Futsal is similar to soccer but is designed to fine-tune the pace, control and technical skills of traditional soccer. Futsal has several differences; it’s played with a weighted ball and on an indoor basketball court. This creates a much faster style of play than grass.
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| Jordan-Small Middle School seventh graders Stella Redmon, foreground, and Brecken Cressey have fun during Raymond Parks and Recreation's youth futsal league held in the gym at Jordan-Small Middle School in Raymond last year. SUBMITTED PHOTO |
“Our program is primarily instructional and skill-focused,” said program head/coach and Raymond Parks and Recreation director Riley Silvia. “Practices ... begin with a stretching routine followed by dribbling activities that introduce a ‘Move of the Day.’ These moves are practiced repeatedly throughout the season so that by the final session, players can perform all learned skills during our dribbling drills. Each week also features a specific theme, such as passing and movement off the ball, quick turns and shielding, defensive techniques, offensive skills, or mastering ball control.”
Futsal participants for Raymond Parks and Recreation play in-house scrimmages each week, instead of league-style games, to give them the opportunity to apply the skills they’ve learned throughout the week in a fun and supportive atmosphere.
Youth futsal is broken into three groups: first and second grade, third and fourth grade and fifth grade through eighth grade.
“I think futsal did make me a better athlete,” said Jordan-Small Middle School seventh grader Stella Redmon, who plays for the JSMS soccer team. “It taught me great skills and is overall a great experience. I look forward to being able to play soccer outside of the regular season.”
Redmon said the games were fun and entertaining while showing her how to use the skills learned in a game. She says that she is looking forward to playing futsal in the spring.
“At Raymond Parks and Recreation, youth sports are about far more than gameplay,” said Silvia. “We emphasize routine and structure, so children know what to expect when they arrive. Teamwork and sportsmanship are also central to the program, and players are encouraged to support one another both on the court and from the sidelines. We reward positive encouragement as well, reinforcing that enthusiasm and teamwork do matter.”
Seventh grader Brecken Cressey, who attends Jordan-Small Middle School, plays for the JSMS soccer team and he also plays for the Windham Youth Soccer Association’s 14-Under team. He said futsal helped him to get better at ball control because the ball moves fast and there’s not a lot of space. Futsal makes him think quicker, and to make faster passes, which helps him during regular-season soccer games.
“(Futsal) is fun because the games are really fast and you get a lot more touches on the ball,” said Cressey. “There’s a lot of scoring chances which makes it exciting. Futsal improved my quickness and coordination; Riley was great at coaching us. I want to play again this season because it helps me stay ready for soccer, and it’s fun.”
Players are given the chance throughout the season to demonstrate leadership, such as helping to lead with team warm-ups.
Parents can register students for the youth futsal season by visiting https://raymond.recdesk.com/
Early bird registration runs through March 8 and regular registration continues through April 1.
There is also an adult futsal program which is currently running through May. For more details visit https://raymond.recdesk.com/ <
Youth futsal is broken into three groups: first and second grade, third and fourth grade and fifth grade through eighth grade.
“I think futsal did make me a better athlete,” said Jordan-Small Middle School seventh grader Stella Redmon, who plays for the JSMS soccer team. “It taught me great skills and is overall a great experience. I look forward to being able to play soccer outside of the regular season.”
Redmon said the games were fun and entertaining while showing her how to use the skills learned in a game. She says that she is looking forward to playing futsal in the spring.
“At Raymond Parks and Recreation, youth sports are about far more than gameplay,” said Silvia. “We emphasize routine and structure, so children know what to expect when they arrive. Teamwork and sportsmanship are also central to the program, and players are encouraged to support one another both on the court and from the sidelines. We reward positive encouragement as well, reinforcing that enthusiasm and teamwork do matter.”
Seventh grader Brecken Cressey, who attends Jordan-Small Middle School, plays for the JSMS soccer team and he also plays for the Windham Youth Soccer Association’s 14-Under team. He said futsal helped him to get better at ball control because the ball moves fast and there’s not a lot of space. Futsal makes him think quicker, and to make faster passes, which helps him during regular-season soccer games.
“(Futsal) is fun because the games are really fast and you get a lot more touches on the ball,” said Cressey. “There’s a lot of scoring chances which makes it exciting. Futsal improved my quickness and coordination; Riley was great at coaching us. I want to play again this season because it helps me stay ready for soccer, and it’s fun.”
Players are given the chance throughout the season to demonstrate leadership, such as helping to lead with team warm-ups.
Parents can register students for the youth futsal season by visiting https://raymond.recdesk.com/
Early bird registration runs through March 8 and regular registration continues through April 1.
There is also an adult futsal program which is currently running through May. For more details visit https://raymond.recdesk.com/ <
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