ABU DHABI // The formation of the UAE futsal league represents the latest directive from the Football Association to ensure the country covers every aspect of domestic football, according to the federation's general secretary Yousef Mohammed Abdullah. With the new league kicking-off tonight, Abdullah predicted a national side is not far away and reiterated the FA's goal of creating a team to compete at international standard.
"We have a three-year plan to develop futsal and starting a national team is part of that," said Abdullah. "Now that the sport is under the guidance of the FA and the Sharjah Sports Council, the organisation will improve and it won't be long before we are able to select the best players for the national side. "We want to reach an international standard and we'll discuss the next steps in June." One of those steps, albeit a distant one, is bringing the Futsal World Cup to the UAE in 2016.
Abdullah insisted the federation's focus is set well beyond just futsal. He said: "We are bidding for the Under-19 World Cup in 2013, but hosting the Futsal World Cup remains a long-term objective. "The federation's goal is to offer and be competitive in every aspect of football." Lee Mitchell, one of the country's foremost expat coaches, has said introducing futsal in schools would develop youngsters' basic skills and improve future standards in the 11-aside national team.
"Futsal is a small part of a big picture," said Mitchell. "It develops technique, first-touch and decision-making and I've always noticed a big difference in my team's 11-aside performances after futsal-specific training sessions. "Kids love it and from a coach's perspective the players can't hide on a small indoor pitch. The game's very active and full of short bursts - it's a key ingredient in player development."
emegson@thenational.ae
