Futsal makes its way to Lake County
Futsal, or indoor soccer, first gained notice in South America in the 1930s when an Argentine physical education teacher created the sport in response to the need for an indoor activity during inclement weather in Uruguay.
The sport has grown to gain the approval of FIFA, the governing body of world soccer, as the only sanctioned form of indoor soccer with its own male and female World Cup competitions.
Some of the world's greatest players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo attribute futsal as a key factor in their professional preparation.
Futsal is an important aspect of a young player's development. Jürgen Klinsmann, head coach of the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team, advocates the sport.
"I'm a big fan of futsal," Klinsmann said. "The game is played at a high tempo and is very demanding technically, so you definitely sharpen your technical skills in it. You know, you have to make decisions really quickly on the court or on the field. I think futsal is a great alternative or a great addition to whatever you do outside."
Futsal promotes ball control, precision passing, powerful striking and possession. With touchlines and goal lines, futsal aligns more with the outdoor game than playing off the walls in arena soccer, which often results in a player losing his passing touch.
In addition, futsal is much more of a game of finesse as shoulder charging and slide tackling are discouraged by an accumulated foul system similar to basketball.
The sport is now in the Round Lake Area. Standard Sport & Futsal is the only organization in northern Lake County affiliated with United States Youth Futsal and United States Soccer Federation.
League Chairman Dr. Michael Cooper began the organization in order to help facilitate the development of young soccer athletes in the area.
"Our family has been involved in soccer for more than 15 years in the Round Lake Area and we have seen the great pool of soccer talent," Cooper said. "We are hoping that players, parents, and coaches will recognize the potential for futsal to take their players' soccer skills to a new level."
The league will begin its inaugural season this November.
Cooper said, "Not only do we expect to see players develop, but we also recognize the financial investment parents make in their kids."
Many leagues around the area cost between $1,200-$2,400 per team. Futsal is more economical at $600-$650 per team.
"We are very excited to bring, not only an effective training and development sport, but also an economical one that is accessible to all families," Cooper said.
For more information about futsal and the winter league, visit www.standardfutsal.com, email info@standardfutsal-chicago.com or call (224) 513-1063.
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