The International Football School (IFS) and Central Coast Mariners have expanded their partnership to include the launch of the new Mariners Futsal Club.
Central Coast Mariners and the International Football School (IFS) have expanded their partnership to include a new Mariners Futsal Club.
“Futsal is practiced around the world as a key element in developing highly skilled football players,” said IFS Chief Executive Officer, Mr Paul Chapman. “Our students already play it every week and we-re excited to be a part of expanding this opportunity to all players on the Central Coast.”
Sanctioned by FIFA, Futsal is a fast paced, 5-a-side indoor version of football. Using a smaller ball in a more confined space, frequency of touches is increased and players are forced to make quick decisions, developing their skills at a rapid rate.
According to Chapman playing 20 minutes of Futsal is the equivalent of playing about two hours of standard football.
“The likes of Messi, Pele, Ronaldo, Xavi, Ronaldinho and Neymar all played Futsal as young players,” he said. “In Australia Futsal is played at a national level by the Futsalroos. Locally, players now have the chance to be selected for representative teams to play in state and national titles under the Mariners Futsal Club name.”
Central Coast Mariners Foxtel National Youth League Head Coach and ex-player, Patrick Zwaanswijk, believes the new Mariners Futsal Club forms part of the best pathway for youth development in this country.
“Tommy Rogic was a member of the Futsalroos and the skills he gained there helped him earn his Mariners contract,” Zwaanswijk said. “Futsal is great for improving technique, first-touch and decision-making – three skills you must develop as a footballer.”
The new Mariners Futsal Club competition will begin on Friday 11 October at the Central Coast Youth Centre in Niagara Park.
More information can be found at www.MarinersDevelopment.com.au
