Futsal is the FIFA standard for the indoor five-a-side game and has
been widely promoted across the globe in the last few years. There are
now more players playing the indoor form of the game globally than the
full-sided version, and the game attracts a massive following in Asia
and South America. The most famous exponent of the game is Real Madrid
striker Ronaldo, who has publicly attributed his prodigious talents in
front of goal to the skills gained whilst playing Futsal in Brazil.
Three teams are making the trip from the recently formed Seniors League
in Moldova and alongside the TVD Lviv team from Ukraine they will bring
a taste of the controlled tactical game prevalent in Eastern Europe.
These teams will start favourites for the inaugural Scottish
International title.
The Spanish contingent, an amateur team from Barcelona, will provide a
different approach to the game, based much more on individual skills in
the traditional South American style. Two Nigerian sides, Golden
Grassroots and Ambek, will take a break from their FA Cup competition
to
make the trip to Scotland.
England are represented by GCLS of Grimsby, and there are four teams
from the Scottish Futsal League: Perth Youth, Perth Brazil, FC Santos
and Oakbank.
Tournament organiser Mark Potter is excited by the prospect of seeing
some excellent Futsal being played in a Scottish venue. He said: "The
visiting teams will all bring a different aspect to the tournament in
terms of playing styles. This is an opportunity for everyone to see the
speed and skill involved in the indoor game, and the physical and
mental
demands of playing three or four games in a day."
The event has been sanctioned by the Scottish Amateur FA, whose
Secretary, Hugh Knapp, added: "Our first experience of tournament
Futsal
was at Dublin in 2002 and the most impressive feature was the pace at
which games were played. There were plenty of goals and the games were
all very exciting, so the tournament in Perth will be sure to provide
thrills aplenty for the spectators."
Games commence on Thursday 7 August and run through to Saturday 9. The
teams will be playing through 12-hour shifts, from 9 am to 9 pm on
Thursday and Friday with games completed late Saturday afternoon. Entry
is free.