Sports Talk: Kids stay on the ball with futsal

Football is the game the world plays. It is the simplest game to play yet one of the most difficult to master, which is why it fascinates billions of people across the globe.

The WaiBOP Football Federation is charged with overseeing the governance and management of football in the Bay of Plenty as well as the Waikato. Across the region, senior clubs are involved in federation-wide and local men's, women's and youth leagues. WaiBOP also runs the region's junior competitions, which involve children from as young as 4. In total, we saw over 9000 games played across the WaiBOP region at senior, youth and junior level during 2012.

Without the clubs and schools, however, football would not be able to function. Literally, thousands of volunteers across the region make football work. There will be a club located near you and you can visit the WaiBOP website to find out where your nearest club is located - www.waibopfootball.co.nz.

The clubs and schools are supported by WaiBOP's network of football development officers and coaches. These coaches assist with the coach and player development process across the region.

Your area's FDO can be found on the WaiBOP website's contact page.

Futsal is the new kid on the block and is being actively promoted throughout the region, particularly within the schools.

Futsal is the only Fifa and NZ Football-approved version of five-a-side football and is the world's fastest growing indoor sport.

It is played with five players on a court and with a smaller, heavier ball. Leagues are being established in our region with a view to promoting Futsal as the summer sport of choice for our region's youth.

During term three, WaiBOP has established a number of new futsal leagues across the region, with the Bay of Plenty area taking the lead.

If you want to give futsal a go you can play in Tauranga, Rotorua and Whakatane with leagues running for junior, youth and senior players. For more information contact Joe Dixon, WaiBOP's Futsal Development Officer - joe.d@waibop.co.nz or 027 742 1190.

If you are interested in getting involved in football or futsal, whether as a player, coach or administrator visit our website.

Cam Mitchell is the chief executive of Waikato Bay of Plenty Football.