power of five - nov 2013

New Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010


THE MAGAZINE OF NEW ZEALAND FOOTBALL FUTSAL ISSUE 9 NOvEMBEr 2013

ASB NATIONAL LEAGUE FUTSAL WHITES INTErvIEW SPECIAL - THE ’KEEPErS | DYLAN MANICKUMFOOTBALL FErNSNZF FUTSAL LEvEL ONE AWArD



PHOTO: PHOTOTEK

ISSN 2324-3813

02



gathered for the four hour pilot course under instruction from New Zealand Football’s Grassroots Development Manager Owain Prosser and Futsal Whites coach Scott Gilligan.

The course has been designed to develop knowledge and understanding of theoretical and practical aspects of coaching junior, youth and adult futsal players. The qualification will be used as a starting point for those seeking coaching positions in futsal and will be formally recognised by New Zealand Football.

NZF Futsal Development Manager Dave

Wellington’s ASB Indoor Sports Centre was the host for the launch of the pilot of New Zealand Football Futsal’s Level 1 Coaching Award in Novemer.

The new Coaching Award has been designed as the second step on the New Zealand futsal coaching pathway following the successful implementation of the two hour ‘Introduction to Futsal Course’ earlier in 2013.

Futsal Development Officers from the North Island, along with coaches, players and volunteers from Capital Futsal

Payne is delighted to roll out the pilot prior to its full release in 2014.

“Its the beginning of a new phase for futsal in New Zealand and the Level One Award will help us a lot. The course has gone really well, but like any course it is never really completed. Coach education is a continuous process of refinement and improvement. But overall we’re really pleased with course and the feedback we’ve had from the participants,” Payne said.

Course instructor Owain Prosser was similiarly enthused about the new course.

“The bones of the course are in place, and the content is strong and relevant to the people who are ready to take the second step as futsal coaches”, he said.

“One of the good things about the course is we’ve focused on fewer areas and spent more time on those areas - the role of the coach, understanding the player’s needs, and the technical aspects of futsal for example. Though there’s a little bit of fine tuning to do before we go live, the main structure is certainly in place.

A feature of the Level 1 Coaching Award is the development of coaching resources, the most notable of which is the techical skills video, put together by Futsal Whites manager richard Bell. The video will be made available at nzfootballonline.co.nz and features ten ball manipulation techniques that will aid players who are new to futsal.

NZF FUTSAL LEvEL 1 NZF LAUNCH NEW COACHING

PrOGrAMME

03

New Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010WELCOME...Welcome to the third edition of the Power of Five for 2013.

As we move towards the end of the year the main focus has been on the development of new and the refinement of existing programmes leading into 2014. We are very close to completing the development of the NCEA aligned College Futsal Programme. With this in place for national roll out in early 2014, futsal will be delivering approved programmes throughout primary and secondary schools. But we haven’t stopped there.

Work has also commenced on where futsal fits in the university sector from both an educational and playing perspective. The recent inter-faculty tournament at The University of Auckland pictured this page is a great example of this. Laying the foundations for futsal in the educational pathway of New Zealand will provide kiwis with more opportunities to not only play the game but be involved in developing its future.

With futsal leagues swelling nationally and opportunities within the playing pathway increasing, the need for a complementary coaching pathway is essential. The New Zealand Football Level 1 Course has just finished its final review and will be rolled out nationally in 2014. This four hour course following on from the NZF Introduction to Futsal will provide coaches with an understanding of the player centred approach, basic formations, on-court roles and responsibilities and the essential techniques required for teams participating in federation futsal leagues.

As always thank you to all of you who support futsal and drive the game forward. Also, thanks to ASB for the continued support of futsal development at all levels of the game.

Yours in futsalDave PayneNZF Futsal Development Manager

PHOTO: PHOTOTEK

16



PHOTO: PHOTOTEK

05



In 2011/12 you couldn’t stop scoring in the ASB Futsal National League – nineteen goals and runaway golden boot winner. Last year it seemed a more difficult year for you. What happened?There were a couple of factors - mainly the competition stepped up. We also lost a few players from the 2011/12 season so the first series was about getting used to the way the new players played. It didn’t help that I got injured in between the first and second series so I missed the second series completely and I didn’t play too well in the last series.

But you made a great start to this year’s National League with six goals in the first series. Are you back ‘in the groove?’Yeah it would seem so. I think I found a bit of form again and things just seem to be working for me and the team.

What about the ASB Futsal National League. Do you think the competition is more even now? If so, why?I think the competition is more even this year and it seems that the teams are more dedicated to working hard to win it this year. It is leading to a pretty open race and teams seem to be able to drop points to anyone this year. Also, the young talent coming through looks to be up to speed with the league and really willing to give the older players a bit of a ‘run for their money’.

How is the AFF team shaping up for this year’s National League?We are looking really tidy this year - we have found some new players and are

Dylan Manickum shot onto the international futsal scene as an 18 year old with a series of great performances in the OFC Futsal Championship in Fiji in 2010. Since then he’s become the runaway leading scorer in the ASB Futsal National League, a feat that includes a six goal haul in the 2011/12 final for Auckland. But it was his star turn at this year’s OFC tournament - five goals against the red-hot Solomon Islands Kurukuru in the Futsal Whites 7-1 demolition of the OFC kingpins in July - that really grabbed the headlines. Power of Five caught up with the in form Auckland flanker ahead of the ASB National League Series Two.

Tell us about your early days in futsal – when did you first begin playing? How did you get started?I first started playing when I was 13 at AFF East City futsal club. I got involved as my coach for outdoor at the time was putting together a team and I was keen to play.

What do you like about futsal?I like the speed of the game and also the fact that each player has to step up and be technically capable, as there are less players than in outdoor and a smaller space to work in. Otherwise they will be exploited.

What about football - are you still featuring regularly for Ellerslie in the NrFL?Yes I was but we are currently in the off season. Preseason starts in January.

training well together. We found a good bit of form in Series One and the team is performing well. If the team can carry that form through to the rest of the competition we will definitely be one of the teams to watch out for.

What have been the highlights for you in your Futsal Whites career so far? You’re still young but you’ve had some great moments...Being selected for the national team back in 2010 would be the first highlight, I learned a lot that year and the following years. Being part of the team that beat the Solomon Islands for the first time ever earlier this year and scoring five goals in that game would definitely be up there.

The three matches in Tahiti earlier this year were very tough and Tahiti won the series three to nil. Was this an important experience for the team? It seems that this experience may have helped the Futsal Whites in the 3rd place playoff for the OFC Futsal Championship Invitational?Yes those games were tough, and in an environment that we have never played in before, but we came out stronger for it and determined to prove that at on our home court we can beat any team from Oceania. The Tahiti games also gave us an important insight into the way they played. This helped us when we played them for the third spot.

Tell us a bit about the Solomon Islands game. This game was obviously a very big focus for the Futsal Whites, and the team had prepared very well. The Futsal Whites

DYLAN MANICKUMINTErvIEW

05



certainly came out firing on all cylinders. What was the feeling in the team going into the game?We prepared extremely well, trainings were good and we felt we owed it to ourselves as a team to perform having been unsuccessful over the last couple of years in six tough games against Australia and three against Tahiti . We needed to prove to everyone that we are in fact the best team in Oceania because we certainly believed it.

Your scored five goals and had an incredible night. For you personally, what was different about that game? Was it your feeling that Kurukuru gave you too much space, too much freedom? Or did everything just ‘click’ for you? We were working really hard as a team and it looked as if we were just a little bit hungrier for the win than they were. The chances just seemed to fall to me off the back of a lot of great play and they just went in.

You’ve now played seven times against the Futsalroos. What’s your feeling about their level compared to the Futsal Whites. What does NZ have to do - or change - in order to beat them next year.We need to keep working hard on our technical ability and try to cut out our defensive lapses. That would be the main thing - work really hard on defence so we stop conceding stupid goals and build off that.

How big has Scott Gilligan’s influence been since taking over the team? What has he brought into the environment that has made a difference?Scott’s influence has been tremendous. His expertise and knowledge of futsal has helped all of us understand the game a lot better and his technical and tactical drills

are working. We are starting to see results and put the knowledge from practice into the games.

What about young players in New Zealand. Have you seen some up and coming players over the last year or so who you can make the step up to international level? Any players in particular?Yes it’s exciting, there are so many good young players coming up in New Zealand futsal. A few like Matt Edridge, Jan Fischer and Steven Ashby have all show they are more than capable of stepping up in international matches. There are a couple more that have started training with us during training camps.

What about your future? What are your ambitions in futsal? What would you like to achieve? Well I would like to go overseas and try playing futsal professionally. My number one goal would be to be part of a New Zealand futsal team to go to the FIFA Futsal World Cup. And hopefully score lots of goals along the way.

Outside futsal – what do you do? Are you working? Any other hobbies?I’m currently at University studying commerce. I play a little bit of PlayStation - mainly FIFA.

“WE NEED TO KEEP WOrKING HArD ON OUr TECHNICAL ABILITY AND TrY TO CUT OUT OUr

DEFENSIvE LAPSES”PHOTO: PHOTOTEK

Auckland Football Federation entered Series Two of the ASB National Futsal League as the top side after finishing the opening weekend of the competition unbeaten following their final day win over Capital Futsal at the ASB Stadium in Kohimarama.

The 2011/2012 champions were forced to come from behind at halftime for the second time in their last three games, Futsal Whites Marvin Eakins and Dylan Manickum again instrumental in the fight back, both on the score sheet along with youngster Matthew Lieshout as the hosts recovered for a 4-3 win.

Eakins and his Auckland team mates won four of their matches in Series 1,

AUCKLAND & SOUTH SHArE LEAD AFTEr SErIES ONE IN DUNEDIN

drawing only their Friday night encounter with second-placed Futsal South. The southerners, semi-finalists in 2012/2013, continued their strong showing in the competition, also completing an unbeaten weekend with three wins and two draws.

Sunday’s final outing produced a 5-2 victory over Central Hawke’s Bay with Michael Sannum scoring a hat-trick.Bottom of the 2012/2013 competition, Central Futsal Manawatu ended Series One in the top four after Sunday’s 3-2 victory over defending champions Northern Futsal.

Former YoungHeart Manawatu ASB Premiership player Nathan Cooksley, influential all weekend along with team

ASB NATIONAL LEAGUESeries One

mate Adam Cowan, scored twice in the upset win while Jerram Tuck, a regular scorer for the Central side throughout the weekend, was also on target.

Jan Fischer and Futsal White Bakr Al-Saudi scored Northern’s goals but it wasn’t enough for the favoured side as Manawatu and Northern finished level on points from their weekend’s work.Mainland also finished tied on points with Northern and Manawatu, only an inferior goal difference keeping the South Island side out of the top four after a 4-3 win over Capital in their final match. The victory came via four different scorers including goals from Futsal Whites Daniel Burns and Jakub Sinkora.

TABLE P W D L F A GD PtsAuckland 5 4 1 0 21 13 8 13Futsal South 5 3 2 0 21 11 10 11Northern 5 2 1 2 23 19 4 7Central - Mwt 5 2 1 2 23 23 0 7Mainland 5 2 1 2 19 21 -2 7Central - HB 5 2 0 3 22 26 -4 6Capital 5 1 1 3 14 18 -4 4WaiBOP 5 0 1 4 14 26 -12 1

GOLDEN BOOT 8 Miroslav Malivuk (Capital) (pictured right)6 Bakr Al Saudi (Northern) Dylan Manickum (Auckland) Jerram Tuck (Central - Manawatu) Marvin Eakins (Auckland) Nathan Cooksley (Central - Manawatu)5 Daniel Burns (Mainland) Kaiea Karennang (Mainland) Khair Jones (Central - Manawatu) Michael Sannum (Futsal South)

ASB NATIONAL FUTSAL LEAGUE Series One 2013

06



PHOTO: PHOTOTEK

11



09

Central Futsal Hawke’s Bay occupied sixth position after a win and a loss on Sunday, the victory coming over the young Waikato Bay of Plenty side as Nathaniel Wright, Simon Stallard, Dylan Cozens, Daniel Ball and Harrison Gregory were all on target.Capital Futsal, runners-up in the 2012-2013 event, could only register one victory

in their five outings, ending the weekend in seventh place. They could consider themselves a little unlucky with Futsal White Miroslav Malivuk in hot scoring form while the side’s two losses came by just a single goal.

Waikato Bay of Plenty entered Series Two

07



at the bottom of the standings with their youthful side registering their first point on Sunday in a 5-5 draw with defending champions Northern.

Northern skipper Ouadhah Ragued tussles with Olly Tilley of Central - Manawatu.PHOTO: PHOTOTEK

SERIES ONE EDGAr CENTrE DUNEDIN 8/9 DECEMBEr 2012

RESULTS

Mainland 4 Daniel Burns, Evandro Madruga, ryan Batty, Kaiea Karennang Central Manawatu 4 Khair Jones, Jerram Tuck, Angus Preston, Adam Cowan

WaiBOP 1 Ben WallaceCapital 2 Lucas Silva, Miroslav Malivuk

Mainland 3 Kaiea Karennang 2, ryan Batty Auckland 6 Michael Freeman 2, Dylan Manickum, Marvin Eakins, Art Twigg

WaiBOP 3 Wayne Bates, Samuel Masterson, Kyle Wisnewski Central Manawatu 8 Nathan Cooksley 3, Khair Jones 2, Jerram Tuck 2, Tyson Brandt

Central Hawke’s Bay 4 Josh Stevenson, Harrison Gregory, Daniel Ball, Adam Kockelbergh Northern 8 Hicham Kamri 2, Felipe Bernadi 2, Bakr Al-Saudi, Ouadhah ragued, Jan Fischer, Bo Wang

Auckland 1 Dylan ManickumFutsal South 1 Sean McIntee

Mainland 6 Daniel Burns 3, Jakub Sinkora 2, ryan BattyWaiBOP 4 Kyle Wisnewski 2, Ben Wallace, Bahram Ahmadi

Futsal South 7 Michael Sannum 2, Carlos Herrman 2, Sean McIntee, David Orbell, Peter rae Central Manawatu 3 Khair Jones, Nathan Cooksley, Josh Chettleburgh

Central Hawke’s Bay 4 Cameron Emerson 2, Carl Shackleton, Josh StevensonAuckland 7 Dylan Manickum 2, Michael Freeman 2, Marvin Eakins, Adam Scott, Myron Manickum

Northern 6 Bakr Al-Saudi 3, Ouadhah ragued 2, Bo Wang Capital 3 rimon razouk, Miroslav Malivuk, John Gerondis

Mainland 2 Kaiea Karrenang, Evandro MadrugaFutsal South 5 Carlos Herrman 2, David Orbell, Tom Morley, Pedro Neto

Central Hawke’s Bay 7 Harrison Gregory 2, Cameron Emerson, Nathaniel Wright, Dylan Cozens, Carl Shackleton, Adam Kockelbergh Central Manawatu 5 Jerram Tuck 2, Khair Jones, Scott Mudgway, Matt Borren (pen)

Northern 2 Jan Fischer 2 Auckland 4 Marvin Eakins 2, Dylan Manickum 2

Futsal South 3 Bara Toubat, Ali Aman, Peter rae Capital 3 Miroslav Malivuk 3

WaiBOP 5 Shaun Morgan 2, Ben Wallace, OG, Dominic O’Sullivan Northern 5 Ouadhah ragued, Bakr Al-Saudi, Charl Compaan, Hicham Kamri, OG

Futsal South 5 Michael Sannum 3, Peter rae, OGCentral Hawke’s Bay 2 Josh Stevenson, Tai Barnham

Mainland 4 Sam Mitchell, Daniel Burns, Kaiea Karennang, Jakub Sinkora Capital 3 Miroslav Malivuk 2, Shingo Ina

WaiBOP 1 Bahram AhmadiCentral Hawke’s Bay 5 Nathaniel Wright, Simon Stallard, Dylan Cozens, Daniel Ball, Harrison Gregory

Central Manawatu 3 Nathan Cooksley 2, Jerram Tuck Northern 2 Jan Fischer, Bakr Al-Saudi

Capital 3 Lucas Da Silva 2, Miroslav Malivuk Auckland 4 Marvin Eakins 2, Dylan Manickum, Matt Lieshout

08



09



The Football Ferns made history in September, with stunning victories over Brazil and China powering them to victory in the prestigious Valais Cup in Switzerland. Power of Five caught up with coach Tony Readings this month, and learned that futsal played a significant role in the team’s preparations. Such is Readings’ belief in the benefits of our favourite small-sided game that futsal will continue to play its part in the Ferns’ programme as they head towards FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015.

Can you tell us a little bit about the part futsal has played in the Ferns’ preparations this year? Who have they been working with, where have the sessions taken place and have all the squad been involved?The players have been working once a week with Felipe Bernardi - the Futsal Whites assistant coach. There have been a mixture of sessions at Trusts Stadium, Waitakere and Massey University, Albany. The Football Ferns squad is spread across different countries so only the domestic based players have taken part. This has meant that these players have received more intensive coaching and support.

How many sessions have they had? And what form have these sessions taken - futsal specific exercises – or games?The players have taken part in about twenty sessions so far this year. They

have been taken through a range of activities that all link to the Football Ferns playing style. The sessions have also been linked to the individual technical/tactical strategies players have used in internationals this year. There has been a specific focus on individual development increasing decision-making and technical capabilities.

What is your feeling about futsal for established, adult football players. Do you think it can provide benefits? Some football coaches appear reluctant to involve their players in futsal for fear their players will pick up ‘bad habits’. Do you think this is valid or an unnecessary fear?The Ferns players have really embraced the futsal sessions and have taken a lot from them. The repetition of receiving the ball in less time and space provides benefit for football players of all ages. The requirement in futsal for subtle movements to create space for others and yourself also transfer into football at the highest level when time and space is restricted. Futsal can provide many good habits that can crossover into football.

Did the futsal sessions provide some specific benefits for the Ferns? Has futsal in some way contributed to the team’s success at the valais Cup? If so, how?Futsal forms a strong part of the Football Ferns programme and in conjunction with football training has seen the players improve their ability to handle

the ball under pressure. The team is now playing against the best teams in the world more often and have improved their ability to maintain possession. A lot of the good habits demanded in futsal such as effective receiving and vision and awareness would have contributed towards this.

Will you continue to use futsal as part of the Ferns’ programme?Futsal will remain part of the weekly training programme for the foreseeable future. The technical benefits seen

TONY rEADINGSINTErvIEW

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

in addition to the enjoyment of the players, make it an integral part of the programme moving forward.

What about futsal overall – particularly for young players. Do you think futsal has an important role to play in the development of junior and youth football players? Increasing the number of quality training hours benefits all young players. Futsal places additional demands on players that improves both their decision

making and technique. These can easily crossover into football where increased speed of actions and decisions result in enhanced performance. Futsal also provides variety and enjoyment which motivates players to train more often.

Would you encourage young female players to take up futsal? Where might futsal fit in a young player’s programme?All young players would benefit by having futsal as part of their training programmes. NZ Football have identified

that the there is a gap compared to the best teams in world in tactical decision making and technical execution under pressure. Futsal demands that players do these with pace and accuracy under constant pressure which will have a positive impact on the ability of players. Futsal, in combination with football training provides not only technical/tactical benefits but also good variety in players’ training programmes.

“THE FErNS HAvE rEALLY EMBrACED THE FUTSAL SESSIONS AND HAvE TAKEN A LOT FrOM

THEM. THE rEPETITION OF rECEIvING THE BALL IN LESS TIME AND SPACE PrOvIDES BENEFIT FOr

FOOTBALL PLAYErS OF ALL AGES. ”

11



16



PHOTO: PHOTOTEKDAVID PLOWRIGHTPHOTO: PHOTOTEK

ETTA ALAYYANPHOTO: PHOTOTEK

CLAYTON CHAPPELLPHOTO: OFC

ELIAS BILLEHPHOTO: OFC

MITCH WEBBERPHOTO: PHOTOTEK

13



2009 and recently returned from a stint in Australia to pair up with his friend and rival Billeh between the sticks for Auckland in the ASB National Futsal League.

MITCH WEBBERAt just seventeen, Webber is the ‘baby’ of the current top five. He is in the fortunate position of being able to work with the more experienced campaigners. On the international scene, his goal for NZ Invitation against New Caledonia in July was one of the highlights of the tournament.

DAVID PLOWRIGHTThe extroverted Plowright first caught most people’s eye in his debut OFC Futsal Championship in Fiji in 2011. During a commanding performance against vanuatu in the third place playoff, the former Wellingtonian saved two penalties in the shoot out while scoring from the spot himself. Now based in Australia, the tall Plowright is seeking to add to his experience in the top futsal competition across the Tasman.

When did you first start to play futsal?ELIAS: My first taste of futsal was during my childhood back in Jordan. As children we used to play small-sided football games on the flattest street in the neighbourhood. Upon arrival in New Zealand at the age of 14, I joined a social school team and began to play futsal regularly.

ATTA: My first real introduction to futsal was at a national tournament organised by the Palmerston North Omani Students Association called the ‘MUSA Champions

The Futsal Whites have made no secret of their desire to qualify for FIFA Futsal World Cup Columbia 2016. One of the first requirements of making that dream a reality is the need for at least two top-notch goalkeepers. Fortunately for New Zealand, the national scene is blessed with a great range of futsal specialists, from youngsters like Mitch Webber from Hawke’s Bay, to the Futsal Whites’ most experienced custodian, Elias Billeh. Power of Five decided to take a look at the current top five ‘keepers, ask them what brought them to futsal, what it takes to be a top ‘keeper and to have a look at their thoughts on what it will take to reach Columbia.

ELIAS BILLEHAuckland based Elias Billeh has been New Zealand’s number one keeper over the last decade, having racked up numerous appearances at the OFC Championships. The smallest but most experienced of the keepers, Billeh is something of a perfectionist, whose flexibility and bravery are second to none. ATTA ELAYYANMainland’s Elayyan catapulted himself into Futsal Whites contention with a series of commanding performances for Mainland in the ASB Futsal National League. Since that time he has pushed Billeh hard for the starting spot in the Futsal Whites lineup and continues to grow in stature.

CLAYTON CHAPPELLElegant shot stopper Clayton Chappell has been on the international scene since

League’. It was here that I would first compete against the likes of Baker Al-Saudi, Oudhah ragued, Jakub Sinkora, Felipe Bernardi and many of other players currently playing in the ASB Futsal National League. The speed of the game, the skills on display and the adrenalin rush I got playing against such quality opposition was an eye opener for me. I left that tournament on an absolute high and have been playing competitive futsal ever since.

CLAYTON: I was first introduced to futsal by fellow Futsal White Bakr Al-Saudi when I was playing football down at my local club Eastern Suburbs at the age of 18. He asked me if I would like to join his Monday night futsal team and ever since that day futsal has been my number one priority in life!

MITCH: I was first introduced to futsal in 2007, at the age of 11, after Paul Toohey initiated the leagues at Pettigrew Green Area in Hawkes Bay. I started playing futsal regularly at the age of 13 two years later.

DAvID: I was first introduced to futsal when I visited Barcelona at the age of 18. I had just finished a tour of the Camp Nou, when I saw a crowd entering the Palau Blaugrana (the indoor arena home to the basketball, handball, roller hockey, and futsal divisions of FC Barcelona) for a División de Honor futsal match. I bought a ticket out of curiosity and was completely blown away by the game. The speed and skill on display was breath-taking and the atmosphere electric. I returned to New Zealand in 2007 and was the first player to sign up to Capital City Futsal in Wellington.

THE ’KEEPErSINTErvIEW

ELIAS BILLEH ATTA ELAYYAN MITCH WEBBER CLAYTON CHAPPELL DAVID PLOWRIGHT

14



What do you like about futsal?ELIAS: What appeals to me most is the speed, intense tactical aspects and discipline of the game. Additionally, with only five players on the court, futsal teams are usually a tighter unit than most other sports, as the players have nowhere to hide in futsal.

ATTA: Simply put, futsal is an exciting game. The ball moves fast, there are plenty of goals - and saves - and the action is nonstop. Every player needs to be highly competent at defending, distributing and finishing and player ‘roles’ are far less defined than they are in outdoor. This is also the case when it comes to the futsal goalkeeper. I often find myself attacking with the ball, assisting goals and sometimes even scoring some myself which isn’t uncommon even at an international level. The level of involvement and the impact a futsal goalkeeper has on the game is what I love most about the sport.

CLAYTON: There are a lot of factors for why I love futsal so much. The speed and how

fast the tempo is compared to outdoor for a start. Also, you are more involved not only getting in the way of shots at goal but as a goalkeeper you are starting most of your team’s attack as well.

MITCH: I love all aspects of futsal, and strongly believe they suit all aspects of my game. A game is played at such a high intensity where, unlike football, you always have to be focused as you can have a ball coming for you from anywhere on the court. From a keeper’s perspective, this makes the game a lot more enjoyable.

DAvID: I love the intensity of the game. It requires you to be focused every single second of the match. Goalkeepers in futsal are much more involved in the game than what they are in football, not only through stopping goals being scored, but also as the first line of attack.

What attracted you to goalkeeping? Any goalkeepers you admire - current or past? Football keepers are okay too...

ELIAS: As goalkeepers our involvement and impact on the game is crucial to a team’s success. The required communication, management and leadership aspects of the position in controlling the team in both attack and defence is what really attracts me to the position. Additionally, the technical, ball distribution and body positioning aspect of the position ensures that there is never a dull moment in the goalkeeping position. Technically, Luis Amado is a goalkeeper that I admire and aspire to learn from. Cristian Domínguez is another keeper that I have been studying - specifically focusing on his calm and composed approach to the game and the goalkeeping position. It was also a pleasure to briefly meet Cristian in 2012 in Barcelona.

ATTA: Oddly enough, throughout my teens I used to play as a striker. It wasn’t until the age of 18 that I got between the sticks after filling in for an injured keeper. I had a blast diving around, putting my body on the line and making saves so that’s where I stayed! Futsal goalkeepers are continually being tested and require a huge level of focus, determination and training because every mistake usually results in a conceded goal. I love the challenge this brings and the feeling of pressure and responsibility that comes along with it. To this day, my all-time favourite futsal goalkeeper is Hungary’s Zoltan Balazs. However I also loved watching Louis Amado, Mostafa Nazari and more recently Stefano Mammarella.

CLAYTON: At a young age I always liked the thought of trying to keep goals out, diving around and being a show pony! A goalkeeperthat I admired at a young age was Peter Schmeichel - he was the best keeper in the world and played for Manchester United who I have followed all my life.

MITCH: In 2006, at my first 11th grade football team training, I put my hand up to be goalkeeper as we didn’t have one in our team. Since then I have always played in goal in both football and futsal. I believe as I have gotten older, futsal goalkeeping has come to suit me, as I would be too short to make it in football goalkeeping, where as not being so tall in futsal can be an advantage. I currently am a fan of Asmir

MITCH WEBBERPHOTO: PHOTOTEK

15



Begovic, Stoke City goal keeper, as he is an example of a kid bought up playing futsal, and regularly makes spectacular futsal technique saves in the outdoor game.

DAvID: It’s a position that quite suits my character. I thrive on the pressure that comes with being the goalkeeper. It’s a position which requires you to be a leader on the court. I think you get away with a lot more things being a goalkeeper (especially with referees!) Current Inter Movistar and ex Spanish international Luis Amado is the futsal goalkeeper I admire the most. Also Cristian from FC Barcelona Alusport. In football I admired Edwin van der Sar for his composure on the ball and ability to make everything look simple. Peter Schmeichel is also a favourite due to his aggression and ability to dominate his area. I look to all of these goalkeepers as inspiration to model my game on.

What futsal league are you playing in at the moment - tell us a little bit about the competition and your team? Any other Futsal Whites in your team?ELIAS: I am currently playing in the Premier League at AFF East City Futsal based in ASB Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand. AFF East City Futsal is the oldest futsal club in New Zealand producing some of the greatest current and past Futsal Whites. I am playing in a team called Tika Taka. Marvin Eakins, Futsal Whites captain, and myself initiated this team as a development team for young futsal players. Marvin and I have used this opportunity to continue growing the next generation of futsal players and the game itself. Stephen Ashby, a player of Tika Taka, has seen significant growth as a futsal player and is now part of the Futsal Whites, with a great future ahead of him.

ATTA: I play in Mainland’s Senior Division One. Division One has several quality sides, many of which have ‘bitter’ rivalries which always makes things interesting! Due to the Christchurch earthquake, a shortage in venues meant the league was played on half-sized courts, however this season has seen the introduction of an international-sized court which has substantially improved the level of play. My team

‘Al-Shabab FC’ has been together since 2008 and primarily consists of players with Middle Eastern backgrounds. We currently don’t have any other Futsal Whites in our team however five of us are members of the Mainland travelling squad. We are very competitive and have won the league on multiple occasions.

CLAYTON: I am currently living and playing my futsal in Melbourne for the Bayside Pirates Futsal Club and we play in the Melbourne Premier League which is the only FFA-approved league in Melbourne. Our club is very privileged to have the services of Futsalroos goalkeeper coach roger Cua. Since I arrived at the club, I have learnt a lot from roger and have even been invited to attend the sessions he takes with the Futsalroos keepers which I hope to attend in the near future! I also have fellow Futsal White James vaughan in the team - his presence has been a big factor this season with all his futsal knowledge and coaching certificates under his belt.

MITCH: I am currently playing in a local high school league and a club league, but more importantly, in the ASB Futsal National League for Central – Hawke’s Bay. The team I am is a very young team, with our oldest player 24, and half of our travelling squad is still at high school. I believe as a team we are making progress and aiming on maintaining our squad for seasons to come. Our team is captained by young Futsal White Tai Barham, with other extended squad members including Dan Ball, Nathaniel Wright and reiner Bauerfeind.

DAvID: I am currently playing for Phoenix FC in the NSW Futsal Premier League in Australia which is widely regarded as the league with the highest playing standard in the country. Futsal Whites coach Scott Gilligan is also the Head Coach at Phoenix FC. I am playing against current or former Futsalroos every week so the competition overall is of very high quality. The speed of the game is very quick; matches are very much end to end for the duration of the game, so I am kept busy!

DAVID PLOWRIGHTPHOTO: PHOTOTEK

16



Do you still play outdoor? If so, who for? What league?ELIAS: My early selection into the Futsal Whites lead towards me dropping the outdoor game at the early age of seventeen. As a goalkeeper, I quickly identified that I needed dedication and focus on futsal as the position had significant technical differences from football.

ATTA: I haven’t played outdoor for years. I’m of the opinion that regularly playing outdoor can be detrimental to futsal goalkeeper. Keeping in futsal requires you to stay on your feet for as long as possible, diving only when it’s absolutely necessary, relying on body position and trusting your reflexes as opposed to pre-emption. Yes, many of these hold true in outdoor - however it’s far more often that outdoor keepers need to dive around, pre-empt shots and the body position and angles used are completely different in futsal! I found it too challenging to train my brain to switch between both styles so decided to put all of my focus into futsal. To this day, I am still ironing out the

‘bad habits’ I picked up from my outdoor days.

CLAYTON: No - as of this year I have given up all outdoor football to try and concentrate and spend as much time possible training and learning more about the game.

MITCH: When I was younger, I had a lot of success in football. Competing in the ASB Youth League and trialling for the New Zealand U-17s are some of my highlights. Now, as I am more focused on futsal, I have decided from next year to only play in one club team throughout the winter to keep up my skills and fitness. I strongly believe that the skills I have learnt from futsal help me a lot in my outdoor game, and vice versa.

DAvID: I am currently awaiting trials for the National Premier Leagues in Sydney. In the meantime, I have recently completed my FFA Goalkeeping Certificate, as goalkeeper coaching is a pathway I am looking to go down. As much as I enjoy football, futsal will always be my priority especially as we edge

closer to qualifying for the 2016 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Colombia.

How about the ASB Futsal National League? What is your feeling about the strength of the league now compared to when you first played at national level?ELIAS: I had been playing in the national competitions before it officially became the ASB Futsal National League with the total backing of NZ Football. Since my first involvement in the national league the level of competition has seen exponential growth. Early on, two teams used to dominate the league - Capital and Auckland. Today, the league has an even field for all of the federation, with great futsal being played. The league is also seeing a young futsal generation like never before and this is all thanks to a focused and well run ASB National Futsal League.

ATTA: The strength of the league has grown exponentially since I began playing in 2011. Initially it was primarily a two horse race between Capital and Auckland. If I remember correctly, we didn’t win a single game the year I joined, only to reach the finals the very next year losing to an undefeated Auckland. Then you have last year’s league, where it was a toss-up between five federations and where the victors, Northern, had never previously achieved a top four finish. Fast forward to today and you have a league where literally any team is capable of taking it out! In short, every federation has made leaps and bounds in such a short period of time. Many of the young players coming through are absolute class and I have no doubt the strength of the league will continue to grow as it has been these past few years.

CLAYTON: Every year the ASB National Futsal League gets stronger and stronger. At the moment, any team can beat each other on their day compared to three or four years ago when you only had the likes of the AFF East City and Capital Futsal teams with decent players. The amount of younger players coming through is fantastic and getting them involved while they are at a young age is only going to make the Futsal Whites stronger in the years to come!

CLAYTON CHAPPELLPHOTO: OFC

17



MITCH: I first played in the league in 2011 at fifteen, and was amazed at the standard of some of the teams. But this league was strongly dominated by the likes of Auckland and Canterbury back then. After the first series of the 2013 league, I can see that all teams are up there competing. Some teams are more consistent than others, but any team is capable of taking points from anyone. I can only see this league growing stronger in the future and playing a massive part in the development of the Futsal Whites.

DAvID: Every year I am blown away by how much the ASB Futsal National League has improved. This year’s move towards implementing the stop clock to further align ourselves with FIFA regulations is a brilliant step to preparing current and future Futsal Whites for elite level futsal. Comparing the first national futsal competition in 2009, when there were only two top level teams with Capital Futsal and AFF East City Futsal, to today where we are seeing a higher quality playing field is a true testament to the hard work Dave Payne and the Federation Futsal Development Officers have done.

What about the other goalkeepers in New Zealand – do you feel there is a lot of competition for places in the Futsal Whites?ELIAS: As goalkeepers, we are a small-knit group and we all recognise that. We all act in a brotherly manner, meaning we completely support and encourage each other, yet have this unwritten rivalry between us, which is absolutely great.New Zealand has very talented goalkeepers and the competition to play at the highest level gets harder every day. My only wish is we get a dedicated goalkeeping coach, such as Andy reading. This would ensure the goalkeeping position gets the required focus it needs, especially as the game continues to grow, bringing on new and younger players.

ATTA: We have a wealth of talent here in New Zealand when it comes to goalkeepers. There is a brilliant mix of senior players with international experience and talented youth who are hungry to learn. We are fortunate to have a great bunch of guys who support each other and push each other despite

the fact that we’re essentially competing for the same spots. We are always sharing our knowledge, giving positive feedback, constructive criticism and critiquing each other to help raise the bar. I personally believe the coaching staff have a very difficult job when it comes to goalkeeper selection and that’s a good problem to have!

CLAYTON: Futsal goalkeepers have really improved in New Zealand over recent times, and now that Andy reading is involved we have a platform and guidance to work with. Most of the National League keepers have worked together which is great as we all get along well and push each other. This also keeps us on our toes and the competition tight!

MITCH: I strongly feel there is a lot of competition. This is a great thing for me personally, and I assume for all the other goalkeepers. We push each other harder, and get on with each other so well. With the other four keepers currently in the squad, there is so much experience between them,

and as a young keeper, it is a privilege to be able to learn from them. But not just now, in the future, there will always be competition. I have been coaching goalkeepers as young as 10 what I have learnt from Andy reading, and I know how much this will benefit them as they grow up. I only wish I had that coaching when I was younger. Being at the ASB Junior/Youth Festival and Championship in Wellington earlier this year, it was amazing to see some of the natural talent coming through, with young players having fantastic potential.

DAvID: There is definitely a lot of competition for places in the Futsal Whites as a goalkeeper – and we would not want it any other way. There is a real brotherhood amongst the Futsal White goalkeepers. We all celebrate each other’s successes and push each other to get better. The real turning point for goalkeepers in New Zealand was Andy reading’s arrival before the inaugural ASB Trans-Tasman series in 2012. Andy has revolutionised futsal goalkeeping in New Zealand through his

ELIAS BILLEHPHOTO: OFC

18



coaching work during his time here. His YouTube training videos are a fantastic resource. I am extremely excited to work with him again in the future.

What ambitions do you hold for your Futsal White career?ELIAS: As a senior player of the Futsal Whites, my highest priority and goal is to qualify for the 2016 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Colombia. Ensuring that I remain healthy and injury free, my ambition is to continue playing the game I love at the highest level and to qualify for more World Cups and international competitions. Long term, I would love to continue to be a part of the Futsal Whites in a strategic and analytical manner for the team. I would specifically like to focus on the coaching and development of future Futsal Whites goalkeepers.

ATTA: I have a very clear goal, and that is to represent New Zealand at the 2016 FIFA Futsal World Cup. If I am fortunate enough to achieve that goal, I’d like to play a vital role in securing New Zealand its first ever win at a World Cup. Off the court, I aim to continue coaching futsal goalkeepers and contribute where I can to grow the sport in New Zealand. I believe that both youth Futsal Whites goalkeepers Mitch Webber and Hamish Mitchell will be based in Christchurch next year so I’m super excited to train with them and pass on as much knowledge as I can.

CLAYTON: My ambition is to try and cement my spot within the Futsal White squad and help the Futsal Whites qualify for Columbia 2016 so we can put futsal on the map in New Zealand and get the new generation playing at a really young age!

MITCH: My ambitions are to keep working with the extended squad, learning as much as I can, and try to work my way up. My aim, once I have established myself in the Futsal Whites, is to have a long career.

DAvID: Since Scott Gilligan first arrived as Futsal Whites head coach in 2012, he has always stated that the end goal is qualification for the 2016 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Colombia and that is my ultimate goal as well. I hope to be able to qualify for

a further two World Cups after then too. During that time also, I want to be a major influence in developing the game of futsal in New Zealand and bringing through the next generation of Futsal Whites.

What in your opinion, does it take for New Zealand to get to FIFA Futsal World Cup Columbia 2016?ELIAS: Commitment and focus is crucial to the Futsal Whites success in qualifying. In my mind this is broken down into three parts: Individually - players that are selected to play at the highest level for New Zealand, need to give everything with respect to preparation in fitness, body conditioning and playing time; Club and national teams - ensure that all club and national teams are playing futsal in its purist form. Coaches and managers need to ensure that they embed what Scott Gilligan has been doing with the Futsal Whites. This is important to the development and foundation of the game, but this also allows the Futsal Whites to come together knowing the fundamentals and basics; Futsal Whites - the Futsal Whites need to continue to train together as often as possible and continue growing their game based on the fundamentals and basics they gain through the club and national teams. The Futsal Whites also need to ensure that they take back to their clubs and national teams, what they gain through camps and international tournaments to ensure continuation of national development. Most importantly, for the Futsal Whites to have a chance to qualify for the FIFA Futsal World Cup, they need to play as many international futsal games as possible at the highest level. International games provide a level of exposure and experience that cannot be gained through national level games and continuous practice. This is crucial as both the Solomon Islands and Tahiti teams have a pathway set for the qualifiers.

ATTA: After the brilliant performance at the Oceania Futsal Invitational, we have shown that World Cup qualification is well within our reach. Having said that, we must continue to rapidly improve, especially considering Tahiti will be spending eight months in Argentina and the Solomon Islands now know what we are capable of.

We have a brilliant coach in Scott Gilligan, however it’s essential that we train together on a regular basis to ensure we make the most of what he is teaching us. The harsh reality is we’re not professionals. By this I mean we don’t get paid to play which means every member of the squad will need to make huge sacrifices and commit to this goal if we want to compete against players whose lives are built around playing futsal. Finally, I would like to see the return of a dedicated goalkeeper coach such as Andy reading. In futsal, the goalkeeper’s performance has a huge impact on his teammates and the opposition. More often than not, it’s the goalkeepers who make or break a game and so investing in them makes a lot of sense. The level of goalkeeping skyrocketed in New Zealand after only a single week with Andy so I can only imagine how much better we would get if we had his expertise more frequently.

CLAYTON: Playing more and more internationals and training more frequently as a team. This year gone was the perfect stepping stone for what lies ahead! Tahiti tour, Trans-Tasman Cup, OFC and roadshows and it showed as we are now the “kings” of Oceania!

MITCH: As a team we have shown recently that we are capable of being the best team in Oceania. But to be able to compete again we are going to have to, as players, take a lot of personal responsibility to train within our region regularly, to develop our skills and knowledge.

DAvID: Both as a team and individually, we need to train and play as often as possible. The tour to Tahiti earlier this year was a real eye opener for us. The Tahitians train together three times a day nearly every day of the week and the improvements they have made since the 2011 OFC Futsal Championship are remarkable. It gave us a real idea of what was required to become the top team in Oceania for the 2013 OFC Futsal Invitational and to our credit we worked hard and achieved that goal. We have set the new standard for futsal in Oceania but cannot afford to rest on our laurels, as Tahiti and the Solomon Islands will come back even stronger.

19



What qualities does a young goalkeeper require to succeed in futsal? Are they the same things as in football? Or are there some other characteristics needed to be a top futsal keeper?ELIAS: In my opinion body conditioning is a very important aspect of goalkeeping in futsal. The techniques (split saves, blocks, etc..) used in futsal goalkeeping require certain body flexibility, quick reflexes and reactions that are different to the outdoor game. The hard court surface, also increases the likelihood of injures, so ensuring that the body is well tuned and maintained helps minimise injuries and hopefully lengthens a career. Young goalkeepers need to gain the right understanding of body positioning for saves and ball distribution, both by hand and feet, as soon as they start getting into the game, as technically it’s easier to train a fresh mind than to try to change a bad or inefficient technique later on in a career. Lastly, goalkeepers are the eyes of a team and by being able to read a game, goalkeepers can then communicate, manage and lead their teams to great success.

ATTA: As I touched on earlier, there are several qualities in common with football - however, it’s a very different style of keeping. In futsal, the top keepers minimise the need to make saves by effectively managing their teammates, which requires strong communication and leadership skills. Good vision, the ability to read the game and create goal scoring opportunities by distributing the ball with both hands and feet are another important quality so being able to dribble, pass, chip and shoot accurately are all important skills that should not be neglected. Finally, quick reflexes and flexibility are also qualities that young keepers should continue refining as staying upright for as long as possible and relying on one’s feet to make saves are a very important aspect of the game.

CLAYTON: To me there are some qualities that are the same as football goalkeeping but the majority of futsal keeping is quite different. Yes - you need to have agility for both but in futsal you need to learn to stay big and stay on your feet for as long as

possible. I highly recommend working on ball skills as well, as you can get closed down by attackers very quickly and often need to start an attack with your feet.

MITCH: To be a great futsal keeper, it isn’t so much about what qualities you have, but how you incorporate them into your goalkeeping technique. The most important one is to have good reactions and agility, as these relate to the shot stopping aspect of goalkeeping, although I have seen outstanding goalkeepers who haven’t been agile, but use other attributes such as positioning to suit them. Being able to use your feet is also an important part of goalkeeping, so balancing outfield trainings with keeper training is essential. Also something you need is to be fearless - not being afraid to throw your body in front of the ball.

DAvID: Goalkeepers in football and futsal are becoming far more similar as football goalkeepers are required to play much like

a sweeper in today’s game. As we tend to use our feet much more, I would encourage young goalkeepers to involve themselves in outfield drills as much as possible. Not only will this help your technique but your awareness will improve as well. You definitely need to be brave with coming off your line to close down attackers at close range and confident in your communication with your team mates. Also look to work on your distribution as goalkeepers in futsal are the first line of attack. Lastly, never be afraid to ask any of the senior futsal goalkeepers for advice about your game. We are more than happy to help out!

ETTA ALAYYANPHOTO: PHOTOTEK


www.nzfootball.co.nz | www.nzffutsal.co.nz | Follow the Futsal Whites on Facebook

power of five - nov 2013

Documents

futsal course

new course

futsal coaches

futsal development officers

adult futsal players

new coaching award

capital futsal payne

technical aspects of