Held in Aurora, Ontario, these sessions provided coaches with the skills and knowledge needed to enhance the quality of futsal coaching in Ontario, while furthering the sport’s growth and impact on player development.  

Futsal, recognized by FIFA and UEFA as the official form of 5-a-side indoor soccer, has long been celebrated for its ability to improve players' technical abilities and tactical awareness. Ontario Soccer’s 2022-2026 Strategic Plan prioritizes futsal as a vital component of soccer development, recognizing its capacity to foster physical literacy and fundamental soccer skills in young players. 

The courses offered an in-depth exploration of futsal, focusing on essential technical skills such as dribbling, passing, and ball control, which are crucial for young players’ overall development. 

Coaches who completed the courses shared their excitement about the new opportunities available to them and their players. Zach Ellis-Hayden, a coach with BVB Waterloo, reflected on the importance of coaching themes in training:

"The session that was run by the coach earlier was all about receiving. For me, the big point was the theme—he stuck with that theme throughout the entire session, from the warm-up to the activity to the small-sided game. As a coach, it was interesting to see how that theme remained prevalent, and it helped me see how important it is to keep the focus consistent throughout the session." 

Ellis-Hayden also discussed how futsal coaching has helped him refine his skills when coaching soccer, particularly in developing player creativity:

"There are major similarities between soccer and futsal, but futsal's tight spaces and the focus on creativity make a huge difference in how players develop. Working with less space forces players to think faster and more creatively, and that’s a huge benefit when transferring those skills to soccer."

Chris Markou, a coach from Ancaster Legacy Football Club, emphasized the importance of building a strong foundation of basic skills to ensure long-term success in futsal coaching: 
 
“For me, it’s all about the fundamentals. If we get the basics right, we can build from there. Creating a strong foundation will help us develop this program and sport for years to come. Futsal has so much potential, and it starts with making sure our coaches are well-equipped with the right knowledge to pass on to the players.” 

Markou also shared his thoughts on the importance of quick decision-making in futsal coaching: 

Futsal is very dynamic, and it requires a lot of quick decision-making. It’s a fast-paced game where players have to think and act quickly. As a coach, that’s something I’m still learning how to translate effectively to my players. I hope these courses will give me the tools to help them make better decisions under pressure.

Both coaches emphasized the importance of investing in futsal coaching education as a way to ensure the sport’s growth in Ontario and across Canada. Ellis-Hayden encouraged others to pursue futsal coaching certification: 

"I would definitely recommend this course. The more knowledge you have as a coach, the better. Even if you don’t continue with futsal, the skills you learn here will improve your coaching across the board, especially in terms of creativity and technical development."

Markou also stressed the importance of continuing to learn as a coach and to seek out new methods for player development: 

To anyone considering this course, I would say go for it. It’s a great foundation to get started in futsal coaching. From there, keep learning by watching different leagues and exploring new resources. It’s all about gaining knowledge and applying it to benefit your players.

Ontario Soccer is committed to continuing its support for futsal coaching development and player growth. The completion of these courses is just the beginning, with more education opportunities and futsal events on the horizon. Matt Ferreira, Director of Development at Ontario Soccer, emphasized the importance of building a robust futsal culture across the province: 
 
“We’re seeing incredible enthusiasm for futsal, and it’s clear that the coaches are eager to help their players develop their skills. These courses are a significant milestone, but they’re just the start. We are committed to growing futsal in Ontario and providing coaches with the tools to nurture the next generation of talented futsal players.” 

Markou echoed this sentiment, saying, “If we get the basics right, we can create a strong foundation for futsal. Building the fundamentals will ensure the sport grows in the right way and has a lasting impact.” 

For more information on upcoming futsal courses and to register, visit Ontario Soccer's Futsal Coach Education webpage.