RICHMOND, VA – (Tuesday, March 21, 2017) – Committed to providing an unparalleled sports experience for club members, the Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce a new year-round FUTSAL program beginning in June 2017. Led by former Richmond Kickers professional player Lucas Paulini, the program has been meticulously designed to provide additional emphasis on technical and tactical instruction under the guidance of the region’s top international futsal coaches.
A native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Paulini will lead a coaching staff that includes current Richmond Kickers professional players such as Luiz Fernando (Sao Paulo, Brazil), Oliver Minatel (Sao Paulo, Brazil) and Fred Owusu Sekyere (Kumasi, Ghana), combining to bring a wealth of experience to the revolutionary new program.
Richmond Kickers FUTSAL will offer year-round programs including Summer Camps, Summer Training, Winter League Teams and Futsal Fridays for the Fall and Spring seasons, as well as Team and Small Group Training. All Richmond Kickers FUTSAL training programs will take place at the Celebration Church Outreach Ministry, located at 5501 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond.
Futsal is one of the fastest growing games in the world and its fast-paced, high-energy format provides technical and tactical challenges that benefit a player’s long term development. The new program will enable Richmond Kickers players to have an all-encompassing experience as a fun and exciting alternative challenge for players to continue their progression throughout the year.
The platform offers players with the opportunity to experience a different form of the beautiful game of soccer, and provides an unparalleled compliment to outdoor soccer. Developed in South America, Futsal is attributed as a key factor of success to many of the world’s greatest players.
“During my childhood in Portugal all we played was Futsal. The small playing area helped me improve my close control and whenever I played Futsal I felt free. If it wasn’t for Futsal I wouldn’t be the player I am today.” – Portuguese National Team and Real Madrid legend, Cristiano Ronaldo
“As a little boy in Argentina I played Futsal on the streets and for my club. It was tremendous fun and it really helped me become who I am today.” – All-Time Leading Scorer for Argentina and FC Barcelona superstar, Lionel Messi
“The technique of Futsal is different to the eleven-a-side version. There are spectacular things you can attempt that you would not dare trying in Football it adds more fun to the discipline.” – Renowned French Midfielder and current Head Coach of Real Madrid, Zinedine Zidane
About Futsal
Futsal is a small-sided soccer game (5v5) with goalkeepers played on a hard surface the size of a basketball court. The format encourages players to develop their ability to cope under pressure and in tight spaces while learning to play quicker. Modified soccer balls with less bounce are used and the surface, ball, and rules create an emphasis on improvisation, creativity and technique as well as ball control and passing in small spaces. The game of Futsal provides many benefits for developing players including:
- Improves decision-making and spacial awareness
- Improves speed of play
- Improves transition from Defense to Attack & Attack to Defense.
- Improves Creativity
- Increases contact with the ball and shots on goal
- Favors a dynamic playing system and rotation of positions
- Motivates and involves all players
Richmond Kickers FUTSAL Summer Camp – Register Now
Registration for Richmond Kickers FUTSAL Summer Camp, June 26-30, is now available at www.richmondkickers.com. With only 90 spots available, the inaugural camp is guaranteed to sell out quickly. All other Richmond Kickers FUTSAL programs will be an exclusive benefit for 2017-18 Richmond Kickers Travel players.
Richmond Kickers FUTSAL Programs:
Summer Camp (June 26-30): Open to all players – $350
Summer Training (July 11-August 10, twice per week): Kickers Travel Players Only – $200
Fall Futsal Fridays (September 8-October 13): Kickers Travel Players Only – $120
Winter League (November 29-February 7): U11-U14 Kickers Elite Players and U9/U10 Program – $450
Winter Camp (December 20-22 and December 27-29): Open to all players – $210
Spring Futsal Fridays (March 16-April 27): Kickers Travel Players Only – $120
Questions?
Please contact your Richmond Kickers Technical Director:
- Ross MacKenzie (ADP, U9/U10 Director): ross@https://www.richmondkickers.com
- Michael Burke (U11/U12 Director): mburke@https://www.richmondkickers.com
- Mark Stollsteimer (U13-U18 Boys Director): mstollsteimer@https://www.richmondkickers.com
- Andy McIntosh (U13-U18 Girls Director): amcintosh@https://www.richmondkickers.com
