Its been emotional!My interest in Futsal began around 5 years ago after listening to Neil Lucas from Sala Soccer talk about the sport and how it can help develop young players immensely. Straight from the start of my research I knew this game was something special. The origin of Futsal (Five-a-Side Soccer) can be traced back to Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1930 when Juan Carlos Ceriani devised a five-a-side version of soccer for youth competition in YMCAs. In Brazil Futsal is played by more people than football but does not attract as many spectators as the outdoor sport. Several Futsal players have moved on to careers as successful professional football players. Here are a few quotes from some of the players who turned pro. Cristiano Ronaldo “During my childhood in Portugal, all we played was futsal, The small playing area helped me improve my close control, and whenever I played futsal I felt free. If it wasn't for futsal, I wouldn't be the player I am today." Xavi “In futsal, you see whether a player is really talented. In normal football you don't necessarily identify talent as easily because it's so much more physical. But with futsal, you notice the small details in quality, class and tactical understanding." Pele “Futsal requires you to think and play fast. It makes everything easier when you later switch to football." To find out more about Futsal and my Journey click read more below. |