And you thought it was just a game that
Joey and Chandler played in Friends…
Ayr United Football Academy Kick Off THEIR Futsal Programme
The Academy have recently started a coaching a new programme called futsal in both Prestwick and Queen Margaret Academies. Futsal is an indoor football game which originated in Uruguay in the 1930s and quickly grew a big following across South America. Many famous players including Ronaldo, Messi, Ronaldinho and Robinho have all told how playing futsal from a young age helped them improve their playing skills.
The main benefits from the game are its regulated playing rules and pitch dimensions which are designed to protect the skilful players. Futsal equals more touches of the ball, development of skill and technique and more goals and excitement. In recent years the game has become well known across the world and has a massive following in many countries.
Ayr United Football Academy (AUFA) coaches teach Futsal to pupils of all ages in after school classes. Both Prestwick and Queen Margaret pupils have showed a great interest in the game with a large number attending every week.
Coach Gregor Kyle said “Futsal has proven to be a big hit in both schools with many pupils attending every week. We have received a lot of good feedback from both the pupils taking part and the teachers at the schools. Many pupils are pleased with the fact that their football skills are improving due to the regulated playing rules used in futsal”.
The Academy is in partnership with both the Scottish Football Association and Vauxhall, with both giving funding and sponsorship to enable us to teach the programme. They also give schools which take part special Futsal playing kit which includes balls, bibs, cones and goals.
Gergor continued, “The kit that is provided for the programme is fantastic. It gives the coaching sessions a much more professional feel and makes it more appealing for the pupils in the schools to take part”
Ronan a pupil form Queen Margaret Academy said, “I am really enjoying learning and playing futsal I am a big football fan and play a lot but I am finding that the way this game is played my skills and ball control is improving”.
The Academy’s main aim for the programme is to get more people aged 12 – 18 active in playing football, but it is also seen as a break from the pressure of schools and exams, which many pupils are feeling at this time. Youth development is an important part of AUFA and this programme delivers real benefits for those who take part and their schools. The Academy are looking forward to this fast and exciting skill based format growing and providing more opportunities for schools and pupils taking part.
