US Youth Futsal hosts first-ever coaching course - Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE              Contact: John Sciore, 314-604-4801 j.sciore@usyouthfutsal.com US Youth Futsal hosts first-ever coaching course Overland Park, Kan. (Nov. 5, 2013) – US Youth Futsal hosted the nation's first-ever Futsal coaching course in Mansfield, Mass. from Oct. 17-18. FIFA Instructors Keith Tozer and Constantine Konstin led 22 coaches representing 12 states and Bermuda through the two-day event, complete with classroom and court sessions. “This was a historic event,” noted US Youth Futsal Executive Director Jon Parry. “It's not often in any country you can attend a course led by the national team coach.” Tozer, who is both head coach of the US Men's National Futsal Team and US Youth Futsal's technical director, was ecstatic about the inaugural Futsal course. “I was excited about conducting the first US Youth Futsal coaching course, but even more excited after the conclusion because of the quality of the coaches,” Tozer said. “There is a very bright Futsal future ahead in the United States.” Attendance at the course was limited to US Youth Futsal regional directors and league administrators, with a couple special invitees. One of those guests, Peter Rickards of Bermuda's Footy Force, was especially impressed with the many activities and concepts learned in the course. “Keith Tozer has such a wealth of knowledge on the sport and being able to learn alongside coaches with a passion for this developing game was the best part of this course for me,” attested Rickards. “To be educated by Coach Tozer was an invaluable experience.” Attendee Craig Canavan from New York added, “This is just the beginning of something big as Futsal is moving in the right direction at a pretty fast pace. It was great to spend time and share ideas with other coaches that are teaching youth the game of Futsal. Coach Tozer and staff did a great job!” The course immediately preceded the 2013 East Region FUTSAL I.D. camp, at which several of the course attendees served as staff coaches. Parry indicated that future US Youth Futsal coaching courses will be held immediately preceding FUTSAL I.D. camps, starting with the South Region in Dallas in March 2014. “It is an introductory course but the impact should be widespread.” Parry said. “Coaches can take back what they learn and develop teams the right way, teaching their players the nuances of the game.” The inaugural course participants included Rafael Amaya (Colo.), Tom Bellen (N.H.), Andre Berenzon (S.C.), James Boden (Mass.), Craig Canavan (N.Y.), Jay Eidson (Mass.), Soorena Farboodmanesh (Mass.), Jeff Lamy (Mass.), Max Latona (N.H.), Jason Miller (Mass.), John Montanaro (Mass.), Otto Orf (Ohio), Jon Parry (Kan.), George Pope (N.H.), Peter Rickards (Bermuda), Paul Roderique (S.C.), Khano Smith (Mass.), Ty Stauffer (Ky.), Kyle Teixeira (R.I.), Andy Tucker (Mass.), Guillermo Uribe (N.C.) and Bruno Victal (N.H.). Futsal is the official indoor sport sanctioned by FIFA and is recognized throughout the world for promoting exceptional skill development and decision-making. It is played on a hard surface with boundary lines and a low-bounce ball and is now the fastest-growing indoor sport in the United States and in the world. US Youth Futsal oversees leagues and programs in 59 markets in more than 27 states. Along with its affiliates it influenced a 70 percent growth over the previous year. It also hosts the US Youth Futsal National Championships. US Youth Futsal – www.usyouthfutsal.com For more information, please contact: John Sciore, 314-604-4801, j.sciore@usyouthfutsal.com