Last week’s course was attended by 27 budding coaches from Vanuatu’s various provinces, including four women and Vanuatu Football Federation’s recently appointed futsal development officer Louis Dominique.
The course mixed theory and practical sessions and covered the technical benefits of futsal, the history of the small-sided game, it also looked at the technical and tactical aspects and covered the practical issues facing everyone in their own community as they try to develop futsal.
Wai’ia believes futsal is a fast game that can help young kids fall in love with the game and help develop players’ football skills.
“Futsal is a great skills developer demanding quick reflexes, fast thinking and pinpoint passing. The speed of play is such that you are forced to make quicker technical and tactical decision,” Wai’ia says.
“The game places considerable demand on technique, movement, tactical awareness and fitness. As the futsal ball has low bounce qualities, it spends much more time on the floor which is excellent for the development of skills and ball control.
“I urge you coaches to go back to your communities after this course and teach your young footballers the futsal way and when they grow older they will be better players for Vanuatu football in the future,” Wai’ia says.
OFC futsal development officer Paul Toohey was on hand to oversee the course and says there is a lot of talent in Vanuatu which will aid the growth of futsal in the country.
“One of the major focuses was the need to think about the long term and the need to provide regular futsal activities for youth – both boys and girls,” Toohey says.
“What is particularly encouraging it the recent introduction of the Futsal Centre of Excellence in Port Vila and the planned introduction of futsal into the Football Development Centres and Centres of Excellence.
“There is great passion for the game but the issues surrounding equipment and facilities are a challenge with many of the current leagues operating on makeshift grass or dirt pitches,” he says.
For more on Vanuatu football go to www.vanuafoot.vu

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