By Alex Caldow (13 October 2014)

Futsal in Bendigo has taken off!

The 2014/2015 competition, which extends from the 10^th of October through the summer months till the end of March, has 800 players fitting into no less than 120 teams. This number has increased from last year’s total of 60 teams.

Coming off the back of a very successful FC Bendigo season, many of Bendigo’s junior players, starting at a non-competitive Under 7s and 9s finishing at Under 18s, have joined in to maintain their skills and have some fun with friends during the off season.

BASL Operations Manager, Brock Rogers is excited about the growth.

“It’s Great to see so much of Bendigo’s talent participating in Futsal this year, especially considering the huge jump in numbers from last season” said Rogers.

Many of Bendigo's stadium facilites are being used in this year’s instalment of the competition, including Bendigo South East Stadium and Girton Grammar Gymnasium, which were both used in last seasons BASL Futsal Competitions, Eaglehawk Soccer Club’s Truscott Reserve Gymnasium and Bendigo Major League Multi-Sports Centre have been included into the fray for the rapidly growing sport this season.

Futsal is an indoor variation of football (soccer) in which each team has 5 players on a court at once, 4 outfield players and one goal keeper. The game length differs depending on age and many rules such as offside and foul throws aren’t included, making it a little easier for people who have never played outdoor soccer to understand the game. As well as being very fast paced, similar to basketball, the game is very high scoring and entertaining and focus’ on the four core skills of outdoor soccer; first touch, striking the ball, running with the ball and 1v1 attacking and defending.

Local player Hugh Gibson, has again entered a team this season.

“I love that I can still play soccer in summer, it helps me with the skills that I will need to maintain for the season, and it’s all in Bendigo”

As well as being a very fun social sport to play with friends, Futsal is a great way to maintain fitness over the off season. Many of Bendigo’s junior players have shown a lot of interest in Futsal and there is a lot of ability in the competition throughout all age groups.

This year’s Futsal competition has started just one week after the National Futsal Championships, which were also held in Bendigo, where 14 young Bendigo players were chosen to represent National Futsal teams next year in Greece, United Kingdom and United States.

The enthusiasm showed by not only players, but parents, referees and spectators is a clear sign that Futsal as a sport is growing in Bendigo. For more information visit www.basl.com.au

 

-------------------------------------------------

BASL

Operatiosn Manager, Brock Rogers, futsal@basl.com.au or 5434 2418