NATIONAL LEAGUE REvIEW FUTSAL WHITES ... - Futsal4all - Futsal

THE MAGAZINE OF NEW ZEALAND FOOTBALL FUTSAL ISSUE 1 MAY 2011PHOTO: OFCNational League ReviewFutsal Whites 2011GRAEME DELL VISITZealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power Matt of Five” Chandler Black Marvin & White EakinsMIROSLAV MAJORCentre REPORTS

11New Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010New Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010National League MVP Daniel Fulton in action.PHOTO: Damian Briggs Photography

03reviewNational LeagueNew Zealand Football| FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBNew Zealand Football| FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010Sydney-based Maccabi Hakoah won theinaugural NZ Football Futsal NationalLeague after a 2-0 victory over CapitalCity Futsal in the major final at ASBStadium in Auckland in March.After taking out the minor premiership bya runaway 14 points at the conclusion ofSeries Three, Maccabi proved too strong forthe best New Zealand sides, demolishingRed Sox Manawatu 4-0 in the semi finalbefore second half goals from JordanMundell and Jarrod Basger were enoughfor the visitors to take the title over a welldrilledCapital side.Nineteen year old Basger also took outthe Golden Boot award with 16 goals infifteen series games, while team mateDaniel Fulton picked up the overall NationalLeague MVP. Meanwhile Capital Citygoalkeeper David Plowright took out theGolden Glove after excellent performancesacross the three Series’ in Wellington,Dunedin and Auckland.Maccabi, Capital City and East City allperformed well throughout the three SeriesLeague, while the less experienced RedSox, Football South Futsal and ChristchurchFutsal teams were left to battle it out for thefourth play-off spot.Series One | WellingtonMaccabi Hakoah 0 v Capital City Futsal 0Red Sox 0 v East City 3Christchurch Futsal 0 v Football South Futsal 6East City 2 v Capital City Futsal 4Christchurch Futsal 2 v Maccabi Hakoah 15Football South Futsal 3 v Red Sox 1Christchurch Futsal 1 v Capital City Futsal 7Football South Futsal 4 v East City 4Maccabi Hakoah 7 v Red Sox 1East City 4 v Christchurch Futsal 1Maccabi Hakoah 4 v Football South Futsal 0Capital City Futsal 3 v Red Sox 0East City 3 v Maccabi Hakoah 4Capital City Futsal 2 Football South Futsal 0Red Sox 5 v Christchurch Futsal 1Series TWO | DunedinFootball South Futsal 2 v Red Sox 3Christchurch Futsal 0 v Capital City Futsal 0East City 2 v Maccabi Hakoah 4Red Sox 3 v Capital City Futsal 1East City 5 v Football South Futsal 1Maccabi Hakoah 3 v Christchurch Futsal 0East City 7 v Red Sox 5Football South Futsal 1 v Christchurch Futsal 4Maccabi Hakoah 3 v Capital City Futsal 0Football South Futsal 1 v Maccabi Hakoah 4Red Sox 4 v Christchurch Futsal 1Capital City Futsal 2 v East City 2Red Sox 1 v Maccabi Hakoah 4Capital City Futsal 6 v Football South Futsal 0Christchurch Futsal 1 v East City 9Series THREE | AucklandChristchurch Futsal 0 v East City 6Football South Futsal 2 v Maccabi Hakoah 2Capital City Futsal 4 v Red Sox 1East City 2 v Football South Futsal 3Christchurch Futsal 0 v Capital City Futsal 5Maccabi Hakoah 6 v Red Sox 2Football South 5 v Christchurch Futsal 2Capital City Futsal 1 v Maccabi Hakoah 2Red Sox Manawatu 1 v East City 3Maccabi Hakoah 7 v Christchurch Futsal 0Football South Futsal 4 v Red Sox Manawatu 4East City 8 v Capital City Futsal 1Red Sox Manawatu 3 v Christchurch Futsal 0Capital City Futsal 3 v Football South Futsal 1East City 2 v Maccabi Hakoah 3P W D L F A GD PtsMaccabi Hakoah 15 13 2 0 68 17 51 41Capital City Futsal 15 8 3 4 39 22 17 27East City 15 8 2 5 62 34 28 26Red Sox 15 5 1 9 34 49 -15 16Football South Futsal 15 4 3 8 32 46 -14 15Christchurch Futsal 15 1 1 13 13 80 -67 4GOLDEN BOOT16 J Basger (Maccabi Hakoah)12 D Manickum (East City)9 J Mundell (Maccabi Hakoah)8 D Dutra (Maccabi Hakoah)7 L Silva (Capital City Futsal), J Sinkora (East City), B Al-Saudi (East City), S McIntee (Football South Futsal), D Fulton(Maccabi Hakoah), G O’Connor (Red Sox)SEMI FINALSCapital City Futsal 1 v East City 0 Ina (38)Maccabi Hakoah 4 og (4), Dutra (6), Basger (20),Benda (29) v Red Sox 0FINALMaccabi Hakoah 2 Mundell (24), Basger (30) v Capital CityFutsal 0Golden Boot winner Jarrod Basger.PHOTO: Damian Briggs Photography

11New Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010New Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010“This is thestrongest squadyet and there isdefinite beliefthat we can makethe World Cup.”PHOTO: Inspire Photography

05Marvin EakinsNew Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBNew Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010InterviewFutsal Whites pivot Marvin Eakins’superb performances in Fiji last yearmade everyone at the OFC FutsalChampionships sit up and take notice.The New Zealand skipper had morecourt time than any other outfield playerand steered his inexperienced sidethrough the early stages of preparingfor a shot at qualifying for the 2012FIFA Futsal World Cup in Thailand. THEPOWER OF FIVE caught up with Eakinsas he prepared to enter the FutsalWhites high performance camp inHawke’s Bay.Marvin, tell us about your early days offootball - schools/club played for.I started playing football for my hometown, Papakura, when I was seven. My dadcoached me and has been a huge influencein my football career as well as my mum.I also played for Mt Wellington and Metroas a junior. I went to Auckland Grammarand was selected for the 1st XI when Iwas 5th form. From there I went onto bevice captain. We were a successful teamand during my years we won the AucklandLeague twice, the Cup twice and appearedin three National finals, winning one.What about senior football - both inAuckland and now Hawke’s Bay. Whatteams have you played for?When I left school I played for University-Mount Wellington and was there till 2006when they decided to pull out of theNorthern League. I had a season withPapakura then three good years withManurewa AFC. From there, I signed forHawke’s Bay United for the 2010/11season. Currently I am playing forMaycenvale in the Central League.And futsal? When did you first start playing?How did you get introduced to the game?I started playing futsal in 2006 for a socialteam at East City Indoor Soccer Club. Iwent from filling in every now and then tojoining a team permanently. From there Ihave been heavily involved with East Cityand developed my game there.What appeals to you about futsal?Futsal is such a fast paced game. You get alot of touches on the ball in a smaller areaand you are always involved. It improvesyour ability to play in and get out of tightareas and there can be a lot of goals!When were you first chosen for NZ?2008. I was named vice captain for theWorld Cup qualifiers that year.Can you tell us a little about your role asa pivot in the team? What are the keyattributes of a pivot?As a pivot I have a few important roles.I need to be able to organise the teamdefensively because I can see things thatmy team mates might not be able to.At times I may end up as the last line ofdefence so winning important tackles orslowing down the opposition so my teammates can get back becomes vital. Its notall defence though! As a pivot I can triggerattacks and score my fair share of goals.Which you did in Suva last year...Scoring those 2 goals against Vanuatu wasgreat and I enjoyed the moment. In sayingthat - when it comes to international futsal,every goal is vital.How does the team compare with teamsfrom previous campaigns? And how is thepreparation going?Every campaign the squad gets strongerand stronger. In my opinion this squad canget us to the World Cup. Preparation isgoing well. A lot of it has been put on theindividuals so I am sure they have all beenworking as hard as me.Though you missed the National FutsalLeague through football commitments - doyou feel the National League has been amajor factor in preparing the players forthis year’s campaign in Fiji?Unfortunately I couldn’t play in the NationalLeague but plan to in future competitions.The National League has given players thechance to play against quality opposition ona more regular basis. It has also providedan opportunity to put your hand up fornational selection.

11New Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010New Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010PHOTO: OFC“Futsal needs to get growing at all agesand switch everyone’s mentality from asocial game to a structured competitivesport in its own right. ”As you build up to the 2011 OFC Champswhat is the feeling amongst the squad? Doyou feel you have a chance of qualifying forthe 2012 World Cup?This is the strongest squad yet but weare aware that there are some qualityteams trying to achieve that same goal.The Solomons will go into the tournamentas strong favourites and deservedly so. Inour group we expect tough games fromFiji and Vanuatu. Not sure what to expectfrom Kiribati but you cannot afford to takeany team lightly. The quality in our playersphysically and mentally will be what gets usthrough.What about the future Marvin? Are pleasedwith how the futsal is developing in NewZealand?The future of the game slightly rests onhow well the national team does, so it putssome pressure on us to perform. With NewZealand Football behind us and peopleworking hard behind the scenes to get kidsinto the game, the future is looking good.Futsal needs to get growing at all ages andswitch everyone’s mentality from a socialgame to a structured competitive sport inits own right. The next few years will beimportant in the development in the game.You’ve been involved in futsal coachingalso. Is this something you’re keen tocontinue?One thing New Zealand lacks is people whotruly understand futsal and have the abilityto pass that on to others. I have enjoyed thecoaching that I have done and would loveto keep doing so. It gives me a chance toshare what I have learnt and to give back tothe game.You recently moved to Hawke’s Bay andhad a season in the ASB Premiership withHawke’s Bay United. How did it go?I really enjoyed my season with Hawke’sBay and relished the opportunity to playagainst and alongside quality players.To not quite get to the playoffs was gutwrenching.Obviously qualifying for the 2012 WorldCup is a huge ambition for you. What planshave you got for your futsal and footballover the next year or so?Qualification is what all my efforts willbe going towards. A chance to play ata World Cup is a dream of mine! I alsowant to play futsal in Europe so will betrying to increase my profile at theseinternational tournaments. Coaching willstill be important to me and I will takeany opportunity given to do so. HelpingMaycenvale do well in football is a bigcommitment I have and I will be givingmy all to make a few waves in the CentralLeague.

07JuniorReportNew Zealand Football| FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBNew Zealand Football| FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010AUckland 11s storm to victory inJanUary’s Australian NationalsAuckland Rio 11s were crownedchampions at January’s annual FootballFederation Australia Futsal NationalChampionships, beating ACT Cobras 4-2in a thrilling final at the Mpowerdome inCanberra.The tournament, which is Australia’s largestfootball event, features over 1500 junior,youth and senior male and female stateplayers, as well as teams from Aucklandand Solomon Islands.Five Auckland teams took part in the weeklong tournament, but it was the youthfulteam of 1999 born players lead by RobertTipelu who provided the major highlight forthe Aucklanders.A hat-trick from man of the match AhmedMohammadi was the main feature of arollercoaster final - with victory coming onthe back of four days of hard fought futsalagainst the more experienced Australianstate sides.Auckland Futsal CEO Craig Empson wasdelighted with Rio’s achievement andhighlighted the importance of the youngteam’s victory.“The boys faced highly technical, highlyexperienced players in every game. To gonine games unbeaten and win the finalwith two stunning goals in the final threeminutes is a huge achievement and amassive boost for futsal in New Zealand.”Empson was also quick to pay tribute toway all five Auckland teams stuck to theBrazilian style of futsal they have learnedfrom coaches Rafael and Felipe.“All the players learned so much at thetournament and they played some fantasticfutsal - particularly in the latter stages asthey grew in confidence”, said Empson.For us, it was confirmation that our style offutsal, which promotes flair and creativityat all times, can be successful at this highlevel, when the pressure is on.”“And while there were some outstandinggoals and individual performances from ourplayers, what also shone through was teamspirit of the whole Auckland contingent, theplayers and their families. We all can’t waitfor next year”, he said.Auckland Rio 11 Boys - 1 Nick MILNER, 2 Robert TIPELU,4 Ahamed MOHAMMADI, 5 Nani JUSUFI, 6 Jack VAUGHAN,7 Conor SHIMODA, 8 Leon VAN DEN HOVEN, 9 Ethan AMEY.v Victoria Magic Drew 5-5v Northern NSW Won 6-2v Western NSW Won 6-3v NSW Lightning Drew 2-2v ACT Cobras Won 5-2v Queensland Won 6-2QF v Southern NSW Won 8-1SF v NSW Lightning Won 2-1Final v ACT Cobras Won 4-2Auckland Sampa 11 Boys - 1 Anton MOORE, 3 RoryKELLY, 4 Jacob HOLMES, 6 Amanpreet BAINS, 7 JackKELLY, 8 Andre MUNRO-WILSON, 9 Matthew HARLAND.Auckland Rio 13 Boys - 1 Mitchell BRADLEY, 2 ErmalFUSHA, 4 Orlando KWOK-CAMERON, 6 Jimmy TOOHEY, 7Oscar RAMSEY, 8 Jake PORTER, 9 Isaac MOFFAT-YOUNG.Auckland Sampa 13 Boys - 1 Jono WESTON, 3 ReeseCOX, 4 Sean CLARK, 6 Dylan BURNS, 7 Phillip PAUL, 8Harry BELL, 9 Lance MEREFU.Auckland 14 Girls - 1 Danielle BRADLEY, 2 CatherineCLARK, 3 Libby TWISS, 5 Mary PHIPPS, 6 Sophie NATHAN,8 Kate CRICHTON, 9 Chloe OCKLESTON.

08NEWSNew Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010Graeme Dell visitNew Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010While Dell recognises that futsal is a game inits own right, he was also quick to highlight thebenefits of futsal on the wider game.“It is important to acknowledge that futsalis a significant contributor to the technicaldevelopment of young players. Whether ornot they continue on in futsal or transfer thoseskills into football, there is no doubt the gameis a real facilitator for skill development.”“And that is borne out by the number ofcontinental players we see in England, week inweek out – players we eulogise – all of whomhave grown up playing futsal,” he said.Futsal in New Zealand received a majorboost recently with the visit of GraemeDell, the head of the Football Association’sfutsal coach education programme andthe man widely credited with introducingfutsal in the UK.Dell delivered a workshop to key New ZealandFootball and regional football federation staff atManukau Indoor Sport Centre in early March,as part of the process for the integration offutsal into the junior and youth framework ofthe Whole of Football Development Plan.The workshop concentrated on futsal skillsfor beginners and the experiences Dell hashad developing grassroots and elite futsalprogrammes for The FA since 2003.As well as coaching England’s futsalteam at the 2004 and 2006 UEFA FutsalChampionships and the 2008 FIFA FutsalWorld Cup, Dell has had an extensive careeras a football coach and player educator.After becoming the youngest coach to holdThe FA Full Coaching License at 21, Dellwent on to head coaching roles at WycombeWanderers and with the British Universitiesnational team. He was Chief Scout andCentre of Excellence Director at Queen’sPark Rangers and a regional coach at The FANational School Centre in Lilleshall.During this time he has worked with manyof England’s finest coaches, including BobbyRobson, Roy Hodgson and Don Howe.Dell said he was encouraged by the recentsteps NZF had taken in integrating futsal intoits programmes and emphasised the benefitsof NZF and The FA working together to sharetheir knowledge of futsal.“In terms of futsal development, it remindsme very much of where we’ve come from inEngland,” he said.“Its an exciting position you find yourselvesin - you have very enthusiastic people, you’vedone a lot of research into futsal around theworld and now you have this added element ofcoach development, which is at the forefront ofour thinking at The FA as well.”NZF Futsal Development Manager Dave Paynewas delighted to have Dell assisting with theearly stages of the development of NZ FootballFutsal’s coaching framework.“Graeme’s record in over 25 years of workingwith The FA is phenomenal – he has crossedover from football to futsal and vice versa andhis work developing and educating aboutthe game really speaks for itself. Graemeunderstands the game at all levels. There is somuch we can learn from his experience – itsbeen fantastic to have him on board,” he said.Payne also stressed that the futsal coachingprogramme under development will bespecific to the New Zealand environment.“We’re looking at all the best futsal structuresaround the world - Brazil, Spain and nowEngland, through our work with Graeme.Our hope is to take the best from theseprogrammes and utilise our local knowledgeto come up with a unique solution – a NewZealand programme, styled for New Zealandplayers.”Above: Graeme Dell (right) with NZ Football FutsalDevelopment Manager Dave Payne.

17New Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBNew Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010The Futsal Whites jet off to Suva in May for the 2011 OFC Futsal Championships, a tournament thatdoubles as the Oceania qualifying tournament for the 2012 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Thailand. The NewZealanders are seeded third in the tournament, behind crowd favourites and current OFC ChampionsSolomon Islands and hosts Fiji. It’s a massive occasion for the Futsal Whites and for the developmentof the game of this country. POWER OF FIVE takes takes a look at the tournament draw and the fifteenplayers who have been in camp with coach Matt Chandler preparing for a shot for glory...suva 2011World Cup QualifiersEight OFC Member Associations will participate in theOFC Futsal Championship 2011:Dates: 16 – 20 May 2011Venue: Vodafone Arena, Suva, FijiFormat: a group stage based on a league system, followed by semi-finals,the playoff for third place and the final. The winner of the final shallbe declared the OFC champion who will also qualify to representOFC at the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2012 in Thailand.Group A1 Fiji [FIJ]2 New Zealand [NZL]3 Vanuatu [VAN]4 Kiribati [KIR]Group B1 Solomon Islands [SOL]2 New Caledonia [NCL]3 Tahiti [TAH]4 Tuvalu [TUV]Top: Futsal Whites pivot Tariq Assad links up with target Mickey Malivuk inlast’s years titanic battle with Fiji in Suva. Futsal Whites won 6-4.Above: Three time OFC Champions and 2008 FIFA World Cup finalistsSolomon Islands represent New Zealand’s biggest threat at this year’squalifying tournament. PHOTOS: OFC16 MayFIJ vs. NZLVAN vs. KIRSOL vs. NCLTAH vs. TUV17 MayFIJ vs. VANKIR vs. NZLSOL vs. TAHTUV vs. NCL18 MayKIR vs FIJNZL vs. VANTUV vs SOLNCL vs. TAH19 May [Semi-Finals]1A vs 2B1B vs 2A20 May [Finals]7 vs 85 vs 63rd Place MatchGold Medal Match

102011 TRaining squadNew Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010Futsal WhitesNew Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010Elias Billeh East CityHugely experienced Billeh returns toFiji for his fourth OFC Championships.Supreme technique and courage arethe hallmarks of the East City man,who starts the campaign as NZ’s No. 1keeper.Dylan Manickum East CityThe most exciting young futsal playerin New Zealand returns to the FutsalWhites after a 12 goal haul in theNational League. Quick and skilful,Manickum has the x-factor andimportantly for New Zealand – theability to score decisive goals in the biggames. Watch out Oceania.David Plowright Capital City FutsalPlowright forced his way into the FutsalWhites after a memorable NZ FootballNational League in which he picked upthe Golden Glove. Tall, fearless and agreat shot stopper, he will push Billehhard for a place in the starting lineup.Callan Manickum East CityCousin of Dylan, Callan is the ‘bolter’in this squad after an excellent seasonwith East City. Can play anywhere andadds flair off the bench. Scored vitalgoals in the National League and is adefinite one to watch for in the future.Tariq Assad Capital City FutsalAssad’s assured performances inFiji last year coupled with his vastexperience make him a key man incoach Chandler’s plans. Always doeshis job. Defensively - there is no onebetter in the squad.Lucas Da Silva Capital City FutsalBrazilian/New Zealand pivot Silva was intop form in the National League, leadingCapital City to second place. With hissublime touch and ability to dictate thetempo of the game, Silva can makethe game look easy. Coach Chandlerwill be looking for big things from hisplaymaker on his second visit to Fiji.Marvin Eakins East CitySkipper Eakins has been a major figurein previous Futsal Whites campaignsand returns this year after an excellentseason for Hawke’s Bay United in theASB Football Premiership. Outstandingin Fiji in 2010, Eakins’ experience,leadership, technique and ability toweigh in with vital goals are crucial toNew Zealand’s hopes.Miroslav Major East CityThe mercurial technician Major hashad a stellar twelve months in futsal.Outstanding in Fiji for the Futsal Whiteslast August, he continued his forminto the National League with somemesmerizing performances at pivotfor East City. More likely to be usedby coach Chandler in the flanker role,where his ability to get forward and beatdefenders at will can have a devastatingeffect.

11Futsal Whites coach Matt Chandler is the man responsible for leading the FutsalWhites into the most important campaign in their history. A highly experiencedfootball coach who has worked with Steve Coppell, Tony Adams and Bobby andJonathan Gould, Chandler is also a futsal technician highly committed to theNew Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010world’s fastest growing indoor game. THE POWER OF FIVE talked to him as he wasNew Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010preparing the programme for the 2011 OFC World Cup Qualifiers.PHOTO: Inspire Photography

13InterviewMatt ChandlerNew Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBNew Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010“Technical, tactical and overloadsare all key factors...Futsal isn’tabout tricks. You must be able toplay each position in the team.”Tell us about your first exposure to futsal.When was this?England was the first time in what wasthen futebol de salon. This was throughSimon Clifford and an FA coaches clinicaround ten or so years ago. He did adisplay on the benefits and I was hooked.The game has evolved since then andnow futsal is the game we all know andlove. In the academies we utilised it as anindoor game. Moving to New Zealand, Imeet Carlos Farias and Mike Groom - bothadvocates of the game in Waikato. Carloscoached the New Zealand team for a while.I was ‘sledge-hammered’ when I watchedthe Cambridge open grade football team(players aged 12-13 years) which hadmany of the Brazilian Futsal School playersin it. And then again, when five of theCambridge squad - all futsal players - wereselected for New Zealand football camps.Mike also had a New Zealand ‘spin’ onit. He has a huge passion and has hadmany international players come throughhis programme and they are outstandingtechnicians. I watched and learnt from boththese men and also developed my ownstyle of coaching the game.You were responsible for introducing futsalto Hawke’s Bay in 2006. Tell us a little bitabout this.I watched young players in Hawke’s Bay andsaw that they needed technical developmentand support. With Paul Toohey, who was alsoa strong believer in technical developmentthrough small sided games and a groupof outstanding people I helped set up HBFutsal. We are seeing the benefits in ourteenage players in Hawke’s Bay now.What do you see as the major benefits offutsal for young players?Technical, tactical and overloads are all keyfactors in the development benefits, as arethe physical fitness components.There are coaches around who believefutsal gives players bad habits. What wouldyou say to these people?I don’t agree - I think people form this viewwithout understanding the game - it isn’tabout tricks etc. Futsal is a tactical gameand you must be able to play each positionin the team due to its rotational nature. Thisdevelops holistic players. There are manygood futsal players playing in top leaguesand internationally. The facts don’t lie.Before we move onto the Futsal Whites,just tell us a little about the early part ofyour career in football - playing days andthen coaching.I played in goal in my teenage years andwas a county player. I was lucky enoughto play for England schools once. I hadtrials at many professional clubs and wasat Southampton on a long term trial andwas released for being too small. HenceI didn’t want to play in goal anymoreand found out I was good as a fullbackand had a ‘cultured’ left foot. I played insemi-professional leagues in my late teensand very early twenties as a left back.Then I went in goal when our number onegot injured and that was it - I was backbetween the sticks and I stayed there. Ithen played in Australia in the Melbournestate league at 22, got engaged andthen went back to the UK at Ryman thenConference leagues playing in goal formany sides around the south east. I begancoaching goalkeepers and worked a lotwith my very young sons and enjoyedteaching them. Funny - but not surprising,my sons are a goalkeeper and defender!I was then becoming injured a lot so Idecided to move into coaching. Within fiveyears I worked my way through the UEFAqualifications, gaining my UEFA ‘A’ Licencein 2003. I was working as Centre ofExcellence/Academy Director at WycombeWanderers in my last job in the UK.Who were some of the people you workedwith as a coach? Did anyone in particularinfluence your coaching style and career?What did you learn from them?Barrie Quin at Brentford was AcademyDirector when I was assistant and was aninfluence on what to look for in developingplayers and Geoff Taylor the youth coachand ex-premier league coach with SheffieldUnited was a very astute coach. WallyDowns, the first team coach at Brentford

11New Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010New Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010PHOTO: Inspire Photographywas a really funny man and set playmaster. I still unashamedly copy his ideas.He is now at West Ham as first team coach.I also followed the then Brentford managerSteve Coppell to Reading - both were bigrole models on player relationships dosand don’ts for me. Steve and Wally took avery young Brentford team onto a playoffin the Championship, losing to StokeCity at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. AtWycombe Wanderers, Colin Barnes, wasan outstanding identifier of talent and agood developer of young goalkeepers.Also the first team coaches there - TonyAdams, ex-England and Arsenal captain,displayed how difficult it was for a highprofile ex-international professional to workat a level that demanded a huge amount ofunderstanding of youth development andplayers who are not international and havenot played in the premier league. JohnGorman was replaced by Tony Adams; Johnhad been England assistant coach andassistant at Tottenham and Southampton.I liked his attitude to players and staff; hedisplayed respect to all at the club and hehad an influence on how I act althoughhe didn’t realise how much in a shortspace of time he was liked by all. He isAssistant Manager at MK Dons now. Jonnyand Bobby Gould were enjoyable to workwith at Hawke’s Bay United. Bobby wasa comedian and knows how to lighten adressing room and also how to get closeto players. He has a deep knowledge ofgame play. Jonny has a fine playing recordand demands a lot from his players, butis passionate and intelligent. His thoughtsand ideas were helpful to me in termsof working in a smaller franchise (playernumbers). His standards of play are hard tomeet for some players but I admire him fornot lowering the bar and demanding morealways. He has a great sense of humorand together we needed that at times. Wedidn’t always see eye to eye and had afew disagreements but that never camebetween us or our philosophies. We respecteach other and have an understanding ofeach others qualities and I hope we worktogether again.It’s great to see NZ Football supportingfutsal - the return of the Futsal Whites hasbeen a major highlight on the local scenein the last year. How have you enjoyedcoaching futsal at international level?Very much. Working with a group of peoplewho are committed to a cause and willingto work towards barrier-breaking goals isfulfilling and rewarding. And its great tobe developing ‘role models’ for our youngfutsal playersThe side performed well at the OFCChampionships in Fiji last year. Whatdid you see as the team’s strengths andweaknesses?Organisation was a strength and also aweakness. We were organised but notfully all of the time. I believe fitness - bothmental and physical, is the key to this. Wehad good players and defensively we hadoutstanding periods but not for the durationof whole games. We need to have strengthin depth to compete and I feel we have nowgot this going into our new campaign in Fiji2011.

15“We need to have strengthNew Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Blackin& Whitedepth to© CreativeBcompete...we’Ve now got this going intoNew Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010our new campaign in Fiji 2011.”What about the other teams in Oceania?The Solomon Islands have set thebenchmark in our region. What qualities dothey bring to the game?Flair, technical ability and passion. Plus theage of the team is young. Due to their agestheir movement is outstanding!It would be dangerous to underestimatethe other Oceania teams in this year’sWorld Cup Qualifiers. Tahiti were technicallyvery good last time and Fiji and Vanuatuboth gave New Zealand a tough time. NewCaledonia managed to beat a tired NZ sideon the last night, so would you agree, itsreally ‘up for grabs’ this time round?Yes - totally agree. The team that is bestorganised on and off the court will win and Ihope we can achieve this but everyone elseis striving for that also. The other Oceaniateams are targeting futsal as their bestopportunity for a place in a World Cup soyou can imagine the effort and support theywill get to achieve their desired outcome. Webeat Fiji and were up against the Solomonsbut lost our last game so total concentrationis needed. I think we could have an edgementally if we ‘prepare to win’.You’ve spoken before about the changeof format to the tournament (group play,followed by semi final and final). You feelthat this will suit New Zealand?Yes I do and it gives us an opportunity ina one-off game in a semi-final and alsoall the teams play the same amount ofgames at the same time, with no rest days.We didn’t get a rest day last year becauseours came on day one! Our loss to NewCaledonia was on the last day and we werejaded - but no excuses, as everyone thistime has the same court and game time.The inaugural NZ Football Futsal NationalLeague has been another highlight on thefutsal calendar this year. Obviously thiswill have been of major benefit to the NZplayers going into a World Cup Qualifyingtournament. Were you impressed by thestandard of play in the National League?Yes. The benefits are that the players willhave been training and playing and alsomaintaining fitness. The standard wasgood and it improved throughout. Welldone to Dave Payne and all the coachesand players for this league and having verygood commentary and coverage onlinehelped the product be seen by a wideraudience.You have picked an exciting squad forthe training programme leading into theWorld Cup Qualifiers. Any thoughts on thequalities of this group of players?Experienced and talented, but also a groupthat will work hard and as people willget on. I will learn more about the newintroductions in camp, but our playersmust play in the team and not for the team.No one is bigger than the team, or moreimportant.It was a tough end to your ASB Premiershipcampaign in your ‘day job’ at Hawke’s BayUnited. To miss out on qualification afterbeing two minutes away from Hawke’sBay’s first ever playoffs must have beentough on your young squad...It was a big, big blow. We had the best everstart recorded by our franchise and also thehighest league position. We then went andwon for the first time in Auckland (againstWaitakere United) so to not qualify wasunreal. So close - 88 minutes - a goal isscored and your training session just ends.We were gutted - the boys literally fell tothe floor. We had not lost for five gamesand then to not qualify at the end wastough. But we will learn and hopefully moveon. But for a province like ours with obviouschallenges, I was pleased we were noticedand recognised.Has your football background been ofmajor benefit in your futsal coachingwith the Futsal Whites? And is futsal nowinfluencing your football work with United?I have implemented similar physiological,psychological and team buildingcomponents to both forms of the game,and have always had futsal as a trainingcomponent at Hawke’s Bay United. Futsalis very similar but smaller in scale so thereare cross overs. I think my experience ofman and team management has beenof benefit in the Futsal Whites and theinternational games have helped me betterunderstand the needs domestically.The World Cup is a long way off, but it mustfeel like it is achievable?I love this quote and use it a lot in theteams I work with - “The winner is notalways the biggest, strongest or mosttalented. It is the one who refuses to giveup - keep hanging in and keep believing”.That is the mentality we will take to Fiji.

16theCentresAroundNew Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010New Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010East CityOriginsEast City Futsal was established in 1987 atthe ASB Stadium.Competitions• Summer - commencing February;10th to 17th Grades, Senior B,Masters, Premier, Women• Winter - commencing June;Senior B, Masters, Premier only• Spring - commencing September;10th to 17th Grades, Senior B,Masters, Premier, WomenRecent centre championsSpring 2010:• Premier Grade - Arabian Knights• Senior B - Sureshot• Masters - No names• Senior B - Hand of God• Women’s Open - ChelseaNotable players/club membersCurrently East City has eight players in theFutsal Whites training squad for Fiji - EliasBilleh, Nathan Robertson, Miro Major,Dylan Manickum, Callan Manickum, JakubSinkora, Daniel Koprivcic, Marvin Eakins.Club coaching programmesThe club currently has training/coachingsessions available for senior players.Coming events• 2011 South Pacific Tournament• Elite inter-club futsal competition in the12/13th grade rangeCentre news/plans• Our Premier League is arguably thebest competition in the Aucklandregion and played on a fullinternational court.ContactEmail futsal@mandata.co.nzEast City Administration Line 579-0652Rose McCarthy 021 989 906www.ecisc.org.nzAuckland FutsalOriginsEstablished 2009. Futsal - Brazil’s fun,fast, skill game for footballers. Deliveringleagues, tournaments, academy training,rep programmes and international tours.Competitions• 7-17th grades, U20 Metro and localcompetitions;• Men/Women Premier, A1, A2 and localcompetitions (social, mixed);• Futsal centres in Auckland City,Auckland East, Harbour, Hibiscus Coast• New leagues starting May 2011 -information & registration atwww.aucklandfutsal.orgRecent centre champions• Mens Elite - City: Mangaba FC• Metro Boys 11-12th grades:Onehunga RedsNotable players/club members• Auckland Rio - Australian NationalFutsal Boys Champions 2011• Auckland Sampa - Australian NationalFutsal Boys quarter finalists 2011Centre coaching programmesAuthentic Brazilian futsal programmefor ages 5-17 years - delivered by exprofessionalBrazilian players & coaches.ContactSarah Payne 021 472 438sarah@aucklandfutsal.orgCraig Empson 021 322 522play@aucklandfutsal.orgwww.aucklandfutsal.orgCentre news/plans• FFA Austalian National FutsalChampionships 2012 (Age Groups:11-16 yrs, U20)• International Tours to Brazil and Spain- (to visit Barcelona FC’s professionalfutsal team)HB FutsalOriginsHB Futsal started with a four team juniorleague at a Napier primary school in 2006.Since this time we have expanded our localleagues, organised three national junior/youth tournaments, Copa Junior de Futsal(regional tournaments) and HB SecondarySchools and Primary Schools tournaments.CompetitionsAround 50 teams from Under 9s throughto Men’s Premier League, operating outof two Napier-based venues. We have twoseasons - Spring and Summer. The mainfocus at HB Futsal has been on junior/youthleagues.Notable players/club membersNational coach Matt Chandler and FutsalWhite Brayden Lissington.Club coaching programmesThe club has organised coachingprogrammes over the last few years inconjunction with Hawke’s Bay United

17New Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBNew Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010Football Academy. This included the KickOff Programme for Under 6s. In Term One2011 we launched a pilot programme -Escola de Futsal (School of Futsal) whichsees Futsal Whites coach Matt Chandlerand players Marvin Eakins and Lucas DaSilva working with players aged 9-13 years.Centre news/plansFuture plans included developing Escolade Futsal and launching a men’s premierleague on a full international sized court inwinter 2011. In 2011 we are hosting theNZ Football Futsal National Junior/YouthChampionships at the PG Arena. We arealso looking to host Level One Coachingand Refereeing couses this year and hopeto employ a development officer in the nearfuture. HB Futsal is also assisting with theinaugural NZ Master Games Futsal NationalTournament on 29/30 October.Contactp.toohey@hfutsal.org.nzwww.hbfutsal.org.nzCapital City FutsalOriginsFormed 2008.CompetitionsOver 70 teams, from primary, through theKiwi Sport College Programme, to adultsocial and competitive - across five venues.Recent centre champions• U13 Thorndon: Island Bay TeamAwesome;• U13 Newtown: AC Island BayNotable players/club membersWhizz-kid Izaac O’Hara (aged 17 years,PHOTO: OFCpictured above) has played for the FutsalWhites, for Wellington in the NationalLeague and captained Wellington HighSchool Team at the 2011 CollegeNationals. Tariq Assad, Said Soleimanpour,Lucas da Silva, Micky Malivuk, KhalidRhazouk and David Plowright also havemade the Futsal Whites during the pastyear. A couple or rising starts to watch outfor - Seth Ashworth and Zedan Motu. Bothyoung boys are excelling against kids afew years older in the youth leagues.Centre coaching programmesAt the start of this year our firstrepresentative team was formed, withour U12s competing in a tournament inNapier. We envisage one for every agegroup by the end of the year. Schoolholiday programmes provide introductorycoaching for all-comers. Our NationalLeague team is coached by Brian Blellock,and high school teams are receivingcoaching in preparation for upcomingtournaments. Development Officer MattFejos has his Level 1 Oceania Certificateand recently his first English FA Futsalqualification, and does much of the youthcoaching.Centre news/plansWe have a new twelve court stadium withan office and two full-sized futsal courts tomove into in October. This is a huge steprepresenting our rapid growth from smallvoluntary organisation to regional governingbody of a futsal.Contactmatt@futsal.net.nz021 971 798www.futsal.net.nz

18New Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010New Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010Mainland FutsalMainland Futsal has opened its doors andis off and running – despite the earthquake.Based out of Bishopdale YMCA, we arerunning competitive leagues from 1st May,Leagues consist of juniors, youth, girls andseniors.Because space for indoor sport is so limitedin the city right now the leagues are fillingfast and spaces available are disappearingevery day so a second centre will hopefullybe online in June. Already clubs likeChristchurch Futsal, 2 teams, ChristchurchThunder, 4 teams, and Coastal Spirit, 2teams, have joined, along with numerousother individual teams.There is a Level One Referees Coursebooked for 26th June in Christchurch andcoach education and player improvementis at the top of everyone’s minds. In acity which is trying its hardest to return to‘normality’ it is excellent to see so manyyoung players getting futsal going soquickly.For more information on the area go towww.mainlandfutsal.co.nz or search for theMainland Futsal Group on Facebook.Top: Josh Santich tussles with Jack Hawkins for theball while referee Lyall Sinclair looks on;Centre: Logan Hall, supported by Josh Santich,makes a break against Connor Dunick andJack Hawkins in a recent match between theThunderHeadz and Coastal Spirit; Dylan Chadwicklooks on;Bottom left: Liam Gerathy shoots at goalkeeperTaylor Thompson;Bottom right: Dylan Chadwick defends against JackHawkins.

19New Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBNew Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010Queenstown FootballFutsalOriginsFormed 4/5 years ago.CompetitionsLeagues - we cater for ages 7-17 years.Notable players/club membersSeveral of our players have travelled tonational competitions throughout NewZealand and Australia.Centre news/plansCurrent season will run in Term 3 of theschool year, beginning on 5th July.ContactDamien Hochbergwww.Queenstownfootball.cominfo@queenstownfootball.com0272919884Other NZ Football FutsalCentre ContactsJoga Futsal (West Auckland)Playbeautiful10@gmail.comManukau FutsalMike.ibbertson@manukauleisure.co.nzWairarapa Futsalpeter.cox@sparc.co.nz;paul_burns@xtra.co.nz;Red Sox Manawatu Futsalbergie007@vodafone.co.nzMarlborough Futsalmarlboroughfootball@xtra.co.nzNelson Bays Futsalsportsmall@xtra.co.nzWest Coast Futsalsport@greyhigh.school.nzQueenstown FalconsFutsalmarcosmelo1313@hotmail.comraulharpya@yahoo.com.brWanaka Futsalcecis@xtra.co.nzFootball South-Futsaldanagray@es.co.nzfootballmike@ihug.co.nz

20New Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010Miroslav MajorNew Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010InterviewEast City’s Miroslav Major is a keyfigure in the Futsal Whites’ quest toqualify for the 2012 FIFA Futsal WorldCup. A brilliant attacking force fromeither pivot or flanker, Major lit up thecourt with his performances in theinaugural National League last summer.The are fewer more exciting sights onthe local futsal scene than Major onthe ball - either dictating the tempofrom the back of the court, or surgingforward on one of his trademark runs...THE POWER OF FIVE caught up with theFutsal White No. 5 on his return fromthe week long training camp in Napierin April.Miro, tell us about your early days offootball - schools/clubs/academies playedfor.I started playing football when I was five,with Chromos in Zagreb, Croatia. I playedthere until I was 10 and then switchedto Dinamo Zagreb. I also played for theZagreb U12 and U14 selections and movedto New Zealand in 1994.What about senior football in New Zealand.What teams have you played for? Are youplaying football this year?When I came to New Zealand I startedplaying for Ellerslie AFC and Penrose HighSchool. I then moved onto Central United,having one season for the U16 Centralteam and one season in the reserves.When I was 18 I started playing for theCentral first team in the National League.I played there for 7-8 years and won twoNational League titles. I then moved toMangere United and have also playedfor Lynn Avon United and Metro AFC. Ialso spent one season with AucklandCity team in the NZFC. This year I amconcentrating on futsal and when the WorldCup Qualifiers are done I will be joiningMangere United.Your skill on the court has been one of theexciting features of this year’s NationalLeague. When did you first start playingfutsal? How did you get introduced to thegame?First of all, thank you for your kind words,I have been playing indoor football sinceI was 12 years old - although in Croatiawe played with the normal ball and 6v6.I started playing futsal 7-8 years ago atASB stadium and fell in love with it straightaway. I got introduced to futsal by my friendwhen he asked me to play in his team in afutsal tournament at ASB stadium.What appeals to you about futsal? Has ithelped your football?It appeals to me because it is a very fastand tactical game where players need tohave a lot of skill and understanding for thegame. Futsal has helped a lot with my ballskills and understanding of the tactical sideof the game.Tell us about your role as a pivot in the EastCity team?I have been used as a pivot as Marvin wasplaying in the ASB Premiership and wasn’tavailable for us this year. I enjoy pivot asyou get to control the game more fromthe back and pick and choose momentsto go forward, speed up the game andslow it down depending on the state of thegame we are in. I believe I have a goodunderstanding of the game and am able tocontrol the game when needed!The Futsal Whites seems to use you moreas a flanker.I have to admit that I do enjoy playing onthe flank very much for the Futsal Whites,it gives me much more freedom to attackwhich I think is one of my strengths!Though East City didn’t make the finalof the National League, it was a veryentertaining team to watch. Are youpleased with how the season went?Very pleased - it was disappointing to loseto Capital City Futsal in the semifinals,especially when we beat them in the poolgame 9-1. This year we had a lot of youngplayers and it was great for them to playsuch a tournament as it can only make usbetter. I would like to thank the Maccabiteam from Australia for participating inthe tournament as its great for us to playagainst better teams as that’s the only wayto move forward and make ourselves better.

05New Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010“Against SOLOMONS weneed to try and keep theball for as long as we can...last year we spent abouteighty percent of the timedefending.”PHOTO: Inspire Photography

22“New Zealand futsal is developing verywell, i believe we are two steps ahead ofNew Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010where we were last year.”New Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 2010Has playing in the National Futsal Leaguehelped you in your preparations for theFutsal Whites?The National League this year has been ahuge help in the preparation for the WorldCup Qualifiers coming up in Fiji,the level ofcompetition was very high and we need toplay a lot more games like that in order forus to improve as a team!PHOTO: OFCAs you build up to the 2011 OFCChampionships, what is the feelingamongst the squad? Do you feel you havea chance of qualifying for the 2012 WorldCup?The squad this year is looking good andwe all feel like we have a big chance toqualify for the World Cup. We had a greatexperience last year and this year weadded some very good players to the squadincluding the O-League Player of the Year,Daniel Koprivcic, and the ex-Waitakere andAuckland city player Jakub Sinkora. Thesetwo players bring a lot of experience andability to the team and we believe we canchallenge anyone with the squad we have.Obviously Solomon Islands are a bigthreat to everyone. How about the otherisland nations? Any thoughts on who theother strong contenders are and how NewZealand can combat them?Solomons are by far the toughest opponentwe have faced - they play some amazingfutsal and it will be a tough task beatingthem. We obviously have a lot of respectfor Solomon Islands and relish the chanceto play them again. Against them we needto try and keep the ball for as long as wecan as last year I think we spent about 80percent of the time defending which madeus very tired. But the first half performanceagainst Solomon Islands last year when wewere 3-2 ahead gives us a lot of hope thatwe can produce quality with which we canplay against them. From the other teamsI would pick out Fiji and Vanuatu - both ofwhich are in our group.Do you think futsal in New Zealand isdeveloping well? Is there anything youwould like to see to help build the game inthis country?I think that New Zealand futsal isdeveloping very well, I believe we are twosteps ahead of where we were last year. Iwould like to see more tournaments like thenational league happening throughout theyear and maybe a few trips over the ditchto play top Australian teams as I believeplaying these teams will make us better.Obviously qualifying for the 2012 WorldCup is a huge ambition for you. Do youhave any other plans for your futsal andfootball over the next year or so?Qualifying for the Word Cup 2012 is notonly an ambition - it is a dream for all ofus in the New Zealand team. Representingyour country at the world cup at the sportwe all love is something words cannotdescribe, a huge honour and privilege andI hope we will be able to make this dreamcome true! Next years plans all dependon whether we qualify for the World Cup2012 - if we do - futsal will be all I will beconcentrating on.

23Calendar 2011/12CALENDAR 2011/12New Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBSunday 1st May 2011 NZF Level 1 Futsal Referee Course Football South Futsal-WanakaNew Zealand Football | FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White © CreativeBank 20108th May 2011 NZF Level 1 Futsal Referee Course Capital City FutsalSunday 22nd May 2011 NZF Level 1 Futsal Referee Course East City FutsalSunday 26th June 2011 NZF Level 1 Futsal Referee Course Mainland Futsal-ChristchurchFriday/Sat/Sun 21st-23rd July 2011 NZF-Futsal National Junior/Youth Championships Hawkes Bay FutsalSat/Sun 29th-30th October 2011 NZF-Futsal National Masters Championships Hawkes Bay FutsalSat/Sun 22nd-23rd October 2011 Females in Futsal National Championships TBCLate November 2011 National League Series 1 TBCLate January 2012 National League Series 2 TBCMid March 2012 National League Series 3 TBCMarch 2012New Zealand Secondary Schools National Futsal Championships TBCLev Lewis (Maccabi Hakoah) and Matheus Decnop(Capital City Futsal) in action in Game One, Series Oneof the NZ Football Futsal National League.PHOTO: damian briggs photography

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