Soccer News: Why is Futsal So Wonderful?

Editor's note: Diane Scavuzzo is the editor of www.soccernation.com, a soccer site created in Southern California in 2010. Soccernation's devoted to all things soccer/futsal in SoCal, from youth leagues to MLS to the international game. Diane has kept track of Sean Bowers's 619 Futsal league in San Diego and published the following update on May 31. We reprint an edited version here with Diane's permission.

 

By Diane Scavuzzo

 

Want to be as great as Ronaldo, Messi & Ronaldinho? 

Soccer experts say play futsal. Futsal may be the newest "fad" in soccer training in San Diego, but it has a long history of training great soccer players ... and now has a lot of parents bragging about the benefits of 619 Futsal seasons. 

Why is futsal so wonderful? Many of today’s top soccer players have played it. The game is played on a hard court (like a basketball court), has a heavier than traditional soccer ball and is very fast-paced and high-scoring.  

Sean Bowers, 619 Futsal

Players of all ages love futsal, and it is well known for its skill development and emphasis on footwork. Former Futsal World Cup and Major League Soccer player Sean Bowers launched his league last fall and as its second successful season ends, we thought we would ask what parents thought. Coaches have long sung the benefits of futsal, but what about parents? Has playing futsal really helped their kids? Here is what they had to say:

Brian Zellers says, “Futsal has helped Calli improve her touch in tight spaces, passing, speed of play and vision of the game. This fast-paced game teaches the players to think and react quickly and sharpens their skills for the outdoor season. I believe futsal is better for skill development than indoor soccer, as there is no wall to play against so players really rely on their teammates for precision and proper passing to be successful."

Dave Mohr says, “My two girls play on the same 619 Futsal team and their soccer skills have improved from their experience. Although the environment is quite competitive (a good thing), the girls are encouraged and feel free to try new skill moves without a lot of pressure.

Parents say 619 Futsal has helped their children develop skill and decision making.

“Their ball control skills are getting much better and their decisions on the court are quicker and more frequently productive. More than ever, they are able to control the ball at their feet in tight spaces and make a positive move either with a good pass or going to goal with an effective attacking move. I notice that all the girls on the team have better touches on the ball, better spacing across the court and better communication with each game played.”

Ellen Montgomery says, “This is Timell’s first season in futsal and she loved it. The fast pace of the game has allowed her to develop her quickness and footwork. Understanding that she was able to control the ball's movement was the biggest surprise for her. It was also a great team builder as the girls get ready for a competitive season of regular soccer."

Melinda Diamond says, “My daughter Ella has been playing competitive soccer for the past five years and during the off-season she has also played indoor soccer.This year we learned about 619 Futsal through a team parent, and after going to one of the open-play nights she joined a team. Futsal has been a great experience because it requires players to focus on their footwork and passing skills.”  

Timothy Burns says, “First, thanks for the opportunity for letting us brag on the effects that futsal has had on my son and the team as a whole.

“To sum up the effect of futsal, I would say it has improved ball handling skills, situational awareness, and communication. Within two (back-to-back) eight-game seasons, I have seen my son's ability to stop, start, run, change direction, pass and receive all improve noticeably. All the boys have demonstrated better ball handling from when the first season started and it can only be attributed to futsal, as it was between our soccer seasons.

"Futsal has placed the boys in a fast-paced game that requires them to quickly assess the bigger picture and determine a course of action. This fast-paced processing translates to the soccer field, where the pace is not as fast, as a tremendous advantage. If they have a second in futsal to evaluate the situation around them, in soccer they will have three seconds." 

Sean Bowers Speaks Out

Then we thought we would ask the founder, and former U.S. Futsal National Team and MLS player Sean Bowers what it like launching 619 Futsal in San Diego.

 

SNN: As your second season nears the end, what are your thoughts about 619 Futsal?

Sean Bowers: Our first two futsal sessions were a huge success. Our main goal was to provide a safe and competitive environment for youth soccer players to develop their skills. We created a fun environment that places all the emphasis on developing youth soccer players and takes the focus off of simply winning or losing. 

SNN: Is it more or less successful than you expected?

Sean Bowers: To be honest, we put a lot of effort into 619 Futsal and Bree Duckworth, Mike Gentry and I have spent numerous hours making sure we do everything the right way. It is very important that 619 Futsal tries its very best to create a league that all soccer players, no matter what level they play, can excel and develop.

SNN: How exhausted are you?

Sean Bowers: I am very hands on with 619 Futsal, so the last year has been very exhausting with all of our time we put in. It is a team effort; Bree and Mike work very hard to promote our league and on customer service. It is important to us that every single email and phone call is answered quickly.  

I did not know the time and energy that was needed to run a successful business at this level, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. We have touched over 1,000 youth soccer players in San Diego and I believe that 619 futsal has helped with their development.

SNN: What do you find most rewarding?

Sean Bowers: I love hearing all of the positive feedback on 619 Futsal. Every time we hear a positive comment it is very rewarding for all three of us as we are in this business for all the right reasons.

SNN: Have you seen players improve?

Sean Bowers: There is no doubt that the players who have played in both sessions have improved tremendously. For some, it is their skill that has improved; for others it is their movement off the ball. Futsal requires players to pass and move throughout the whole game. There is no time to stand and watch.  Every team that has come through our doors has improved from its first game in the league to the last.

SNN: How does futsal help players improve?

Sean Bowers: Obviously futsal helps with the technical side of soccer and makes playerso become better with their feet in tight spaces. I have both my teams in the league and I have found that both teams have improved with their footwork, movement off the ball and shooting.

SNN: Have you seen more coaches embrace futsal and recommend their teams participate in your program?

Sean Bowers: All the coaches who have participated in the 619 Futsal league have given us positive feedback. We have received numerous emails from coaches thanking us for creating a league where players can come play and develop their skills in an exciting environment. Coaches love to win but most coaches understand that development of their players comes first.