FUTSAL is an exciting, fast-paced small sided football game that is widely played across the world and is officially recognised by both UEFA and FIFA and its coming to Ipswich Town.
The ITFC Charitable Trust are delighted to announce over the next month they will be hosting two introductory enrolment events at the Trust to find 17 young male players aged between 16-19 who, if picked for the squad, will represent the ITFC Charitable Trust playing against local Football League clubs also participating in this exciting new programme. Girls are also welcome to apply and can achieve the qualifications, however there’s not currently the funding available for them to be able to take part in the Futsal league. It is hoped however that this will broaden out in the 2013 season to encompass female players too.
The nature of the game places a large emphasis on technical skill and ability in situations of high pressure and is subsequently an excellent breeding ground for football competencies that can be translated into the 11-a-side format of the game.
Many of the top world class footballers played Futsal in their youth and credit it with supporting their footballing development; players of the calibre of Pele, Zico, Ronaldinho, Kaka, Lionel Messi to name but a few of the South American legends all played and enjoyed Futsal.
“Futsal was important in helping to develop my ball control, quick thinking, passing….also for dribbling, balance, concentration…. Futsal was very, very important, no doubt.” – Pele, World Cup Winner: 1958, 1962 & 1970
However Futsal has not just helped produce South American football stars, on the European stage Cristiano Ronaldo, Deco, Xavi, Fabregas amongst many others have played Futsal to develop their skills.
This special programme has been developed by The Football League Trust and TVSEducation using Futsal as a `hook` to engage young people who wish to follow a career in sport. Not only will the young players enjoy regular Futsal training and regionalised fixtures they will also work towards gaining a valuable qualification -The Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (Performance & Excellence pathway), delivered over two academic years. Students will need to have A* – C GCSE passes in three suitable subjects to gain access to the qualification.
For those interested in finding out more about this exciting new initiative from ITFC Charitable Trust contact Josef Bates to register your interest on 01473 400513 or email david.llewellyn@itfc.co.uk for more details. Check out their website www.itfccharitabletrust.org.uk for news and information about all the football related educational opportunities currently on offer for Suffolk’s young people.
