Jamaica to host first-ever FUTSAL course

Football's world governing body, FIFA, will host its first FUTSAL coaching course here next month.

The course, which runs from October 12-16, will be conducted by FIFA's FUTSAL Development Consultant, Graeme Dell, reports CMC.

FUTSAL is a five-a-side format of football which is played largely indoors.

The course is scheduled to be held at the University of Technology campus in the capital here, with representatives from parish associations and national coaches among those expected to attend.

"This course continues the JFF's unrelenting policy of improving the knowledge base of coaches in all aspects of the sport," the Jamaica Football Federation said.

Other than beach football, FUTSAL is the only version of small sided football officially approved by FIFA.

"The nature of the game places a large emphasis on technical skill and ability in situations of high pressure, and is subsequently an excellent breeding ground for football competencies that can be translated into the 11-a-side format of the game."

Dell, an Englishman, is expected to bring a knowledgeable approach to the course as he is widely credited for developing the format in England.

He is FIFA's first ever FUTSAL development consultant and has been employed by the England FA as their FUTSAL coach for the last 12 years.