and Topsport were looking for another goal to tie the game up and they found it through loan player Axel Chinyani. Turnkey was firing back to try and regain the lead, however goalkeeper David Weir was determined to keep his team in it. Weir later saved a penalty well.
Fanfani scored his second and Chinyani added three more to give Topsport a 7-3 lead.
Topsport could clinch the league title this week with a win over FC Tropic.