The new fund which aims to create more Futsal leagues and competitions across the country, offers equipment, coaching and referee starter packs, with applications closing on Friday 6 October.
For those not yet familiar with the five-a-side game, it is normally played on a flat indoor pitch with hockey-sized goals and a size-four ball that has a reduced bounce. Exciting and fast-paced, it is played across the world and officially recognised by both UEFA and FIFA.
County FAs, youth football leagues, youth Futsal leagues, schools (excluding primary level), senior colleges and sixth forms are being encouraged to apply for a ‘Futsal starter pack’, which includes Futsal-specific equipment including goals, balls and bibs, as well as FA accredited coaching and refereeing courses.
The starter packs are designed to adapt existing sports halls, playgrounds and other hard surface facilities by providing new and existing players with the necessary tools and skills to develop and maintain Futsal leagues, competitions and fixtures across the country. Applications are now open and close at 5pm on Friday 6 October.
Specifically, applications in the following categories will be prioritised:
- Female Futsal (12-18 years)
- Youth Futsal (14 years-and-over)
- Youth football leagues (U14-to-U18)
- Association of Colleges (AoC) members with facilities offering community usage
- English Schools’ Football Association (ESFA) and Independent Schools Football Association (ISFA) member schools with facilities offering community usage
Michael Skubala, England Futsal Head Coach, said: “The FA recognises Futsal’s increasing importance and popularity. Through our partnership with the Football Foundation, the fund is a fantastic way to celebrate and start to grow the sport in this country.
“Futsal is a sport in its own right with its own pathway to becoming an England International. Futsal also promotes and practices both inclusivity and diversity – it is a sport for players and coaches from different genders, ethnic backgrounds, faiths, ages, sexual orientations and the disabled.”
To apply for a Futsal starter pack, please visit the Football Foundation website.
Photo – dorsetfa.com
