Futsal on the Ball

Football Federation Australia (FFA) has expanded their Futsal National Championships to include a division for players with an intellectual disability.

Following a successful demonstration match at last years Futsal National Championships between two teams from New South Wales, Football Federation Australia (FFA) has expanded their Futsal National Championships to include a division for players with an intellectual disability.

“In January 2010 NSW fielded two teams for a demonstration match, this year we are hoping for state teams from ACT, Victoria, Queensland as well as 4 teams from NSW” said NSW coordinator Greg Brown. “The competition is still in its infancy but with support and commitment from Football Australia, AUSRAPID and their respective Member Associations we are very confident of re establishing the event, which was very successful during the 1990s”

Futsal for players with an intellectual disability made its International debut at the 1992 Madrid Paralympics. Through the 90s it was also very successful at state and national level in Australia. Futsal, as a sport is well supported by INAS-FID and the European Regional Championships have been active during the past two years and was one of the sports contested at the last Global Games in 2009 in the Czech Republic.

With plans to extend the competition to include teams from South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory and Western Australia in 2012, the future looks bright for Futsal. Ongoing development and with a successful National Championships in January, there is potential for players to experience International competition in 2011.

International opportunities in 2011 include the European Championships and the Global Games to be held in Italy in September. Dates for the European Championships are yet to be confirmed.

The 32nd FFA Futsal National Championships will be held in Canberra from 10 to 14 January 2011, proudly hosted by Capital Football in conjunction with Football Federation Australia.

The FFA Futsal National Championships are by far the biggest National football tournament in Australia, attracting up to 2000 competitors from Australian States, Territories, and several Nations within the Oceania Region. On behalf of Football Federation Australia, Capital Football warmly invites you to Canberra for the premiere event on the Australian Futsal calendar. For more information on opportunities for athletes with an intellectual disability and eligibility please contact Greg Brown on 0407 949 793 or greg.brown@dadhc.nsw.gov.au or Robyn Smith at AUSRAPID on 03 5762 7494 or ausrapid@netcon.net.au.

For further information on Futsal opportunities contact: