Irish Futsal Plan

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Contents
Introduction 2
A message from the UEFA President
Foreword by John Delaney FAI CEO
A message from the Technical Director
Section 1: Executive Summary 5
1.1 Grassroots Futsal − Children 7
1.2 Grassroots Futsal − Adults 7
1.3 Education 7
1.4 High Level Competition − National League and International Teams 8
1.5 Marketing and Management 8
Section 2: Background Information 10
2.1 A brief history of Futsal 10
CONTENTS
2.2 Context 11
2.3 Lifestyles / Demographic change – A Market for small sided
football in Ireland 13
2.4 Equipment and Facilities 16
2.5 Benefits of Futsal to participation and player development 17
2.6 Development of the Plan 18
Section 3: Mission and Aims 20
3.1 Mission Statement 20
3.2 Key Aims 20
Section 4: Key Programme Areas 21
The Development Framework 21
4.1 Grassroots – children 23
4.2 Grassroots – adults 27
4.3 Education 31
4.4 High level competition 35
4.5 Marketing and Management of the Futsal programme 38
Section 5: Management, Structure and Finance 42
5.1 Finance 42
5.2 Resources 42 1
5.3 Measurement and review 43

Section 6: Appendices 45
Appendix 1 – Rules at a glance 45
Appendix 2 – SWOT Analysis 47
Appendix 3 – Links with other FAI Programmes 50
Appendix 4 – Consultation workshops feedback 52
Appendix 5 – Consultation workshop participants 56
Appendix 6 – Technical Department Structure 57
Appendix 7 – Futsal – a comparative study 58
Strategic Plan for the Development of Futsal in Ireland 2008 - 2011

00 A message from the UEFA President
It gives me great pleasure to launch this Futsal Strategic Plan
document on behalf of the Football Association of Ireland.
I would like to convey my congratulations for establishing this

plan to develop and promote Futsal in Ireland.
UEFA fully supports this initiative and our Futsal Department

is at your disposal for any queries you may have.
Finally, I would like to welcome the Football Association of Ireland into the
00 UEFA Futsal family and wish you many years of success in the future.
FOREWORD
With kind regards
UEFA
Michel Platini
President

00 Foreword by John Delaney, FAI CEO
The popularity of football worldwide is due to the fact that
it can be played anywhere at any time in various different
forms. Through the years, many varieties of football have
developed around the world often out of local traditions or
influenced by factors such as the weather or availability of
suitable facilities.
A great example of this is Futsal – the official UEFA and FIFA

version of five-a-side football. Futsal is a format of five-a-side football which is
played extensively throughout the world and as such is fully supported by FIFA and
UEFA. In fact, in a highly significant and positive move, UEFA recently integrated 00
Futsal into the UEFA Professional Football Division with the aim of strengthening
MESSAGE
its image and making the most of the game’s marketability.
Futsal is football in its purest form. It is an essential precursor to what Pelé referred
to as “the beautiful game”. Pace, skill, teamwork and high drama characterise this
popular indoor game.
Embracing Futsal presents the FAI with an unprecedented opportunity to lead the
development of a spectacular sport from a blank canvas.
However, the game of Futsal is being promoted by the FAI primarily as a

complementary player development initiative. It is designed to enhance, enrich and
complement the 11-a-side game and it is not designed to compete with football.
Futsal is widely recognised as the ideal skill building arena for the 11-a-side game.
Many world famous footballers began as Futsal players from the time of the
legendary Pelé to today’s current stars such as Deco, Ronaldinho, Robinho, Messi
and Kaká.
3
For those who excel within the game, Futsal can also provide an additional
pathway to progress for players, coaches, referees and administrators. The function
of the FAI in this regard is to promote Futsal as the official indoor game of UEFA
and FIFA and to support and help any interested parties wishing to engage in
Futsal activity in any appropriate way it can.
The FAI has recognised that the introduction of a Futsal programme can impact
positively on the key areas of participation and player development. Indeed, Futsal
can also make a solid contribution to the Football Association of Ireland’s wider
football and social development objectives. The FAI is confident that with the
support of all its affiliates and the ongoing support of UEFA and FIFA, that Futsal
will continue to grow in popularity in Ireland.

00 A Message from the Technical Director
The FAI Technical Development Plan 2004-2008 was produced
following an extensive period of research and consultation
with key stakeholders. Feedback from the wider football family
identified the growing recognition that new programmes were
needed to maintain and increase participation in football. Indeed,
it also highlighted the desire to employ new methods to develop
more technically better players.
Consequently, the FAI identified the potential for the game of Futsal to help service these
needs. As well as impacting positively on the development of technical skills, playing Futsal
00 requires quick thinking and rapid decision making. Futsal can also accelerate the acquisition
of positional sense and facilitate the development of overall football “intelligence”. In light
MESSAGE
of the potential for Futsal to positively influence important technical and mental playing
capacities, the FAI Futsal programme was created. The FAI appointed a national Futsal co-
ordinator, Derek O’Neill to immediately set about the task of preparing this four year plan.
Specific Futsal consultation workshops, conducted as part of the development of this

plan, highlighted key areas and methods for establishing Futsal as part of the fabric of
Irish football (Appendix 3). Futsal is a game which can facilitate greater participation and
player development and, as such, should be afforded the best possible opportunity to
develop and flourish throughout Ireland.
Consultation with stakeholders countrywide and with officials from UEFA and FIFA as
well as key Futsal officials in other National Associations suggested that a dual bottom up
/ top down approach to developing a Futsal strategic plan would constitute best practice.
The development of higher level Futsal structures will become a primary reference to
expose the game to players, coaches, fans, media and sponsors.
4 The early initiation of high level Futsal competition and a FAI international development
squad (commencing with an U21 team) is considered crucial in this approach as it will
serve the following critical purposes:
• To motivate players to play Futsal.

• To entice current five-a-side players and organisations.
• To generate profile for the sport in Ireland.
• To expose the sport to Media and Sponsors.
• To provide credibility to the development of Futsal.
While such high level activity will act as the flagship for the programme, it is essential
that quality grassroots initiatives are developed in order to create the bedrock for the
future of Futsal in Ireland.
The staff of the Football Association of Ireland is fully supportive of the Futsal
programme and believes that embracing the concept of Futsal will be a sound
investment in the future development of young players in Ireland.

01 Executive Summary
Futsal consultation workshops conducted with stakeholders as part of the
development of this plan highlighted the following key areas and methods for
establishing Futsal in Ireland.
1. Grassroots Futsal – Children

2. Grassroots Futsal – Adults
3. Education
4. High Level Competition
01 5. Marketing and Management
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Futsal Plan identifies the mission and strategic goals necessary for promoting
and developing the game in Ireland.
Mission Statement
“To establish Futsal as the preferred

version of five-a-side football in
Ireland and to increase and sustain
participation at all age and ability
levels by promoting and developing
the game as a complementary format
of football within the football family”
6

1.1: Grassroots Futsal – Children
With football being the most common sport played in primary and secondary
schools, implementing quality Futsal programmes in schools will play an integral
role in developing a “culture” of Futsal in Ireland going forward.
The largest impact area in establishing Futsal will be with the clubs and leagues
of the Schoolboys Football Association of Ireland. As such, leagues will be
encouraged to develop Futsal activity across all age groups with particular
emphasis on the important developmental windows associated with the 7 to 10
years old age groups.
01
Further areas of Futsal development will focus on the National Community Games
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
and the expansion of the FAI Inner City Futsal programme in an effort to broaden
awareness of the game in local communities.
1.2: Grassroots Futsal - Adults

There is an ideal opportunity to develop Futsal in third level educational institutions
throughout Ireland where their superb sports facilities could easily accommodate
the playing of Futsal.
The establishment of Futsal within the junior football leagues will provide their
existing members with an option for more playing opportunities but could also
potentially increase their membership by attracting thousands of social five-a-side
players playing in unofficial leagues all year round.
1.3: Education
An integral step in the development of Futsal will be the proper education of
7
players, coaches, referees and administrators in the rules and principles of the
game. Specific workshops and courses will be designed to cater for all those
interested in learning more about Futsal.
As the development of the game progresses, the issues of tactical awareness and
Futsal-specific technical skills will become important to players and coaches. It is
envisaged that a Futsal Coach Education programme will be developed following
course guidelines produced by UEFA.

1.4: High Level Competition – National League and International Teams
The formation of a National Futsal league is vitally important for providing
opportunities for players, coaches, referees and administrators to progress
to higher levels. It is also critical to the FAI’s ambitions to participate in future
international competition.
1.5: Marketing and Management

Marketing the game of Futsal is a very important aspect of the development plan
01 in order to create awareness of the game and to emphasise the benefits of playing
the game.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A strategic approach to sponsorship, marketing, implementation and reporting will

ensure that Futsal becomes the national 5-a-side game in Ireland.

Futsal Targets 2011
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01
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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02 Section 2: Background Information
2.1: A brief history of Futsal
The word “Futsal” comes from the Spanish name “futbol sala” which literally
means “room football”. It originated in the inner cities of South America and
was first played indoors at a YMCA in Montevideo, Uruguay around 1930. An
Argentinian named Juan Carlos Ceriani invented the game to be able to practice
soccer indoors as an antidote to rain drenched pitches. The game soon captured
the imagination of the football playing public and was enthusiastically adopted
across South America.
02 A similar form of the game was developed in Sao Paulo, Brazil known as “futebol
de salao”. The first known leagues were formed there in 1952 and the first known
SECTION 2: BACKGROUND INFORMATION
international competition took place in 1965. Futsal is now an integral part of the
football fabric of Brazil and many of its finest champion footballers have attributed
the development of their football skills to playing a lot of Futsal as youngsters.
“I played Futsal for two or three years before I joined Santos… Futsal
was important in helping to develop my ball control, quick thinking,
passing… also for dribbling, balance, concentration… Futsal was
very, very important, no doubt”.
Pelé, World Champion footballer 1958, 1962 and 1970.
“Futsal is an extremely important way for kids to develop their skills

and understanding of the game. My touch and my dribbling have
come from playing Futsal.”
Ronaldinho, FIFA World Footballer of the year 2004, 2005.
10

Futsal participation has grown dramatically with the support of FIFA who
established an official Futsal World Championship in the 1980’s. Since then,
Futsal has gone from strength to strength with over 100 nations expected to
participate in the qualifiers for the next FIFA World Futsal Championships to be
held in Brazil 2008.
UEFA has established a European Championship which takes place every two
years and a club champions competition, the UEFA Futsal Cup and aspires to
have all of its member associations participating in competition by 2011. In this
regard, it has taken significant steps to increase the profile and marketability of
Futsal and to strengthen the image of the game by moving the programme to 02
their professional football division.

Futsal is already firmly established as a popular sport among millions of
participants and supporters worldwide. Many countries have developed full-time
professional leagues and have recognized that Futsal is a highly marketable sport.
Considerable television and sponsorship revenue is generated in countries with
established leagues.
Finally, with the massive support for the game worldwide rapidly increasing, it may
not be too long before Futsal is established as an official Olympic sport.
2.2: Context
It is important to consider why the FAI is eager to embrace and develop a Futsal
programme. Firstly, Futsal is the official FIFA and UEFA version of indoor soccer.
It is considered to be the fastest growing indoor sport in the world and a
UEFA objective is to enlist the participation of all member associations in their
competitions by 2011.
11
From a player development viewpoint, there are widely acknowledged benefits to

playing Futsal, with particular emphasis on the technical skills of passing, dribbling
and close ball control.

The benefits of developing a Futsal programme for the Football Association of
Ireland are as follows:
• Potential to increase grassroots participation.

• Accelerated development of technical, motor and coordination skills among
children.
• Accelerated acquisition of positional sense, football “intelligence” and
facilitates rapid decision making.
02 • An ideal skill building environment for football.

• More regular weather proof playing opportunities for children.
• Increased playing opportunities for women (currently there is a scarcity of

competitive winter programmes).
• Ability to influence player retention at critical “drop out” age (16-18) because
Futsal can cater for flexible playing times (midweek evenings or weekends).
• Potential to integrate thousands of social players into the FAI football “family”
with the establishment of official Futsal leagues.
• A vehicle to aid smoother social integration of ethnic communities into Irish
society – particularly those coming from countries with an established Futsal
programme.
• In economically / socially disadvantaged areas, Futsal can be the vehicle to
promote football partnerships with local authorities.
• New commercial opportunities for the FAI and its affiliates.
12

The Futsal programme when further developed will offer a new additional pathway
to young players, as those players perhaps not meeting the physical requirements
to forge a career in professional football may possess the required technique and
football intelligence to pursue a successful career in Futsal.
As the Futsal programme will impact significantly on all strands of football

it is essential that a coordinated approach to the development of the game
is encouraged among all affiliates with the continued support of the FAI
Development Officers.
This document outlines a strategic approach and key objectives and actions which 02
will contribute towards establishing Futsal as the official version of indoor football

in Ireland.
2.3: Lifestyles/ Demographic change

– A Market for small-sided football
As Ireland continues to become more industrialised, traditional areas once filled
by football pitches are fast being replaced by housing schemes and commercial
properties. Lifestyle changes have made for a more affluent society but increased
workloads and salaries have placed an ever increasing demand on the spare time
of everyone. Most particularly, adult footballers (men and women) in the 18 – 40
age groups are affected in this regard.
Ever since the introduction of soccer to Ireland over a hundred years ago, the
traditional playing time was centred on the weekend. However, this limited time
frame no longer suits many of the Irish working population. Consequently, in
tandem with the long established junior and intermediate leagues around the
country, there are ever growing numbers of non-official football leagues taking
13
place throughout Ireland.
There are also a number of well organised commercial organisations providing

a structure in which thousands of social players can participate in unofficial non
FAI affiliated activity and competitions. As a result, there are enormous amounts
of people playing small-sided football, both indoors and on outdoor all weather
facilities. These numbers are very difficult to quantify but represent a significant
number of players in the 18 – 40 age brackets.
A case study of two prominent commercial five-a-side parks in the Dublin area
and one in the Kildare area established that there were in excess of 2,500 players
playing each week in each one. These players are mainly social players with no
connection to any FAI affiliated leagues. Indeed, this scenario is mirrored to a
certain extent in hundreds of small and large outdoor and indoor facilities presently
used throughout Ireland.

There is also an ever growing base of indoor and small-sided players within schools
and universities in Ireland. Indeed, a 2005 ESRI report showed that soccer was the
most common participation sport in schools.
The National Community Games also features an indoor soccer programme at

Under 13 and Under 15 level for boys and girls with total participation figures
reaching almost 6,000 in 2005. Interestingly, many of these competitions are
played using different variations of five-a-side rules.
Therefore, this represents an opportunity for the FAI to establish Futsal as the
02 official version of indoor or outdoor five-a-side football in Ireland and integrate
thousands of social players into the FAI football family. It will allow the FAI to
highlight a pathway of opportunity for players, coaches, referees and administrators

who opt to become involved with this version of football.
14

2.4: Equipment and Facilities required for Futsal
One of the great advantages of Futsal is that it can be played either indoors or
outdoors in a relatively small area. This is one of the reasons that it is perfectly
suited to facilities in inner city communities where green areas are at a premium.
However, playing Futsal in an indoor facility would be the preferred option.
There is a considerable stock of indoor facilities in Ireland mainly in secondary

schools and third level institutions which are suitable for hosting Futsal. Indeed, any
centre that can accommodate competitive basketball would also suffice for Futsal.
This means that there are large numbers of facilities owned by local authorities,
02 Schools, Colleges, Universities and football clubs in which Futsal could be played if
court playing time could be secured.
At a National and International level, Futsal is normally played indoors on a

wooden sprung floor on a considerably larger pitch. In Ireland there are only a
handful of venues capable of hosting official international Futsal competition
or accommodating Futsal specific pitches. However, in developing the game at
grassroots level, Futsal could be played on any smooth playing surface, indoor
or out.
Almost all existing facilities designed to cater for domestic traditional small-sided
football are designed to incorporate rebound walls, fences and rectangular goals.
This design however tends to reflect custom and practice rather than any specific
laws of the game or preference expressed by the playing public. Going forward,
the FAI is now in a position to influence the design of future small-sided football
facilities.
The availability of Futsal Goal Posts also needs to be considered in the

development of the game. The availability of such posts is important in that
16 they influence the way that the game is played i.e. shooting and goalkeeping. In
developing the game, the purchase of Futsal goalposts will be supported by a FAI
Futsal goalposts subsidy programme targeting clubs, leagues and other interested
parties which meet specific criteria.

2.5: Benefits of Futsal to participation
and player development
From participation to personal development
to retention in the game, Futsal has the
ability to impact positively on players,
coaches, referees and administrators of all
ages and gender. The FAI has recognised
the potential of Futsal and the contribution it
can make to the objectives of the Technical
Development Plan. 02

From a player participation viewpoint, the
inclusive nature of Futsal means it is an ideal
way to introduce children to soccer. For
children, the primary issue in their enjoyment
of football is participation and the nature of
Futsal makes for an all-inclusive game.
Participation is positively influenced due to two key elements of Futsal:
(a) With just five players on the pitch at any one time, it is easier to form teams
to play;
(b) The roll on-roll off substitution rule in Futsal means that with a match squad
of ten players, a team can be constantly changing the players on the pitch
ensuring they all get roughly the same amount of playing time. This means that
no player feels left out, which will have a significant influence on drop out rates
in football. (See appendix 1 for rules at a glance).
From a coaches’ standpoint, skill development is uppermost in their work in 17

introducing children to football and Futsal has an indisputable influence on
promoting player development. There are no defined positions in Futsal and young
players must learn to develop defending and attacking skills as well as developing
positional sense in all areas of the pitch. The fast nature of the game requires rapid
mental processing of decisions and as such, the benefits in developing mental
dexterity on the pitch become apparent.
“In Futsal, you practise solving movement in a small space and I

brought this advantage to field football”.
Robinho (Real Madrid)
Significantly, young players are not “pigeon holed” into positions because of
their physical size or ability level. The fact that the game is non contact reduces
the influence physical disadvantage has on children’s participation in football. As
children have vastly different growth rates, too often the taller children dominate
underage football at the younger levels. Futsal can contribute to reducing this
perceived physical disadvantage for smaller children.

The small-sided game has long been recognised as the preferred way to start
children on the football pathway with the introduction of seven-a-side football in
relatively recent times having had a positive impact in underage soccer.
In Futsal, there are even less players on the pitch ensuring each individual player is
likely to have more possession of the ball. Given the fact that the game is played
in a reduced space, Futsal encourages young players to think and decide quicker,
improve ball control and improvise in order to retain possession or create goal
scoring opportunities. A technical study comparing futsal with 7-a-side football is
shown in appendix 7.
02
The other key aspect of Futsal is the ball. The Futsal ball is designed to have
significantly reduced bounce which influences the game in two distinct ways:
1. The reduced bounce of the ball means it is easier to control allowing novice
players to become more confident to take possession.
2. Kicking the ball long distances is not easy with Futsal balls, which means players
must develop their short range passing skills, their movement and
also improve dribbling skills.
While Futsal has the potential to exert positive influences on the technical
development of future generations of Irish football players, as a sport in its own
right, it can also create another new and exciting career pathway for all involved
in the game.
2.6: Development of the Plan
18
As part of the process of creating the FAI Technical Development Plan 2004
– 2008 a series of 14 consultation workshops took place with the purpose of
gaining feedback from the wider football community as to how the game should
be developed going forward.

A key message from the Irish football family indicated a desire and need for
fresh new initiatives aimed at increasing participation and aiding the technical
development of our young players. Indeed, the promotion and development of
the concept of Futsal was actively encouraged.
Further research was carried out by the FAI Technical Department with views and
advice being sought from counterparts in the wider International Futsal family
regarding the evolution of their Futsal programmes. From this research, a SWOT
analysis was produced (see appendix 2)
In February and March 2007, National Futsal Consultation workshops were held 02
in Limerick and Dublin which also provided valuable feedback from stakeholders

as to how the FAI should proceed in developing a strategically planned Futsal
programme (see consultation workshops feedback – Appendix 4 and list of
participants – Appendix 5)
The FAI Technical Department wishes to acknowledge the views, support and
valuable advice from the following organizations, groups and key personnel.
• FAI Technical Department staff.

• Key stakeholders participating in the Technical Development Plan 2004-2008
consultation workshops who provided valuable feedback.
• Key stakeholders in the National Futsal Consultation Workshops 2007.
• Key FAI Committees.
• National Community Games Executive Committee.
• SFAI and FAIS.
• All FAI staff who provided input.
With valuable contributions and advice from: 19
• Mr. Jaime Yarza ( FIFA Futsal Development Manager).

• Mr. Laurent Morel (UEFA Futsal Competition Manager).
• Mr. Petr Fousek (Former Chairman UEFA Futsal Committee).
• Mr. Javier Lozano (World Champion coach of Spain and FIFA instructor).
• Mr. Dermot Collins (FA (England) National Manager, Small sided football).
• Mr. Victor Beceiro (Former FIFA Futsal Manager and UEFA Futsal Experts
panel member).
• Mr. Joao Rocha (Portugal), Futsal Development Consultant.

03 Section 3: Mission and Aims
3.1: Key Aims
• To increase awareness of Futsal by promoting the game and creating quality
resources to introduce the game countrywide.
• To introduce Futsal at all levels of the game from children to adults through
the implementation of quality grassroots Futsal programmes.
• To ensure the necessary equipment needed to play Futsal is easily available.
• To increase knowledge of Futsal among the wider football family through
the creation of education programmes for players, coaches, referees and
administrators.
03 • To establish leagues and competitions at local, regional and national level at a
SECTION 3: MISSION AND AIMS
series of key age groups.

• To develop players, both male and female, capable of competing internationally
in UEFA and FIFA Championships at various age levels.
• To develop an administrative structure capable of implementing and servicing
the above objectives.
3.2: Mission Statement
Mission Statement
“To establish Futsal as the preferred

version of five-a-side football in
Ireland and to increase and sustain
participation at all age and ability levels
20 by promoting and developing the game
as a complementary format of football
within the football family”

04 Section 4: Key Programme Areas
THE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
The five key areas of the Plan are as follows:
• Grassroots Futsal - Children.

• Grassroots Futsal - Adults.
• Education.
• High level competition.
• Marketing and Management.
04
During the lifetime of the Futsal Plan and beyond, the game will impact on a
SECTION 4: KEY PROGRAMME AREAS

number of other FAI National programmes and key areas. The game will impact
on major areas such as the FAI Technical Department, FAI Eircom League of
Ireland, Domestic and International Departments.
The Commercial and Marketing Departments will have an active role to play in
exploring the new revenue streams that the development of a Futsal product
will provide.
21

04
22

The key areas that the Futsal Plan will concentrate on are as follows:
4.1: Grassroots Futsal - Children
04

Goal: To provide opportunities for children to play Futsal
In order to sustain and maintain the long term ambitions for Futsal in Ireland,
the initiation and development of quality grassroots programmes is of paramount
importance. At present there are very few sustained Futsal leagues in Ireland at any
level. It is essential that this situation is addressed as a priority in order to provide
playing and competitive opportunities for those who take an interest in Futsal.
Implementing quality Futsal programmes within schools, will play an integral role
in developing a “culture” of Futsal in Ireland going forward. A 2005 ESRI survey
23
on Children’s Participation in Sport in both Primary and Secondary schools showed
that football was the most common sport within schools with 72% of children
participating at primary level and 74% participating at secondary level.
The largest impact area in establishing Futsal will be with the Clubs and Leagues
of the Schoolboys Football Association of Ireland. As such, leagues will be
encouraged to develop Futsal activity across all age groups with particular
emphasis on the developmental 7 - 10 years age groups.
Introducing Futsal to organisations such as the National Community Games will

play a key part in reaching every corner of Ireland with the Futsal message.
The expansion of the FAI Inner City Futsal programme aimed at areas of social and
economic disadvantage will continue in the coming years. This programme will also
be set up in other major cities and urban centres throughout Ireland mirroring the
successful project established in Dublin in recent years.

24
04
KEY AREA: GRASSROOTS FUTSAL - CHILDREN
Goal: To provide opportunities for all children to play Futsal
OBJECTIVES OUTCOMES (KPI) ACTIONS TARGET GROUP RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME
Set up an Internal Primary School Competition Primary School Students Primary School Teachers / Sept 08 - June 09
A Futsal Competition structure

for senior cycle
Set up an Internal Post-Primary School Post primary School Students
FAI DOs
Post primary School Teachers Sept 08 - June 09
04
is set up at local level and
competition for Junior Cycle / FAI DOs
implemented in 400 schools
Organise local unit competition up to a All Schools Students Competition Organiser Sept 08 - June 09
To establish Futsal as the maximum of 5 schools
preferred indoor football
game in primary and Organise and deliver 10 Workshops for Teachers in All Schools FAI NC for Schools / Every Year
secondary schools Futsal introduced to 100 new Teachers Futsal DO
schools annually Provide subsidised equipment for 100 All Schools FAI NC for Schools / Every Year
participating schools Futsal DO
A Futsal balls grant scheme Provide 5 free Futsal balls to schools meeting All schools FAI NC for Schools / Sept 08 - Dec 09
is introduced targeting 400 criteria Futsal DO
schools

Make Futsal presentations to 14 schoolboys League committees Futsal DO / FAI DOs Jan 08 - Dec 10
leagues committees
Run 5 workshops per year for schoolboy All schoolboy / girl leagues FAI DOs / Club and League Jan 08 - Dec 10
leagues coaches liason officers / Futsal DO
Promote the appointment of a volunteer Futsal All schoolboy / girl leagues Schoolboy Leagues / Jan 08 - Dec 11
liaison officer in all clubs and leagues and committees / clubs Futsal DO
compile a database of same
Futsal activity run with 10 Audit existing facilities to be used to All schoolboy clubs / facility FAI DOs / Futsal DO Jan 08 - Dec 11
Schoolboy / girls leagues accommodate Futsal competition managers
Link leagues teams / divisions to venues locally Clubs League Administrators
To develop Futsal activity in
conjunction with Schoolboy’s Establish initial competition structure with 7 - 9 All schoolboy / girl leagues League Administrators / Jan 08 - Dec 10
/ girl’s leagues countrywide age group Futsal DO / FAI DOs
Expand competition structure to accommodate All schoolboy / girl leagues League Administrators / Jan 08 - Dec 11
10-17 age groups Futsal DO / FAI DOs
Establish “In club” and regionalised mini All schoolboy / girl leagues Club and league liason Jan 08 - Dec 11
competitions with clubs and leagues / clubs officers / FAI DOs
Section 4: Key Programme Areas
Agree a competition format and timeframe SFAI / All schoolboy / girl Jan 09 - Dec 10
with SFAI leagues / clubs
A national schoolboy Futsal
Establish Futsal season and competition format FAI Futsal NC / SFAI /
competition at U17 (youth)
Futsal DO
level is developed Appoint volunteer Administrator(s)
Run pilot competition
Examine feasibility of establishing a winter All schoolboy / girl leagues Club and League liason offrs.
04
Futsal season with Futsal leagues “mirroring” / FAI Futsal NC / Futsal DO / Jan 08 - Dec 10
A specific Futsal season is existing outdoor football leagues FAI DOs
established with 10 schoolboy
leagues Link with league Administrators to establish a All schoolboy / girl leagues
League Administrators / FAI
suitable and appropriate time for their league to Jan 08 - Dec 10
Futsal NC / Futsal DO
run Futsal competition
Select venues and appoint local coordinator All schoolboy clubs / facility
managers
Develop course programme and appoint All coaches
To develop Futsal activity in 20 Futsal activity winter camps coaches FAI DOs / FAI Futsal NC /
conjunction with Schoolboy’s formed in conjunction with Oct 08 - Dec 09
Advertise camps through Summer Soccer Summer school participants Futsal DO
/ girl’s leagues countrywide schoolboys leagues
Schools programme
Run at least one mid term / winter camp per All players 7-15 age group
year in every FAI DO area
Target girls U14-16 age groups for competition All schoolboy / girl clubs FAI Women’s NC / Futsal DO Jan 08 - Mar 09
/ FAI Womens DOs
Girls winter Futsal competition
Run 4 workshops for league Administrators All schoolboy / girl leagues FAI Women’s NC / Futsal DO Jan 08 - Sept 08
established at U14, 15 and 16
and coaches / FAI Womens DOs
age group
Agree competition format and appoint
Administrator to run league
Promote cooperation between FAI Dos and Community games Jan 08 - Sept 09
Community games youth leaders in local areas football coaches
to run 15 Futsal workshops for football games’
coaches
Provide balls to Comm. Games leaders to Community games Jan - Mar 08
To establish Futsal as the
distribute at workshops football coaches FAI Futsal NC / Futsal DO /
official indoor football game Futsal established at U13 / U15
FAI DOs / Community Games
of the National Community age boys and girls Pilot Futsal competition in year 2008 with U13 Community games Jan 08 - Aug 08
Youth Officer
Games boys only players (boys)

Run 15 workshops targeting coaches of U15 Community games Sept 08 - Dec 08
boys and girls teams football coaches
Introduce Futsal at U13 and 15 level in year All Community games players Jan 09 - July 09
2009 (boys and girls)

25
04
26
04
04
Continue expansion of venues in greater Dublin Local Authorities / local youth FAI DOs July 08 - July 09
area to a minimum of 65 venues groups
Establish programme in areas where a FAI / LA
Programme established in Football DO appointed
Dublin and with 10 local Work with local authorities to address provision
authorities countrywide Local Authorities / local youth
of Futsal posts and pitch markings FAI DOs Every year
groups
Work with local authorities to address

suitability of facilities for implementing
Expand the FAI Inner City programme
Futsal Summer and Winter To establish the U13 winter competition in Every year
programmes to include Dublin with 48 teams
venues countrywide Winter league programme Pilot U15 competition in Dublin with 24 teams All players U13 and U15 from Sept 08 - Dec 08
provided at U13 and U15 age FAI DOs / Futsal DO
Run a pilot Competition in 4 regional areas designated programme areas Sept 09 - Dec 09
groups in 4 major towns / cities
Establish the U13 and U15 competition in 4 Sept 09 - Sept 11
major towns / cities
Identify 10 teams and 2 venues to run a pilot Jan 09 - April 09
competition
U15 Postal Zone league set up
All U15 players FAI DOs / Futsal DO
in greater Dublin area Appoint a volunteer league Administrator
Expand league to 20 teams Jan 10 - April 10
Identify Futsal balls and goalpost supplier /

partner(s)
To set up a Futsal balls and
Develop criteria for applicants to qualify for
equipment subsidy scheme A Futsal balls / goalpost subsidy All grassroots leagues / clubs
subsidy scheme Futsal DO Jan 08 - Dec 09
to facilitate the running of scheme established / facility managers
Futsal leagues Agree invoicing / accounting mechanism with
suppliers to facilitate the scheme
4.2: Grassroots Futsal – Adults
04

Goal: To provide opportunities for all adults to play Futsal
There is an ideal opportunity to develop Futsal in third level educational institutions

throughout Ireland who enjoy superb sports facilities which could easily
accommodate playing Futsal. As well as the ”user friendly” nature of Futsal,
numerous opportunities exist on the academic stage to play Futsal internationally
and this may be an incentive to persuade existing players in this arena to consider
opting for Futsal.
The establishment of Futsal within the junior football leagues will provide
their existing members with an option for more football activity but also could
potentially increase their membership. There are thousands of social five-a-side
27
players playing in unofficial leagues all year round and the development of official
Futsal leagues within the junior arena may attract these players to become
affiliated into the league’s official framework.
More opportunities for junior players, coaches, referees and administrators to

be involved at an international level will be created with the formation of Futsal
leagues. Significantly, the base of players from which to choose international
teams will also be broadened.
The FAI is committed to providing Football for All and the FAI will continue to
support all people with disabilities who wish to play Futsal.
With the ever growing fabric of Irish society changing, new citizens arriving from
countries with an established Futsal tradition may be instrumental in educating
Irish Futsal players and coaches. In this regard, engaging in outreach with these
groups will facilitate their involvement in Futsal in Ireland.

28
04
KEY AREA: GRASSROOTS FUTSAL - ADULTS
100 Futsal participation events

run across 3rd level institutions
Run 10 Futsal workshops countrywide
Support and collate data on “in house”
FAI Schools & Colleges NC /
04
competitions All 3rd level institutions Jan 08 - Dec 11
IUFU / CFAI
Support and collate data on regional
competitions
Link with IUFU and CFAI and agree support for
pilot competition
Employ outside agency to assist with running
A National integrated 3rd of tournament
IUFU & CFAI / FAI Schools /
level Futsal competition is All 3rd level institutions Jan 08 - Dec 11
Appoint Administrator and agree competition colleges NC
established
format
Run regional qualifiers
Run National tournament

Women’s intervarsities Futsal Link with WSCAI to promote Futsal All 3rd level women’s teams WSCAI Jan 08 - Dec 11
competition developed into 24 and agree support
To Establish a Futsal com- team competition Competition format agreed
petition structure in 3rd level Develop a calendar of activities for the year Students Futsal DO / FAI NC for 3rd Jan 2008 to
institutions Level Dec 2010
Eight Staff Futsal events Run pilot events in two 3rd level institutions Students Futsal DO / FAI NC for 3rd Jan 2008 to
offered in 3rd level institutions Level / 3rd Level Sports DOs Dec 2010
Expand the programme of events Students Futsal DO / FAI NC for 3rd Jan 2008 to
Level / 3rd Level Sports DOs Dec 2010
Fresher Leagues set up in eight 3rd Level Student Freshers Futsal DO / FAI NC for 3rd Jan 2008 to
Institutions Level / Individual 3rd Level Dec 2010
Institutions
Sixteen internal Futsal leagues Local sponsors attached to the internal leagues Potential Sponsors Futsal DO / FAI NC for 3rd Jan 2008 to
in place for players Level / FAI Corporate Dept Dec 2010
Regional and national finals for 3rd level Student Freshers Futsal DO / FAI NC for 3rd Jan 2008 to
winners Level / Individual 3rd Level Dec 2010

Institutions
6 regional Futsal tournaments Pilot tournaments held in 2 areas
with restricted number of “A”
Review pilot tournaments
team players
Roll out programme to four regions
04
Make presentations to 12 Junior league Junior leagues committees FAI Futsal NC Jan 08 - Dec 09
committees
Deliver 8 workshops to Junior leagues coaches Junior leagues coaches Futsal DO / FAI DOs Jan 08 - Dec 09
Promote the appointment of a volunteer Futsal Junior leagues / clubs Junior administrators / Sept 09 - Dec 10
liaison officer in all clubs and leagues and Futsal DO
compile a database of same
Run 8 taster blitz competitions with leagues Junior league clubs Leagues / Futsal DO / FAI Sept 09 - Dec 11
8 Junior Futsal Leagues formed
prior to proposing league formation DOs /
Target 8 teams initially from each league to Junior league clubs Junior administrators / Sept 09 - Dec 11
participate in pilot competition Futsal DO
Agree timing and format of competition and Junior leagues committees Junior administrators / Sept 09 - Dec 11
To establish a Futsal appoint league administrator Futsal DO
competition structure within Increase participants in league from the initial Junior leagues committees Junior administrators / Sept 09 - Dec 11
Junior soccer pilot group of 8 teams to 16 teams Futsal DO
Make Proposal to Junior council for competition
Junior Futsal Inter league
Agree format of competition and appoint Junior leagues Futsal DO / Junior Council Sept 09 - Dec 11
competition formed
competition administrator
Run 2 taster blitz open competitions prior to
proposing league formation
Over 35 Futsal Masters Set up 2 pilot masters leagues with 8 teams Junior and business leagues Leagues / Futsal DO Sept 09 - Dec 11
competition formed in each
Agree format of competition and appoint
Football / Futsal registration Examine and regularise registration system for All players Domestic Football Jan 08 - Jan 09
system regularised football / Futsal players Committee / Futsal DO

29
04
30
04
OBJECTIVES OUTCOMES (KPI)

ACTIONS TARGET GROUP RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME
04
Make 4 presentations to groups of facility Facility managers FAI Futsal NC / Futsal DO / Jan 08 - Dec 11
managers FAI DOS
Futsal introduced in 20 Introduce Futsal to 20 current commercial Commercial football facilities Futsal DO / FAI DOs Jan 08 - Dec 11
commercial football facilities football facilities / astroparks
Run 4 Futsal workshops specifically for target All recreational football facility FAI DOs / Futsal DO Jan 08 - Dec 11
groups users
Make presentations to 4 league committees Futsal DO
To promote Futsal as an Pilot 4 new Futsal leagues Business house leagues, Business league Jan 08 - Dec 11
alternative indoor football civil service and fire / security administrators / Futsal DO
4 Futsal leagues for business / forces groups
game for social and
professional groups established
recreational players

Identify League administrators Leagues administrators /
Futsal DO
Run Pilot competitions League administrators
Source sponsor for “open” tournament and
appoint administrator(s)
National Futsal “open” tourna- FAI Futsal NC / Futsal DO / Jan 2010 -
Agree format of competition and appoint All players
ment formed FAI DOs Dec 10
Pilot competition
Identify eligible players around the country

Irish womens deaf Futsal squad
Organise regular training sessions All deaf womens players FAI Football for all NC Jan 08 - Dec 11
is established
To continue to support the Enter appropriate competitions
development of Futsal with
Football for All groups Identify eligible players around the country
Irish blindsports Futsal squad is
Organise regular training sessions All blindsport players (male) FAI Football for all NC Jan 08 - Dec 11
established
Enter appropriate competitions
Cooperate with SARI and Ethnic community FAI Intercultural NC / Futsal Jan 08 - Dec 11
To establish links with ethnic Pathway established for ethnic groups to facilitate ethnic minorities DO / SARI/Ethnic Community
participation in Futsal All foreign national Futsal groups
groups to increase local minority players to link with
players / coaches Jan 08 - Dec 11
knowledge of Futsal clubs and leagues to play Futsal Proactively engage in outreach to ethnic FAI Intercultural NC / Futsal
minority groups for Futsal activities DO / FAI DOs
4.3: Education
04

Goal: To improve knowledge and standards of Futsal among coaches,
referees, administrators and volunteers by providing a pathway
and resources for the development of their skills
An integral step in the development of Futsal will be the proper education of

players, coaches, referees and administrators in the rules and principles of the
game. Specific workshops and courses will be designed to cater for all those
interested in learning more about Futsal.
Futsal is a highly disciplined game, with a heavy emphasis on fair play in all
aspects. Futsal has the potential to create a culture of discipline thus positively
influencing player behaviour on the pitch and consequently making refereeing a
less stressful task. An education programme for Futsal referees is critical if the
FAI is to spearhead the development of competition at local, regional, national and
international level.
31
To this end, open dialogue with the FAI Referees Department and a fluid
relationship with the Irish Referees Society must be established to ensure
that they can best take on the relatively new concept that Futsal is to Ireland.
Establishing consistency in officiating will be a corner stone of the success in
integrating Futsal into the Irish football structure.
As the development of the game progresses, the issues of tactical awareness

and Futsal-specific technical skills will become important to players and coaches.
It is envisaged that a Futsal Coach Education programme will be developed
following course guidelines produced by UEFA. To this end, various levels of Futsal
workshops and coach education courses will evolve during the lifetime of the
development plan.
Administrators and volunteers are the lifeblood of leagues and clubs and as such
should be provided with the opportunities to further their knowledge of Futsal
should they wish to do so. A programme to increase knowledge of Futsal will be
established to facilitate interested parties from within this group.

32
04
KEY AREA: FUTSAL EDUCATION
Goal: To improve knowledge and standards of Futsal among coaches, referees, administrators and volunteers
by providing a pathway and resources for the development of their skills
OBJECTIVES OUTCOMES (KPI) ACTIONS TARGET GROUP RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME 04
Deliver 15 Futsal Workshops in 2008 Teachers and Student Teachers FAI NC for Schools / FAI NC for Jan 08 - Dec 08
Futsal / Futsal DO / FAI DOs
35 Futsal Workshops delivered Deliver 10 Futsal Workshops in 2009 Teachers and Student Teachers FAI NC for Schools / FAI NC for Jan 09 - Dec 09
for Schools Futsal / Futsal DO / FAI DOs
Deliver 10 Futsal Workshops in 2010 Teachers and Student Teachers FAI NC for Schools / FAI NC for Jan 2010
Futsal / Futsal DO / FAI DOs to Dec 10
Develop a template to include Futsal as part of Teachers and Student Teachers FAI Futsal NC / FAI NC for Jan 08 -
the KS1 Course from January 2008 Schools / FAI Education Dec 2011
Futsal Workshop included Manager
in Teachers Kick Start One
Courses Implement Futsal in all Kick start One coaching Teachers and Student Teachers FAI NC for Schools / FAI Jan 08 - June 10
courses for Schools, teachers and student Education Manager / Futsal NC
teachers
Referee Education Courses Pilot new “SSG / Futsal Referee Education Students in Post Primary FAI NC for Referee Education Sept 08 - June 09

provided in 6 schools Course” in 2 Schools Schools / FAI NC for Schools
Develop workshop content and materials Coaches, Administrators,

To run general workshops to 10 workshops per year run Volunteers, Parents, facility
Deliver 10 workshops with minimum of 2 in Futsal DO / FAI DOs Jan 08 - Dec 11
increase knowledge of Futsal countrywide managers
each province
Design content for both modules

Futsal integrated as a module FAI Futsal NC / FAI Education
Deliver In service Futsal modules to FAI Tutors FAI Tutors / All coaches Jan 08 - Dec 08
onto Kick Start 1 and 2 courses Manager
Incorporate new module into Kick Start courses
Design stand alone Futsal introductory and Coaches completing Kick FAI Futsal NC / FAI Education March 08 -
level 1 courses Start 1 Manager Dec 11
Employ services of UEFA and FIFA Tutors to FAI Tutors FAI Futsal NC / FAI Education Jan 08 - Dec 11
train FAI tutors Manager
To design and introduce
Include Futsal intro course on all FÁS football All FÁS course coordinators FAI FÁS Coordinator / FAI Jan 09 - Dec 11
Futsal education modules Introductory and Level 1 Futsal courses countrywide Futsal NC
and courses into the FAI Course(s) designed
Education programme Develop Futsal coaching DVD as a course All coaches FAI Futsal NC / FAI Education Sept 08 - Dec 08
resource Manager
Deliver 10 Futsal introductory courses per year All coaches FAI Tutors / FAI Futsal NC Jan 08 - Dec 11
Deliver 10 Level 1 Futsal courses per year Coaches completing introduc- FAI Tutors / FAI Futsal NC Jan 09 - Dec 11
tory course
Compile materials and set up course All players, coaches, FAI Futsal NC / FAI Jan 09 - Dec 11
An on-line Futsal introductory administrators, volunteers, Communications
course created Maintain and update course materials as
facility managers
appropriate
KEY AREA: FUTSAL EDUCATION
Goal: To improve knowledge and standards of Futsal among coaches, referees, administrators and volunteers 04
by providing a pathway and resources for the development of their skills
Produce a simple rules document to enable All referees, club coaches, FAI Futsal NC Jan 08 - Dec 08
200 referees to officiate at lower level Futsal parents and volunteers
Referee Futsal education
games
courses established and
resources produced to enable Design a Futsal referees training course Referee Tutors FAI Referees NC / Jan 08 - June 08
referees to officiate Futsal FAI Futsal NC
games
Deliver 20 referees Futsal introductory courses All referees FAI Referees NC / FAI Futsal June 08 - Dec 10
NC /FAI DOs
To ensure there are an
adequate number of trained Select three referee tutors to deliver Futsal All referees, club coaches, FAI Referees NC / Jan 08 - Dec 08
referees to facilitate Futsal training courses parents and volunteers FAI Futsal NC
competition at all age and 65 referees trained to officiate Deliver 10 Futsal referees training courses All Junior referees FAI Referees NC / FAI Futsal June 08 - Dec 10
ability levels official competition games targeting junior referees NC / FAI Referee Tutors
Deliver 2 referees training workshops targeting All National League standard FAI Futsal NC / FAI Referees Jan 08 - Nov 11
15 National league referees referees NC/ FAI Referee Tutors
FAI referees nominated to attend appropriate National league referees and FAI Futsal NC / Jan 09 - Dec 10
3 referees appointed to UEFA UEFA Futsal Referees Courses tutors FAI Referees NC
Futsal referees panel FAI to nominate appropriate candidates for FAI Futsal National League FAI Referees Manager Jan 09 - Dec 10
UEFA Referees panel referees
Identify suitable candidates for further Selected National league FAI Futsal NC Jan 08 - Dec 11
10 referees attended education workshops standard referees
professional Futsal matches /
Identify suitable event and arrange travel
workshops
To provide opportunities Review and evaluate event/workshop
for coaches, referees and Identify suitable candidates for further Selected National League FAI Futsal NC Jan 08 - Dec 11
administrators to further 20 coaches attended education workshops standard coaches
their Futsal education by professional Futsal matches /
attending professional Futsal workshops
matches and international Review and evaluate event / workshop
workshops Identify suitable candidates for further Selected league FAI Futsal NC Jan 08 - Dec 11
10 league administrators education workshops administrators
attended professional Futsal
competition
Review and evaluate event / workshop

33
04
04
34

4.4: High Level Competition – National League
and International Teams
Goal: To establish and compete in high level competitions at national

and international level
The formation of a National Futsal league is vitally important to providing an

opportunity to progress for players, coaches, referees and administrators. It is
also critical to the FAI’s ambitions to participate in future international competition.
Following the successful pilot U21 FAI Futsal League of Ireland in 2007, it is 04
envisaged that the league will expand in the coming years to reflect a truly

National competition and that the age limit restriction on players will be removed.
One of the approaches we will take is to bring in coach instructors from FIFA
and UEFA and recruit some players and coaches from established Futsal
nations. These personnel along with a coach education programme will provide
further education and expertise which will accelerate the learning process and
improvement of local players and coaches.
The Irish football family should not expect early Irish representative sides to
competitively match established Futsal nations in the formative, learning years.
However, it is players who develop and emerge from a culture of Futsal cultivated
at the grassroots allied to the experiences gained by the “pioneering” players and
coaches who may be the ones capable of creating a truly competitive Irish Futsal
team in the future.
35

36
04
04
KEY AREA: HIGHER LEVEL COMPETITION DEVELOPMENT
Goal: To establish and compete in high level competition at National and International level
Establish a National League Futsal season from All League of Ireland clubs League of Ireland Director / Jan 08 - April 09
Jan - Apr FAI Futsal NC
Expand the current National U21 league to All League of Ireland clubs League of Ireland Director / Jan 08
include a minimum of 14 National league clubs FAI Futsal NC
Change the U21 league into an open age All League of Ireland clubs League of Ireland Director / Jan 08 - Jan 09
National Futsal league competition within 2 years FAI Futsal NC
competition formed and Source appropriate league sponsorship All potential sponsors FAI Commercial Manager / Jan 08 - Dec 10
To create sustain-

established League of Ireland Director /
able elite National Futsal
FAI Futsal NC
competition(s)
Devise and agree format of competition(s) All League of Ireland clubs League of Ireland Director / Jan 08
FAI Futsal NC
Deliver 3 technical workshops to league All League of Ireland coaches FAI Futsal NC Jan 08
coaches
League winners to represent Ireland in UEFA All FAI Futsal league entrants FAI Futsal NC / League of Aug 08 - Sept 11
Irish club team entered in UEFA
Futsal Cup Ireland Director / UEFA
Futsal Cup
Competition Manager
04
KEY AREA: HIGHER LEVEL COMPETITION DEVELOPMENT
Goal: To establish and compete in high level competition at National and International level
Appoint International Manager and Coach All suitably qualified coaches FAI Technical Director / FAI Jan 08
International Committee
Arrange National Development squad trials U21 League of Ireland players Team manager / Jan 08
National Futsal squad at U21 FAI Futsal NC
level is established Form initial U21 Development squad from U21 League of Ireland players Team manager / Jan 08
players in 2007 Futsal League of Ireland FAI Futsal NC
Compete in 3 international friendly U21 League of Ireland players FAI Futsal NC / FAI Interna- Jan 08 - May 08
tournaments tional Committee
Ireland Futsal team competes Select, prepare squad and compete in UEFA Selected development squad Team Manager Jan 08 - Dec 08
To establish National Futsal
in UEFA U21 Futsal U21 qualifying round players
teams to participate in UEFA
Championship qualifying round
and FIFA competitions
Appoint International Manager and Coach All suitably qualified coaches FAI Technical Director / FAI Jan 09 - Dec 09
International Committee
Ireland Senior Futsal team
Arrange National Development squad trials U21 League of Ireland players Team Manager /
competes in UEFA Futsal
FAI Futsal NC
Select, prepare squad and compete in UEFA FAI National Futsal league Team Manager
Futsal Championship qualifying round and all suitable players
Ireland Senior Futsal team Select and prepare a squad to compete in FAI National Futsal league Team Manager Jan 11 - Dec 11
competes in FIFA World Futsal World Futsal Championship qualifying round and all suitable players
Identify venues capable of hosting national and

international events
To identify a suitable “home”
base venue for hosting Source a championship standard portable All players, coaches, FAI Futsal NC / FAI Facilities
National Futsal venue identified Jan 08 - Dec 11
national and International Futsal pitch administrators Manager
matches
Ensure Futsal is catered for in new Abbotstown
National sports centre

37
04
4.5: Marketing and Management
Goal: To increase awareness of Futsal and to introduce appropriate

structures for the effective development and management of Futsal
in Ireland
Marketing Futsal is a very important aspect of the development plan in order to

create awareness of the game and to emphasise the benefits of playing the game.
It is essential that the positive aspects of Futsal are highlighted to help the growth
04 of the game domestically.
When considering the marketing of Futsal, it’s very important that the first
exposure to the game for potential sponsors is a strong one conveying a positive
image of the potential of the programme. In this regard, a dual top down bottom
up approach to developing game is the preferred option with both the grassroots
area and higher level competition receiving appropriate attention.
The aim is that the higher level National and International competition would
be capable of attracting public interest and providing the vision and incentive to
sustain the development of the game at grassroots level. From a financial point of
view, the National and International dimension should appeal to potential sponsors
and provide a financial injection to drive on the implementation of the plan.
As well securing a high profile sponsor for the Futsal programme, the other
resources required to implement the plan will be sought from within the game;
commercial and corporate revenue, other sponsorship, the Irish Government,
UEFA and FIFA.
The implementation of the plan will be driven by the Technical Department with
38
quarterly and annual evaluation reports produced and presented to the relevant
personnel and committees. These reports will provide the basis for continuous
evaluation and adaptation of the plan.

KEY AREA: MANAGEMENT AND MARKETING
Goal: To increase
Compile and produce promotional DVD Potential sponsors of FAI FAI Commercial Manager / Jan 08 - Jun 08
Futsal programme FAI Futsal NC
Futsal promotional materials
produced Design promotional poster and distribute to all All players, coaches, FAI Futsal NC / FAI DOs Jan 08 - Dec 08
indoor club, school and commercial facilities administrators, volunteers,
Develop links between Futsal equipment sup-

facility managers
04
Futsal equipment more pliers and retailers re sales outlets, brochures,
etc All players, clubs, FAI Futsal NC / FAI
accessible and readily available Jan 08 - Dec 11
leagues etc. equipment supplier(s)
in retail outlets Use FAI channels to promote preferred Futsal
equipment supplier
To promote and further
increase awareness and Identify appropriate high profile personality to Jan 08 - Dec 08
knowledge of Futsal in promote Futsal programme
Ireland High profile personality Create Futsal promotional campaign with FAI Commercial Manager / Jan 08 - Dec 10
All football affiliates
employed to promote Futsal personality FAI Futsal NC
Arrange for “Ambassador” to appear at 6 Jan 08 - Dec 10
Futsal promo events
Identify teams to participate in Futsal events
Engage with current and potential Football
FAI Futsal NC / FAI
A high profile Futsal event is Association sponsors All Football Association
Commercial Manager / FAI Sept 08 - Dec 10
staged in Ireland partners/affiliates
Develop and implement an effective event Event Manager
management plan, including TV broadcast
arrangements
Compile and design Futsal materials for

www.fai.ie
FAI Futsal web pages Target and create links with other appropriate Players, coaches,
FAI Communications / FAI
developed to provide timely websites administrators, volunteers, Jan 08 - Dec 11
Futsal NC
and appropriate information facility managers
Develop a plan for continuous maintenance of
the Futsal Web pages in conjunction with FAI
Communications
To develop a more effective Identify Futsal events suitable for TV broadcast

communications strategy for Market Futsal events and secure partnership
Futsal More exposure for Futsal FAI Commercial / Corporate March 08 -
with broadcaster TV broadcasters
gained through TV coverage Affairs/ FAI Futsal NC Dec 11

Use current TV partnership arrangements to
promote League of Ireland Futsal competitions
Research programme of material required
Regular national newspaper(s) to gain editorial coverage, e.g. skills column, Players, coaches,
news update, league statistics FAI Futsal NC / FAI
coverage of Winter Futsal administrators, volunteers, Jan 08 - Dec 11
Communications
season Issue Futsal press releases at least weekly facility managers

during the Winter season
39
04
40
04
04
KEY AREA: MANAGEMENT AND MARKETING
Goal: To increase
To source and establish a Link with FAI Commercial department to All potential FAI Partners FAI Commercial Manager / Jan 08 - Dec 10
sponsor for the FAI Futsal Sponsorship secured identify and target suitable potential sponsors Marketing FAI Futsal NC
programme
National Futsal committee Identify and appoint members of the National FAI Futsal NC / Technical Mar 08 - Dec 11
Wider football family
appointed Futsal committee Director
Develop an annual action plan for the FAI Futsal NC / Unit Manager
To develop an appropriate Futsal programme programme

management structure to management structure Wider football family Mar 08 - Dec 11
developed Meet quarterly to review and evaulate action FAI Futsal NC / National
successfully implement
plans Futsal Committee
the objectives of the Futsal
strategic plan Identify specific competitions/events that may FAI Futsal NC / Unit Manager
External competition/event require outsourcing External event management
management company Mar 08 - Dec 11
Select an appropriate competition/event company FAI Futsal NC / National
appointed
management company as a preferred supplier Futsal Committee
To clarify registration Clarify relationship between Football All players Domestic Football Jan 08 - Jan 09
procedures for Futsal Futsal registration system registration system and Futsal Committee / FAI Futsal NC
in relation to current established Establish a Futsal registration system All players Domestic Football Jan 08 - Jan 09
registration procedures Committee / FAI Futsal NC
05
STRUCTURE & FINANCE

SECTION 5: MANAGEMENT,
41

05 Section 5: Management,
Structure & Finance
5.1: Finance
In order to implement the Futsal Development Plan, significant financial resources
will be required. These resources will be recruited in the following way:
• Existing structures and systems will be reorganised to maximise efficiency,

focus and outputs.
• The FAI will invest in the implementation of the Plan from its existing resources.
• New revenue will be generated through sponsorship and programme
development.
05 • Additional funding will be sought from the Irish Sports Council.
STRUCTURE & FINANCE
• Grant aid will be sought from other relevant Government Departments.

• Local and regional investment in the game will be encouraged through
partnerships between clubs, schools, Local Authorities, Health Boards and
Corporate and community sectors.
5.2: Resources
In the development of this plan and in consideration of the current and future
environment we have made the following assumptions:
• The resources of the FAI will increase over the four years of the strategy.
• That sufficient, appropriately experienced people will be deployed on a National
level to assist in the delivery of the objectives of the strategy
Full realisation of the outlined objectives and actions will require the Association to
increase the staff resources available currently. If the Association does not achieve
the additional resources, the work programme will be adjusted accordingly on a
42 phased basis.

Structure & Finance
5.3: Measurement and Review
(i) Conditions for success
There are a number of pre-conditions for the success of the Plan.
The key ones are:
• The availability of resources and funding to implement the plan successfully.

• The gearing up of the internal organisation so that it is robust enough to deliver
on the Plan.
• The extent to which co-operation is forthcoming with affiliates and agencies
involved in the organisation of football at local, regional and national level. 05
• Recognition that additional personnel in the form of new Development Officers
STRUCTURE & FINANCE

or co-operation with external agencies will be required to fully implement all the
objectives of the Plan.
With the support of these elements, the FAI will measure success as
outlined below:
(ii) Critical success indicators

The FAI recognises the importance of measuring the impact of its actions. This is
appropriate as a guide to assessing the effectiveness of its actions and as a basis
for evaluating the monetary input from the Association and the national purse. The
following are the critical success indicators which the FAI will monitor to assess its
success in implementing the Plan:
• Number of participants in FAI Futsal programmes (by age, gender, geographic

location and social circumstance).
• The development of Futsal participation and competition structures to include
performance indicators at local, county, provincial and national levels within the
FAI’s organisational model. 43
• Increased awareness of the benefits of participation in Futsal by the Irish

football family and awareness of the positive work that is undertaken by the FAI
in promoting Futsal.
• A Futsal education pathway created for players, coaches, referees,
administrators and volunteers.
• Development and participation of Irish teams at international level and in
European club competition.

Structure & Finance
• Revenue generated by the FAI over the course of the Plan through the influence
of current and capital investment in the game.
(iii) Review Process

A review process will be vital to the success of the plan. The implementation of
the plan will be continuously reviewed over its four year term. This will be done
using a variety of mechanisms at management level. A number of dimensions of
the implementation will be addressed as follows:
05 • Measurement of outcomes to be delivered by the plan as defined in the

implementation plan.
STRUCTURE & FINANCE
• The commissioning of quarterly reports by management and delivered by

national and provincial coordinators.
• The outcome of an annual survey of the registration database.
• The FAI annual report will report on the progress of the plan and any changes
which may have been considered necessary due to changes in the environment
in which the plan operates.
44

06 Section 6: Appendices
Appendix 1 – Rules at a glance
Appendix 2 – SWOT Analysis
Appendix 3 – Links with other FAI programmes
Appendix 4 – Consultation workshops feedback
Appendix 5 – Consultation workshop participants
Appendix 6 – Technical Department Structure
Appendix 7 – Futsal – a comparative study
06
Appendix 1
SECTION 6: APPENDICES
Rules at a glance
It’s important to remember that the normal rules of football apply with some
exceptions as follows:
Teams
• Teams start with 5 players on the pitch including goalkeeper.
• Up to 7 subs are allowed.
Time
• Duration of 20 minutes each half with a 10 minute break. Clock stops every
time the ball goes out of play.
Substitutions
• Teams are allowed unlimited substitutions during the course of the game.
• The substitutions can only take place at the designated substitution zones.
• The referee does not have to be notified of substitutions, however, the
substitute can only join the play when his team mate has fully left the pitch
45
through the substitution zone.
Goalposts and keeper’s area

• The goalposts are 3 metres by 2 metres in size.
• Goalkeeper’s area is formed by a 6 metre semi-circle arc around the goal area.
Ball out of play

• When it goes out over the sidelines, the ball is kicked back in (ball must be
positioned on the line). Opponents must be a minimum of 5 metres from the ball.
• Players have 4 seconds to do this or the kick in will go to the other team.
• When the ball goes out wide over the end lines, the Goalkeeper throws the ball
back into play.
• Normal corner kick rules apply.

Fouls
• No sliding tackles allowed – except goalkeeper in his arc area.
• No shoulder charges allowed.
• All free kicks indirect except when awarded for above type fouls.
• Opponents must be 5 metres from the ball.
Accumulated fouls
• If a team commits more than 5 fouls during the course of the game, every
subsequent free kick awarded will be from a 10 metre mark and opponents are
06 not allowed to block it or form a wall (in effect, a penalty from 10 metres).
Red Cards
• If a player from a team is sent off, the team may send on a sub after two
minutes has elapsed from the sending off or after the opposing team has
scored a goal if it’s within the 2 minutes period in question.
46

Appendix 2 SWOT analysis
Strengths
• A fast, skilful and exciting game to play or watch.
• Recognition and full support of FIFA and UEFA.
• It’s easy to form teams and easy to organise activity particularly for less
experienced coaches/teachers etc.
• Suitable game for ALL ages and gender.
• It’s a weather-proof programme.
• The ideal skill building environment for football players. 06
• Safety aspect - less injuries as walls not used and the ball is more often on the
floor – less chance of head injuries!
• Futsal offers more goalscoring opportunities to ALL players
– more fun for players.
• Provides a new participation initiative.
• A new pathway and opportunities to progress for players, coaches, referees and
administrators.
• Can provide an unprecedented opportunity for continuity in girls’ soccer
– currently there is a scarcity of winter programmes.
• Contributes to opportunities for players in “Football for All” programs.
• New commercial opportunities for the FAI.
• A small-sided game with somewhere to go – ‘UEFA Futsal Cup, European or
FIFA Futsal World Cup’.
• Played by top football nations like Brazil, Spain, Argentina, Holland, Italy, Czech
Republic and almost all other European associations.
• Brazilian heritage with player development results to show – Pele, Zico,
Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Robinho are former players.
47
• Can be played indoor or outdoor.
• Opportunities to play international Futsal.
• Enshrines ‘Fair Play’ in its rules and can help foster a culture of discipline
among young players in particular.
• Low personal ‘start up’ costs.
• Currently experiencing massive growth rate around the world.
• Dedicated National Coordinator to develop Futsal and commitment of FAI
Technical Department.
• Team of FAI Development Officers available to promote Futsal.
• Currently thousands of social five-a-side players playing in purpose
built facilities.
• Commitment of national kit sponsor to provide Futsal balls to “kick start”
the programme.

Weaknesses
• Low Awareness of Futsal in many areas around Ireland.
• Lack of experienced people to develop the game.
• No current regular competition structure.
• No existing infrastructure of Futsal clubs and leagues.
• New equipment needed - Balls and posts to play.
• New pitch markings required.
• Availability and cost of hiring current indoor facilities in Ireland.
06 • Need to educate coaches and referees.

• Present workload on existing leagues makes it difficult to develop through FAI
Development Officer network.

• Current workload on FAI Development Officers presents a difficulty in gaining a
suitable allocation of their time to promote the game.
• Restricted or no access to higher quality players involved in eleven-a-side.
• Players currently lack technical and tactical Futsal skills to play at a high level.
• Lack of “star image” of World class Futsal players.
Opportunities
• A small-sided game that FAI affiliates can lead and drive.
• An exciting form of small-sided football that is very TV friendly.
• A ‘new’ commercial property for the FAI - opportunities for new partners.
• Merchandising opportunities for FAI and current sponsors.
• The growth of an ‘FAI Futsal Cup’ – Creation of a unique ‘FAI Fives’ competition.
• An Ireland team participating in UEFA/FIFA competitions.
• FAI can influence future provision of facilities so that Futsal can be
accommodated.
48
• Creation of new coaching and referee courses and resources.
• License a National Futsal League – National Football League currently runs in
summer.
• Initiate as a ‘summer’ game to be played in off-season by winter league
affiliates.
• Development in Schools (currently limited opportunities for soccer particularly in
primary schools).
• Development in Universities (regular international university competition
featuring Futsal for men and women).
• Opportunity to aid the development of women’s football through the formation
of Girls’ and Women’s Futsal leagues as there is a current scarcity of winter
programmes for this group.
• Inclusion of Futsal in National Community Games programme.

• Retention of young players in the game at critical “drop out” periods.
• Joint initiatives and facility sharing opportunities with other indoor sports
(Basketball, Badminton, Olympic Handball, Ice Hockey etc).
• Opportunity to officially affiliate thousands of existing social five-a-side players
into the Irish football family.
• Potential for positive social impact on socially and economically disadvantaged
areas – eg. current Inner City Futsal programme and its development into a
winter league programme.
• Opportunity to integrate elements of Ethnic communities into Irish football
family. 06
• Opportunity to gain funding from Sports Capital programme.
• Opportunities for clubs/schools to co-operate and share facilities to run leagues
/blitzes and provide additional playing opportunities for children.
• Possible inclusion in future Olympic games.
• The creation of new sporting infrastructures.
Threats
• Difficulty in securing investment to get the game off the ground.
• Difficulty of generating an awareness of Futsal in existing ‘crowded’ football
programme.
• A commercial sector could develop and profit from Futsal in FAI’s absence.
• Resistance/indifference to a new game from administrators, players, media,
football partners, sponsors.
• Perceived slow progress of an Ireland international Futsal team.
• Perception by some people that Futsal is in competition with football.
• Inability of retailers to make specialist equipment widely available.
• Reluctance of some affiliates to support the development of a game other than 49
seven or eleven-a-side football.
• Objection of other Football partners to the development of Futsal.
• Dominance of existing social five-a-side format (fear of change).
• Lack of leadership from Schoolboy/Junior/Senior leagues.

Appendix 3: Links with other FAI Programmes
Player Development
Player development potential is the reason that Futsal initially came to the attention
of the Football Association of Ireland. Futsal is widely believed to be the ideal
skill building environment for footballers and establishing a culture of Futsal at
the younger age groups can potentially influence the technical ability of future
generations of Irish players. It is envisaged that Futsal will eventually have a role to
play in FAI Emerging Talent Centres countrywide.
06 Schools, Colleges and Universities

The academic arena is ideal for establishing the game at grassroots level.
A large percentage of schools and colleges have access to sports halls and
Futsal can provide an additional and convenient method of football competition
with this group. Indeed the Technical Development Plan identified the need for
more football playing opportunities particularly in primary schools and Futsal may
have a key role in servicing this need. Establishing a culture of Futsal in this vital
area is of critical importance in the long term development and sustainability of
the game in Ireland.
Women’s football
Currently, there is a shortage of quality football programmes for women during
the winter months. The development of a Futsal programme within the women’s
game has the potential to service this scarcity of winter activity whilst providing a
valuable tool for developing the technical skills of female players.
Football for All

Futsal has long been the football format of choice in the Football for All programme
and has contributed to playing and representative opportunities for Visually
Impaired and Deaf players in particular. The aim in this arena is to provide
50
continued support and more opportunities for these groups and to develop the
playing quality of those players already participating.
Summer Soccer Schools

The FAI Summer Soccer Schools may benefit from the inclusion of an additional
winter Futsal module taking place at mid-term and Christmas holiday periods.
There is currently a shortage of quality recreational sports programmes for
children around these periods and the expansion of the summer schools
programme to incorporate such a module will address this situation. The summer
programme also offers an educational opportunity to introduce thousands of
children to Futsal.
Education
With the growth and development of Futsal will come a desire for knowledge and
the FAI will attempt to provide this service through quality coach and referee

education programmes. Coaching courses will be developed by the FAI Technical
Department in conjunction with the National Coaching and Training Centre,
following UEFA guidelines.
Facilities
The evolution of Futsal will create the need for more quality facilities and the FAI
will seek to influence future facilities being built to accommodate Futsal. A home
base for international matches will also need to be considered.
Code of Ethics
Futsal enshrines the concept of fair play and impacts positively on providing a 06
safe playing environment for children and adults. The development of a Futsal
programme will reflect positively on the FAI’s commitment to upholding good Code
of Ethics principles.
Volunteers
In line with FAI policy, a more coordinated and professional approach to
volunteerism will be promoted. Recruitment, management and appraisal
of suitable volunteers to drive the development of Futsal will be a major
consideration. Personnel to form and develop competitions and leagues will play a
key role in sustaining Futsal into the future.
FAI Intercultural Programme

With the ever changing fabric of Irish society, there is an opportunity for Futsal
to play a role in the strategy to develop opportunities for participation in football
amongst ethnic minority communities and to prevent racism within football in
Ireland. Many members of ethnic minority communities have come from countries
with an established culture of Futsal and there may be an opportunity to co-operate
in the formation of competitions, leagues and Futsal education programmes.
51
Football Partnerships with Local Authorities
Futsal provides an opportunity for the FAI to make a positive social impact in
socially and economically disadvantaged areas. For example, the current Inner
City Futsal programme has provided a vehicle to forge valuable partnerships with
Local Authorities countrywide resulting in cooperation to appoint Football in the
Community Development Officers to service a large number of disadvantaged
communities.
The implementation of football programmes such as Futsal, which is ideally suited

to the geography of these areas, are valuable in helping to tackle issues of social
exclusion and integration. The proposed development of the Inner City Summer
Programme into a winter league programme will also contribute to creating playing
opportunities for local youngsters whilst establishing a competition perfectly
tailored to the facilities available to them.

Appendix 4 - Combined Consultation Workshops feedback
Marketing / Promotion - How do we increase awareness of Futsal?

Figure heads / Role models / high profile Ambassadors - local, National,
International
Futsal roadshow - teams travelling for exhibitions
Tap into Brazilian community in Ireland and other ethnic groups with futsal
knowledge
Run competitions - local, regional, national
06 Introduce discounts, subsidies, grants on balls and equipment
Market equipment better – brochures

Provide more resources / materials
Enlist new and use current high profile sponsors
Host International exhibition tournament or high profile event
Promote through schools
Promote through club / league nurseries and academies
Create schools/clubs links and tap into available facilities
Promote through articles/editorial in local and national press
Promote through Summer camps-introduce futsal summer/winter camps
Target girls leagues
Develop FAI website - futsal pages plus futsal links on A2Z, BEBO etc.
Focus on “Branding” - Create a futsal brand - the “NEW” version of indoor football
TV Exposure - ensure more for national and international games tournaments
Advertise and promote in conjunction with Eircom League of Ireland - U21 league
Appoint a Futsal liaison officer at every club and league similar to child welfare or
52 club promotion officers
Invest funds in promoting the game - resources, new avenues
More promotion at grassroots level
Introduce to wider youth groups (scouts, girlguides, youth clubs)
Promote futsal at current Astroparks - slogans, billboards, posters
Run Futsal blitz/open days
Recruit more people to develop Futsal
Emphasise the fun element associated with playing Futsal

06
53

Education - who and how do we educate people?

Educate through BUNTÚS scheme
Train teachers - target teacher training colleges
Include/integrate Futsal into current Kick Start 1 and 2 courses
Create / Follow KS modules with stand alone certified futsal courses
Run more workshops
06 Train the trainer - Introduce Futsal tutor in service module

Enlist services of professional coaches (overseas)
Introduce education module for schools

More resources - DVDs, posters, website
Create on line Futsal courses
Educate the existing network of FAI development officers
Make more info more easily available (factsheet, websites etc.)
Design dedicated courses for coaches, referees, administrators, tutors,
volunteers etc
Parents (emphasise disciplinary culture) - handout on parent’s code of conduct?
Use FÁS schemes to educate players and coaches - certified module
Irish Sports council DAST programmes
Target transition year and 3rd level students to play and to coach
Educate facility managers on the advantages of introducing futsal
Consult and cooperate with existing committees, SFAI, FAI Schools etc. etc.
Use LSPs to promote futsal and educate local coaches
Educate administrators/clubs - Emphasise no conflict between
54 indoor/outdoor game
Communicate - Futsal enhances football and is not competing with it!
Let the players PLAY! - learn by doing-proper early education
Filter futsal into clubs and club training programmes

Competition - Children and adults
Examine feasibility of changing seasons - promote and introduce dedicated

winter futsal season
Above figures feature combined feedback - Both children and adults
Group 1 - Adults
What to run
Aspire to create Professional league - perhaps provincial pro teams
Target Business house leagues (civil service, taximen, Garda, Army leagues etc.) 06
Encourage current social players to play futsal - target commercial facilities
Run open tournaments - eg. Amstel 5s
Run overage masters tournaments
Encourage Midweek leagues
How to facilitate running
Examine other sport models eg. Tag rugby - encourage mixed teams competitions
Start with taster blitz competitions
Encourage clubs/leagues to share facilities
Integrate Futsal into current adult league structures-work with current leagues
Look at Interleague / County / intercounty / provincial competitions
Introduce more Regional pilot competitions
Form specific futsal clubs - attract new players
Introduce a new Futsal section into clubs
Examine registration system to structure competition (avoid double counting)
Open up FAI Futsal league to Junior, senior and league representative teams
55
Group 2 - children
What to run
Target Futsal especially at 6-9 age group especially nursery academies
Develop FAI Schools competitions
Create a Danone type national schoolboy club cup
First run in club competition followed by inter club competition
Introduce girls U15 and U16 leagues
Expand inner city programme
Run postal zone leagues in bigger cities
Summer Street leagues
Midweek leagues
Develop mini local and regional leagues
Continue work with community games

How to facilitate running
Cooperate and pilot leagues with Schoolboys leagues countrywide (mirror leagues)
Appoint Futsal liaison officer at every club and league similar to child welfare or
club promotion officers
Alternate age groups at week ends to play football and futsal
Audit hall availability - create database
Venue adaptation - can we run outdoor competitions?
Lobby Government/Local Authorities for better facility provision
06 Include girls teams in all promotions/competitions

Referees - clubs to provide / transition year students / coach involvement / parents
share Facilities to facilitate competition and reduce costs

Create schools/clubs links-tap into available facilities
Appendix 5 - Consultation workshop participants

Participant
Michael O’Connor Tom McDade Dan Carey
PJ Hogan David Lowry Declan Mulligan
Eddie McCormack Dave Shanahan Johnny Hobbs
Aoife Kelleher Joseph Monaghan Pauline O’Shaughnessy
Gerard McGettigan Leonard Meaney Clive Brooks
Pat Kelly Donough McGrath Frances Smith
Richard Grimes Gary O’Shea Tommy Carberry
Des Hanly Tom Egan Jack Carthy
Elaine O’Connor Shane Egan John Griffin
Pat Murphy Jim O’Shea Dermot Lambe
Timmy Healy Keith O’Shea Shay Cunningham
Pat Daly Pat Madigan Gary Kelly
James Egan Terence Considine Paul Holland
56
Niall Kelleher Sean Whyte Paddy Trehy
Jamie Gilmour Ray Claffey Declan McKenna
John Buckley Niall O’Shea Aaron Callaghan
Chris Richards Robert Carroll Albert Sugg
Emma Martin Bob Smith Anthony Flynn
Stephen Driver David Cullen Pat Shevlin
Peter Harrington Richard Sutherland Reina Flower
Gerard Delaney Pat Kelly Eamonn Scott
Brendan Wall Declan Costello Niall McGuirk

Appendix 6 - FAI Technical Department Structure (Date TBC)
CEO
06
ASSISTANT TECHNICAL
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR
MANAGER PLAYER MANAGER GRASSROOTS MANAGER FAI MANAGER WOMEN’S ADMIN /

Local Sports DEVELOPMENT FOOTBALL EDUCATION FOOTBALL TECHNICAL
Partnerships
Emerging Talent Programme Football for All Dev. Prog. Coach\ Tutor Educ. Prog. International Teams - SUPPORT
U15 \ U16 Inter Programme Futsal Dev. Prog. Volunteers Educ. Prog. U15 / U16 / U17 / U19 / Senior
Goalkeeping Programme Summer Soccer Schools Prog. Player Career Educ. Prog.
Schools/Colleges/ Univ. Prog. Referee Educ. Prog. Womens Programme
Intercultural Prog. Code of Ethics Dev Prog.
Club & League Development
Affiliates Prog.
&
Provincial 8 regional \ County 5 Regional \ County 3 Regional \ County 6 Regional \ County 17 Regional \ County
Councils Development Officers Development Officers Development Officers Development Officer Development Officers
• Cork x 3 • Galway City* • Cavan \ Monaghan \ Meath • Laois / Offaly • North Dublin
&
Section 6: Appendices
• Kerry • Galway / Roscommon • Donegal x2 • Kildare* • South Dublin

• Limerick / Clare / North • Mayo* • Louth* • Fingal County Council x 3
Leagues
Tipperary • Sligo / Leitrim 1 Regional Women’s • Longford • Dublin City Council x 8
& • South Tipperary* Development Officer • West Meath* • South Dublin County
• Waterford /Kilkenny 1 Regional Women’s • Wexford / Wicklow / Carlow Council x 3
Clubs • East Cork West Waterford Development Officer • Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown
Schools League* 1 Regional Women’s County Council
Development Officer
1 Regional Women’s
Development Officer
Part-Time Coaches
Club \ School Coaches Players Volunteers Parents

57
06
Appendix 7
FUTSAL – A COMPARATIVE STUDY WITH THE 7 A SIDE GAME
University College Dublin 2007.
Introduction
The purpose of the study is to explore the potential for Futsal (indoor football) to
influence the rate and quality level of technical skill development in children aged
six to eleven years old. A comparison is made between Futsal and the outdoor
06 seven a side game currently played by most children in this age group in Ireland.
The study attempts to demonstrate if Futsal can afford participants more contact
with the ball and more frequent involvement in match situations thus offering more
frequent learning opportunities.
Methodology
• The researcher attended and analysed two outdoor seven a side football
matches and two indoor Futsal matches involving the two teams chosen for
the study.
• The games took place on regulation seven a side and junior Futsal pitches at
“neutral” venues chosen by the researcher and easily accessible to both teams.
• A technical analysis of four players (two players from each team) was
conducted during each of the outdoor seven a side games and Futsal games.
• The researcher ensured that the same four players chosen for analysis in
the seven a side games were also those chosen for analysis in each of the
Futsal matches and that the players played for the exact same duration in
both game types.
• The data from all games was gathered using technical analysis sheets and
employing a hand notation method.
58
• Each of the games involving both teams took place on separate days to
ensure consistency in the energy levels and consequently, playing quality
of the players.
Analysis of the Data and Presentation of the Data

The data is summarised and presented using simple descriptive statistics
showing average number of positive actions in each game format played. Visual
presentations of the data are made in the form of bar charts showing activity
for all four players involved in the study. Specifically, comparisons between the
skills in each of the Futsal and seven a side football game formats are made and
conclusions based on these analytical procedures are drawn.

06
Findings
The technical data displayed by the following series of bar charts offers an insight
into the potential for Futsal to help young players develop crucial technical skills
necessary to play football. The findings also suggest that the intensity of the Futsal
games, in comparison to the seven-a-side games studied created a situation where
player’s minds were engaged more often in the game thus offering the potential to
develop “football intelligence” at an accelerated rate.
The charts are designed to show a comparison of the average number of critical
football actions performed by four players chosen for the purpose of the study
during the course of the two seven-a-side and two Futsal games. The data for the
seven-a-side games are represented by the red bar while the data for Futsal games
are represented by the green bars.
59

06
60

06
61

06
62

06
Conclusion
It is clear from the data gathered from all of the players involved in this study that
compared to the 7-a-side format of football, Futsal offers participants more direct
involvement in the game. The data also highlights areas where the particular
skills of passing, dribbling and close control tricks are performed at far higher
frequencies than the outdoor game.
During the study, players had more attempts on goal and were involved in
regaining possession of the ball much more frequently in Futsal than in the seven-
a-side game.
Bearing this in mind, it is the conclusion of the researcher that compared to

the outdoor 7-a-side game of football that Futsal offers participants a greater
opportunity to acquire and develop the essential technical and mental skills
required to succeed in football at an accelerated rate.
63

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5.3 Measurement and review 43

Strategic Plan for the Development of Futsal in Ireland 2008 - 2011

I would like to convey my congratulations for establishing this

UEFA fully supports this initiative and our Futsal Department

With kind regards

Strategic Plan for the Development of Futsal in Ireland 2008 - 2011

A great example of this is Futsal – the ofﬁcial UEFA and FIFA

However, the game of Futsal is being promoted by the FAI primarily as a

Strategic Plan for the Development of Futsal in Ireland 2008 - 2011

Speciﬁc Futsal consultation workshops, conducted as part of the development of this

• To motivate players to play Futsal.

Strategic Plan for the Development of Futsal in Ireland 2008 - 2011

1. Grassroots Futsal – Children

“To establish Futsal as the preferred

Strategic Plan for the Development of Futsal in Ireland 2008 - 2011

1.2: Grassroots Futsal - Adults

Strategic Plan for the Development of Futsal in Ireland 2008 - 2011

1.5: Marketing and Management

A strategic approach to sponsorship, marketing, implementation and reporting will

Strategic Plan for the Development of Futsal in Ireland 2008 - 2011

Strategic Plan for the Development of Futsal in Ireland 2008 - 2011

“Futsal is an extremely important way for kids to develop their skills

Strategic Plan for the Development of Futsal in Ireland 2008 - 2011

SECTION 2: BACKGROUND INFORMATION

From a player development viewpoint, there are widely acknowledged beneﬁts to

Strategic Plan for the Development of Futsal in Ireland 2008 - 2011

• Potential to increase grassroots participation.

02 • An ideal skill building environment for football.

• Increased playing opportunities for women (currently there is a scarcity of

Strategic Plan for the Development of Futsal in Ireland 2008 - 2011

As the Futsal programme will impact signiﬁcantly on all strands of football

SECTION 2: BACKGROUND INFORMATION

2.3: Lifestyles/ Demographic change

There are also a number of well organised commercial organisations providing

Strategic Plan for the Development of Futsal in Ireland 2008 - 2011

The National Community Games also features an indoor soccer programme at

highlight a pathway of opportunity for players, coaches, referees and administrators

Strategic Plan for the Development of Futsal in Ireland 2008 - 2011

There is a considerable stock of indoor facilities in Ireland mainly in secondary

At a National and International level, Futsal is normally played indoors on a

The availability of Futsal Goal Posts also needs to be considered in the

Strategic Plan for the Development of Futsal in Ireland 2008 - 2011

SECTION 2: BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Participation is positively inﬂuenced due to two key elements of Futsal:

From a coaches’ standpoint, skill development is uppermost in their work in 17

“In Futsal, you practise solving movement in a small space and I

Strategic Plan for the Development of Futsal in Ireland 2008 - 2011

2.6: Development of the Plan

Strategic Plan for the Development of Futsal in Ireland 2008 - 2011

SECTION 2: BACKGROUND INFORMATION

• FAI Technical Department staff.

With valuable contributions and advice from: 19

• Mr. Jaime Yarza ( FIFA Futsal Development Manager).

Strategic Plan for the Development of Futsal in Ireland 2008 - 2011

series of key age groups.

3.2: Mission Statement

“To establish Futsal as the preferred

Strategic Plan for the Development of Futsal in Ireland 2008 - 2011

• Grassroots Futsal - Children.

SECTION 4: KEY PROGRAMME AREAS

Strategic Plan for the Development of Futsal in Ireland 2008 - 2011

Strategic Plan for the Development of Futsal in Ireland 2008 - 2011

��