Futsal is the FIFA-approved version of five-a-side indoor football, with world superstars Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Pele all having honed their skills playing the game in their youth.
The tournament’s rapid growth since the inaugural six-team tournament in 2011 highlights the impact the popular game has made in secondary schools around the country since futsal was incorporated into New Zealand Football’s Whole of Football Plan in 2010, says NZ Football Futsal Development Manager Dave Payne.
“New Zealand Football’s schools futsal programme has been a massive hit with college-aged kids all over New Zealand,” Payne said.
“With secondary schools leagues now operating around the country, this tournament is an opportunity for the top teams to pit themselves against the best from other regions.”
Payne says he is expecting the competition, which features teams from Mount Aspiring to Whangarei, to be intense in all categories.
“We are seeing an improved level of futsal each year, but perhaps the most outstanding aspect of these championships is the passion, of both the players and their supporters, to do their best representing their school. The atmosphere during the games can be something to behold, particularly during the playoff phase,” Payne said.
The tournament will feature a 30-team Senior Boys competition, an 18-team Junior competition and a 15-team Open Girls competition. Payne says it is highly likely future stars of both New Zealand futsal and football will be on show in Wellington this week.
“As with previous editions of the tournament, teams will feature current NZF Futsal Men’s National League players such as Auckland Grammar’s Sam and Art Twigg and Napier Boys High School’s Luke Maynard.”
The NZSS National Futsal Championships is an important part of New Zealand Football’s Futsal player development programme, with the opportunity for players to be scouted for higher honours.
Former Onslow College player Matt Edridge, who was tournament MVP in 2011, is a key member of Capital Futsal’s national league side, and also made his debut for the Futsal Whites in 2013.
The 2014 Senior Boys Champions St Patrick’s College Town were captained by Wanderers SC and new All Whites midfielder Clayton Lewis.
Meanwhile Jacqui Hand, who was MVP for Mt Albert Grammar School in the Girls Open tournament in 2014, played for the New Zealand Development Team in the 2013 ASB Women’s League competition – a side which finished second to champions Mainland Pride.
NZSS National Futsal Championships
ASB Sports Centre, Kilbirnie, Wellington
March 26-27
Additional information
Live streaming of games from 12pm Thursday 26 March here
Twitter: @NZFFutsal NZSSFutsal
Facebook: facebook.com/futsalwhites
Instagram: NZF_FUTSAL
Courtesy NZF Media. For more on New Zealand football visit www.nzfootball.co.nz.

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