Monday 23 May 2016, 15:03

Medellin hosts futsal administration course as part of FIFA training programme

In conjunction with the hosting of the FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016, and as part of its training programme, FIFA has organised various courses and activities with the aim of stimulating the development of participants connected with futsal – directors, referees and coaches, from professional to grassroots. These activities will therefore mean that everyone involved in the sport can make the most of this World Cup and the events around it.

The events kicked off in April with a course for referees which focused on teaching and updating participants’ knowledge about various aspects of the Futsal Laws of the Game. Following the referees’ course, the futsal administration course was held from 16 to 20 May in Medellín, timed to coincide with the draw for the Futsal World Cup 2016. It was led by Javier Lozano and attended by 25 presidents and directors of clubs and businesses in Colombia. The main theory and practical topics covered were marketing, communications, branding, writing a business plan, fan engagement and strategic planning.

In concrete terms, the futsal administration course is designed to strengthen the organisational structure of futsal clubs and associations, to improve their efficiency, and to provide a solid basis for the professionalisation of the sport.

In the months before the World Cup, FIFA plans to offer two further courses in Colombia. The first will be a training course in July focusing on the grassroots level and aimed at developing, promoting and increasing participation in futsal from a young age. The second will be held during the competition in September, and will give coaches the opportunity to analyse the technical and tactical aspects of the sport.

Brent Rahim, manager of futsal and beach soccer development at FIFA and organiser of the courses, said: “Colombian futsal will benefit enormously from the FIFA Futsal World Cup. From September, the stage will be set to promote the sport in this country and to attract the interest of a much wider public. As administrators, we, together with the Colombian Football Association, must make the most of this opportunity to continue developing this fantastic sport, not only during the World Cup but also, and more importantly, after the competition.”