Futsal is trending in Peel Halton Soccer Association (PHSA). The Association just experienced a huge growth in the playing of this fast paced and fun filled game that enhances skill and technique. Their youth league has doubled in the number of teams registered from last year. The men’s division is about to start its third year of operations, as the only Futsal standards-based league in Ontario, and on the horizon a potential women’s division.

One of the key components of the growth of the sport is coaching education. PHSA is extremely fortunate and pleased to have in their district an AFC Elite FIFA Futsal instructor, Shahab Sofalmanesh, who has delivered numerous Futsal coaching clinics through Asia, over the last ten years. Recently PHSA hosted a Level 1 Futsal Coaching clinic, at Canlan Sportsplex, led by Shahab and with participation from Roy Blanche, FCT President and Futsal Coaching Instructor.

The course was held over 16 hours and featured theory and practical sessions. The clinic was extremely well received by the coaches in attendance, and it was great to see coaches from different clubs from across the GTA and as far away as London.

In addition this fall. there have been five OSA level 1 referee futsal courses in different parts of the province including: Vaughan, Waterloo, Ottawa and Sudbury. In all 82 new futsal referees have graduated and it is great to see young referees taking the Futsal course.