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By David Pressgrove, Sports Writer
Thursday, December 30, 2004
In 2006, the Winter Olympics will add a new sport to its
lineup called "futsal." Starting on Monday, Craig residents
will have a chance to experience it beforehand.
"The popularity is growing worldwide," said soccer coach
Bill Sawer. "We've been playing it for a couple of years
here."
Sawer is in charge of a futsal league that kicks off Monday
night at Craig Middle School. Mondays and Fridays will be
open for ages 14 and older, and Tuesdays and Thursdays are
for youths ages 5 to 13. The sessions will go from 6 to 9
p.m.
"There's always a need for more recreational opportunities
in the winter in Craig," Sawer said.
Unlike traditional indoor or "wall" soccer, futsal is a
miniaturized version of the outdoor game with a few minor
modifications. Kick-ins replace throw-ins when the ball
leaves the field of play, the goalkeepers are forced to
reintroduce the ball into play within four seconds of making
a save, slide-tackling is prohibited and the net is reduced
to 6 feet high and 10 feet wide.
Futsal is played with five-player teams and it uses a
smaller, weighted version of a soccer ball. Sawer said that
the typical soccer ball bounces around like a Ping-Pong ball
when used inside.
Because of the smaller dimensions, (it's played on a
basketball court) the indoor game develops ball handling and
quicker decision-making skills.
"It's a good way for youth to get more touches during the
winter," Sawer said. "It's also a good way for adults to get
some exercise."
Sawer said that the 14-and-older group will scrimmage, while
the younger players will be taught skills according to their
level.
"I'll combine and mix the age groups so everybody gets a
challenge," Sawer said. "We're more serious about
participation than winning."
The futsal nights are scheduled at CMS throughout January.
After that, Sawer is hoping to find another facility because
CMS is booked.
The cost to play is either $15 for the month or $2 a night.
In the final weekend of January, players will get to test
their skills in the annual tournament that Sawer organizes.
The Groundhog Open is scheduled for Jan. 29 and 30. Teams
from Montrose have committed and others from Steamboat
Springs and Rifle have been contacted about playing, as
well.
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12/30/2004: Futsal kicks
off Monday in CO.
