The aim of the event was to raise the awareness of Futsal and was organised in conjunction with the Let’s Kick Racism out of Football week of action.
The event was an overwhelming success with over 40 young participant’s aged 11 – 13 taking part. The participants were treated to an introduction to Futsal DVD followed by a coaching session organised by the Futbol de Salao and Futsal matches coached and officiated by Surrey County FA Staff. Players were made up of local school children and players from local FA affiliated football teams.
“This event was the perfect opportunity for Surrey County FA to offer football opportunities in Merton. It was great to see so many children from a wide variety of backgrounds come together and have such a good time. I would like to express my thanks to everyone involved in making the day such a success”. Oliver Selfe: Senior Football Development Officer Surrey County FA.
25 dignitaries were also invited to attend the event. The guests came from a number of organisations including local authorities, schools, police and FA Charter Standard Football Clubs. They were given Umbro Futsal Introduction packs, encouraged to raise awareness of Futsal and use the game as an engagement tool for young people to get into football.
“I was very pleased to accept an invitation to be a guest for the FUTSAL Awareness Day organised by Surrey County FA on Friday 31 October 2008. It was a very well-organised occasion with over 40 enthusiastic youngsters both boys and girls taking part. Later in the afternoon local soccer coaches from both club and school teams attended a seminar and watched the youngsters displaying some of the skills they had been taught during the event. The emphasis of the afternoon was very much on the acquisition of skills and it was clear by the end of the course that the youngsters had improved greatly in many areas.
Thanks are extended to Raynes Park High School in Merton for hosting the day. I hope to attend a follow-up day on Friday 20 February when a Level 1 FUTSAL Coaching Course is taking place.”
Mike Spinks: National Competitions Manager for the English Schools Football Association.
Futsal coaching sessions are now being offered at Raynes Park High School Merton SW20 OJL with a view to starting the first Futsal League in the County.
For more information on this exciting opportunity and to register your interest in taking part please contact the Surrey County FA development team on 01372 387 092