Durham’s 1st Ever Futsal Program Kicks off Sunday

It was only back in June that Durham Region Soccer Asscoaition President Ron Smale attended a futsal conference at the Ontario Soccer Association. Sitting in the corner of the room listening intently to the facts from every presenter, analyzing each objective on the projection screen, Ron started to realize that futsal had something big to offer.

After several meetings and consultations with multiple administrators, coaches, referees and parents, Ron, and the rest of the DRSA are remarkably, after only a half year, launching their first futsal program this Sunday evening at Durham College in Oshawa.

As part of their district development program, futsal is the latest offering to the DRSA membership and will undoubtedly look to become a key element in its longterm player development plans. The initial plan will see a total of 10 teams (6 girls and 4 boys) at the U12 level learning the fundamentals of futsal in a fun-filled, yet, highly intense 12 week training program on a beautiful series of hardwood gyms that encompass over 28,000 sq ft. Goalkeepers will also benefit from additional 1.5 hour trainings at the Whitby Dome.

As opposed to other programs that too often have 12-14 players per team, the kids will be teamed up in groups of 7 so that full court time is maximized. This will, naturally, allow for many more touches on the ball which will only help enhance the abilities of these athletes.

An fantastic exhibition game between the Toronto Impact and Boca Juniors, the top 2 clubs from Toronto Futsal League’s mens 1st division, will take place at the college on January 31st when the DRSA hosts their 1st ever Futsal Showcase. Many of the players in this match have represented Canada in various futsal competitions and will surely thrill the expected 2000 attendees with their skills while showcasing what futsal is all about and, most importantly, what they can achieve in their athletic endeavours. The game will feature a full 40 minute match with stop time and players will stick around after the match to teach the youngsters some of futsal’s finer points. There will be no cost but those attending are kindly asked to bring a non-perishable food item to assist the needy.

Come Sunday evening, the usually straight-faced Smale will more than likely have a big smile on his face after seeing the fruit of his labours. One gets a feeling that this is not even a flake on the tip of the iceberg for futsal in Durham Region.

For more information on the DRSA Futsal Program please visit http://www.durhamregionsoccer.ca/developmentplayer.htm