Launched in 2006, futsal has developed over the past ten years to the point where 5,200 players are registered with 36 committees which span 22 of the numerous islands which constitute French Polynesia.
With a strong base, the Fédération Tahitienne de Football is focusing its attention on developing futsal at an elite level with the goal of qualifying for the next edition of the FIFA Futsal World Cup in Colombia 2016.
In 2014 the Futsal Top Nike was introduced, a competition aimed at developing the nation’s top futsal players.
In the same vein FIFA Instructor Venancio Lopez, also head coach of the Spanish national team, spent a week in Tahiti delivering the FIFA Futsal Coaching Course to 25 aspiring futsal coaches.
The candidates were chosen by FTF head of development Jacob Tutavae with criteria including engagement diligence, reliability and capacity in terms of technical or management, with particular attention paid to representation from the islands.
Lopez says the course alternates between theory and practical elements, going in-depth into the specific realms of attack, defence and set-pieces.
“In order to raise the level of play, you have to train young people. In order to do that, inevitably we have to begin by educating our coaches,” he states.
Tutuvae, who has been a player and assistant coach with the Tahiti national team, says it is an honour for FTF to welcome someone of Lopez’s stature in the futsal world to Tahiti.
“For a year now, he has been helping us in the preparation of our selection. I am convinced that Mr Lopez will help us to grow and evolve our level of play.”
FTF and the futsal committees located throughout French Polynesia have plans to open futsal schools in January 2016, which will welcome young players aged 6-15 years old.
There are also plans to introduce futsal in primary schools, in support of a wider objective that relates to the federation’s aspirations to host the FIFA Futsal World Cup in 2024.
For more on Tahiti football go to www.ftf.pf

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