ADULT coaches who’d like to know more about introducing Futsal at their club, or females aged 16+ who want to try it for themselves, have events to look forward to in January as the Essex County FA continue to promote the small-sided format.

Futsal is quick and dynamic and places high demands on fitness, mostly played indoors using hockey-sized goals and a size four ball with reduced bounce. The pitch features touchlines and players can venture anywhere, including the penalty areas, as well as allowing play over head height. The absence of rebound boards and slight amendments in the laws favour skilful, creative play rather than the typically full-blooded English style.

Players are also often placed in tight, pressure situations, challenging their technique. These are some of the reasons the Development Team at the Essex County FA regularly arrange local taster sessions and workshops, with one of each booked to take place before the end of the month. Free or low-cost events are scheduled as follows:

Free Essex County FA Futsal Workshop

The College @ Braintree, Church Lane, Braintree, CM7 5SN

Tuesday 26th January from 7:00-9:30pm

This workshop will introduce coaches to the role Futsal can play within player development. It will cover the basic rules of the game, the facilities required and session ideas which attendees can take away to their clubs. The evening will be made-up of both classroom and practical-based activities. The event is supported by Braintree Futsal Club and players and management from the local FA National League Futsal Division Two outfit will be present.

Practical demonstrations will be provided, as well as tips on the rules and session ideas to get the maximum benefit out of Futsal, which has been described as an effective player development tool. Attendees can share ideas with other club coaches and speak with FA Futsal tutors and Essex County FA staff. For FA Licensed Coaches’ Club who collect Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours, this will count as three towards their target.

To book a place online, visit www.essexfa.com. Alternatively, contact Lana Gillard (Essex County FA Football Development Officer) via (01245) 393092 or [email protected]. Information on courses and workshops can also be found @EssexCountyFA on Twitter or by searching for ‘EssexFootball’ on Facebook.

Essex County FA Female Futsal Session (Aged 16+)

St John Payne School (Jubilee Sports Hall), Patching Hall Lane, Chelmsford, CM1 4BS

Every Tuesday at 7:00-8:00pm from 26th January

Learn new techniques and skills with an FA Futsal coach and have the chance to put them into practice in small-sided games. These sessions are linked to the success of the Active Women ‘She Has Energy’ Programme from late last year.

She Has Energy increased sustainable levels of women’s and girls’ participation in sport and physical activity across the county through funding, allocated by Active Essex. The project changed the lives of over 1,500 women in some of Essex’s most deprived communities by enabling access to free or low cost fun activity sessions close to their homes.

These Female Futsal Sessions are also supported by Essex County Council, The National Lottery and Sport England. The cost is just £4 per session. For more information, contact Danielle Warnes (Essex County FA Football Development Officer) via (01245) 393094 or [email protected].