THE POWER OF FIVE #1 May 2011

THE MAGAZINE OF NEW ZEALAND FOOTBALL FUTSAL

ISSUE 1 MAY 2011

PHOTO: OFC

NATIONAL LEAGUE REVIEW FUTSAL WHITES 2011 GRAEME DELL VISIT w Zealand Football| FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black &MARVIN White EAKINS MATT CHANDLER MIROSLAV MAJOR CENTRE REPORTS

New Zealand Football| FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White

National League MVP Daniel Fulton in action. PHOTO: Damian Briggs Photography

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REVIEW National

League

New Zealand Football| FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White

SYDNEY-BASED MACCABI HAKOAH WON THE INAUGURAL NZ FOOTBALL FUTSAL NATIONAL LEAGUE AFTER A 2-0 VICTORY OVER CAPITAL CITY FUTSAL IN THE MAJOR FINAL AT ASB STADIUM IN AUCKLAND IN MARCH. After taking out the minor premiership by a runaway 14 points at the conclusion of Series Three, Maccabi proved too strong for the best New Zealand sides, demolishing Red Sox Manawatu 4-0 in the semi final before second half goals from Jordan Mundell and Jarrod Basger were enough for the visitors to take the title over a welldrilled Capital side. Nineteen year old Basger also took out the Golden Boot award with 16 goals in fifteen series games, while team mate Daniel Fulton picked up the overall National League MVP. Meanwhile Capital City goalkeeper David Plowright took out the Golden Glove after excellent performances across the three Series’ in Wellington, Dunedin and Auckland. Maccabi, Capital City and East City all performed well throughout the three Series League, while the less experienced Red Sox, Football South Futsal and Christchurch Futsal teams were left to battle it out for the fourth play-off spot.

SERIES ONE | Wellington Maccabi Hakoah 0 v Capital City Futsal 0 Red Sox 0 v East City 3 Christchurch Futsal 0 v Football South Futsal 6 East City 2 v Capital City Futsal 4 Christchurch Futsal 2 v Maccabi Hakoah 15 Football South Futsal 3 v Red Sox 1 Christchurch Futsal 1 v Capital City Futsal 7 Football South Futsal 4 v East City 4 Maccabi Hakoah 7 v Red Sox 1 East City 4 v Christchurch Futsal 1 Maccabi Hakoah 4 v Football South Futsal 0 Capital City Futsal 3 v Red Sox 0 East City 3 v Maccabi Hakoah 4 Capital City Futsal 2 Football South Futsal 0 Red Sox 5 v Christchurch Futsal 1 SERIES TWO | Dunedin Football South Futsal 2 v Red Sox 3 Christchurch Futsal 0 v Capital City Futsal 0 East City 2 v Maccabi Hakoah 4 Red Sox 3 v Capital City Futsal 1 East City 5 v Football South Futsal 1 Maccabi Hakoah 3 v Christchurch Futsal 0 East City 7 v Red Sox 5 Football South Futsal 1 v Christchurch Futsal 4 Maccabi Hakoah 3 v Capital City Futsal 0 Football South Futsal 1 v Maccabi Hakoah 4 Red Sox 4 v Christchurch Futsal 1 Capital City Futsal 2 v East City 2 Red Sox 1 v Maccabi Hakoah 4 Capital City Futsal 6 v Football South Futsal 0 Christchurch Futsal 1 v East City 9 SERIES THREE | Auckland Christchurch Futsal 0 v East City 6 Football South Futsal 2 v Maccabi Hakoah 2 Capital City Futsal 4 v Red Sox 1 East City 2 v Football South Futsal 3 Christchurch Futsal 0 v Capital City Futsal 5 Maccabi Hakoah 6 v Red Sox 2 Football South 5 v Christchurch Futsal 2 Capital City Futsal 1 v Maccabi Hakoah 2 Red Sox Manawatu 1 v East City 3 Maccabi Hakoah 7 v Christchurch Futsal 0 Football South Futsal 4 v Red Sox Manawatu 4 East City 8 v Capital City Futsal 1 Red Sox Manawatu 3 v Christchurch Futsal 0 Capital City Futsal 3 v Football South Futsal 1 East City 2 v Maccabi Hakoah 3

P W D L F A GD Pts Maccabi Hakoah 15 13 2 0 68 17 51 41 Capital City Futsal 15 8 3 4 39 22 17 27 East City 15 8 2 5 62 34 28 26 Red Sox 15 5 1 9 34 49 -15 16 Football South Futsal 15 4 3 8 32 46 -14 15 Christchurch Futsal 15 1 1 13 13 80 -67 4 GOLDEN BOOT 16 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 AlSaudi (East City), S McIntee (Football South Futsal), D Fulton (Maccabi Hakoah), G O’Connor (Red Sox) SEMI FINALS Capital City Futsal 1 v East City 0 Ina (38) Maccabi Hakoah 4 og (4), Dutra (6), Basger (20), Benda (29) v Red Sox 0 FINAL Maccabi Hakoah 2 Mundell (24), Basger (30) v Capital City Futsal 0

Golden Boot winner Jarrod Basger. PHOTO: Damian Briggs Photography

New Zealand Football| FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White

“

THIS IS THE STRONGEST SQUAD YET AND THERE IS DEFINITE BELIEF THAT WE CAN MAKE THE WORLD CUP.

”

PHOTO: Inspire Photography

Marvin Eakins New Zealand Football| FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White

New Zealand Football| FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White

INTERVIEW Futsal Whites pivot Marvin Eakins’ superb performances in Fiji last year made everyone at the OFC Futsal Championships sit up and take notice. The New Zealand skipper had more court time than any other outfield player and steered his inexperienced side through the early stages of preparing for a shot at qualifying for the 2012 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Thailand. THE POWER OF FIVE caught up with Eakins as he prepared to enter the Futsal Whites high performance camp in Hawke’s Bay. Marvin, tell us about your early days of football - schools/club played for. I started playing football for my home town, Papakura, when I was seven. My dad coached me and has been a huge influence in my football career as well as my mum. I also played for Mt Wellington and Metro as a junior. I went to Auckland Grammar and was selected for the 1st XI when I was 5th form. From there I went onto be vice captain. We were a successful team and during my years we won the Auckland League twice, the Cup twice and appeared in three National finals, winning one. What about senior football - both in Auckland and now Hawke’s Bay. What teams have you played for? When I left school I played for UniversityMount Wellington and was there till 2006

when they decided to pull out of the Northern League. I had a season with Papakura then three good years with Manurewa AFC. From there, I signed for Hawke’s Bay United for the 2010/11 season. Currently I am playing for Maycenvale 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 social team at East City Indoor Soccer Club. I went from filling in every now and then to joining a team permanently. From there I have been heavily involved with East City and developed my game there. What appeals to you about futsal? Futsal is such a fast paced game. You get a lot of touches on the ball in a smaller area and you are always involved. It improves your ability to play in and get out of tight areas and there can be a lot of goals! When were you first chosen for NZ? 2008. I was named vice captain for the World Cup qualifiers that year. Can you tell us a little about your role as a pivot in the team? What are the key attributes of a pivot? As a pivot I have a few important roles. I need to be able to organise the team defensively because I can see things that my team mates might not be able to.

At times I may end up as the last line of defence so winning important tackles or slowing down the opposition so my team mates can get back becomes vital. Its not all defence though! As a pivot I can trigger attacks and score my fair share of goals. Which you did in Suva last year... Scoring those 2 goals against Vanuatu was great and I enjoyed the moment. In saying that - when it comes to international futsal, every goal is vital. How does the team compare with teams from previous campaigns? And how is the preparation going? Every campaign the squad gets stronger and stronger. In my opinion this squad can get us to the World Cup. Preparation is going well. A lot of it has been put on the individuals so I am sure they have all been working as hard as me. Though you missed the National Futsal League through football commitments - do you feel the National League has been a major factor in preparing the players for this year’s campaign in Fiji? Unfortunately I couldn’t play in the National League but plan to in future competitions. The National League has given players the chance to play against quality opposition on a more regular basis. It has also provided an opportunity to put your hand up for national selection.

New Zealand Football| FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White

PHOTO: OFC

“

FUTSAL NEEDS TO GET GROWING AT ALL AGES AND SWITCH EVERYONE’S MENTALITY FROM A SOCIAL GAME TO A STRUCTURED COMPETITIVE SPORT IN ITS OWN RIGHT. ”

As you build up to the 2011 OFC Champs what is the feeling amongst the squad? Do you feel you have a chance of qualifying for the 2012 World Cup? This is the strongest squad yet but we are aware that there are some quality teams trying to achieve that same goal. The Solomons will go into the tournament as strong favourites and deservedly so. In our group we expect tough games from Fiji and Vanuatu. Not sure what to expect from Kiribati but you cannot afford to take any team lightly. The quality in our players physically and mentally will be what gets us through. What about the future Marvin? Are pleased with how the futsal is developing in NZ? The future of the game slightly rests on how well the national team does, so it puts some pressure on us to perform. With New Zealand Football behind us and people working hard behind the scenes to get kids

into the game, the future is looking good. Futsal needs to get growing at all ages and switch everyone’s mentality from a social game to a structured competitive sport in its own right. The next few years will be important in the development in the game. You’ve been involved in futsal coaching also. Is this something you’re keen to continue? One thing New Zealand lacks is people who truly understand futsal and have the ability to pass that on to others. I have enjoyed the coaching that I have done and would love to keep doing so. It gives me a chance to share what I have learnt and to give back to the game. You recently moved to Hawke’s Bay and had a season in the ASB Premiership with Hawke’s Bay United. How did it go? I really enjoyed my season with Hawke’s Bay and relished the opportunity to play

against and alongside quality players. To not quite get to the playoffs was gut wrenching. Obviously qualifying for the 2012 World Cup is a huge ambition for you. What plans have you got for your futsal and football over the next year or so? Qualification is what all my efforts will be going towards. A chance to play at a World Cup is a dream of mine! I also want to play futsal in Europe so will be trying to increase my profile at these international tournaments. Coaching will still be important to me and I will take any opportunity given to do so. Helping Maycenvale do well in football is a big commitment I have and I will be giving my all to make a few waves in the Central League.

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JUNIORReport

New Zealand Football| FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White

AUCKLAND 11s STORM TO VICTORY IN JANUARY’S AUSTRALIAN NATIONALS Auckland Rio 11s were crowned champions at January’s annual Football Federation Australia Futsal National Championships, beating ACT Cobras 4-2 in a thrilling final at the Mpowerdome in Canberra. The tournament, which is Australia’s largest football event, features over 1500 junior, youth and senior male and female state players, as well as teams from Auckland and Solomon Islands. Five Auckland teams took part in the week long tournament, but it was the youthful team of 1999 born players lead by Robert Tipelu who provided the major highlight for the Aucklanders. A hat-trick from man of the match Ahmed Mohammadi was the main feature of a rollercoaster final - with victory coming on the back of four days of hard fought futsal against the more experienced Australian state sides. Auckland Futsal CEO Craig Empson was delighted with Rio’s achievement and highlighted the importance of the young team’s victory. “The boys faced highly technical, highly experienced players in every game. To go nine games unbeaten and win the final with two stunning goals in the final three minutes is a huge achievement and a massive boost for futsal in New Zealand.”

Empson was also quick to pay tribute to way all five Auckland teams stuck to the Brazilian style of futsal they have learned from coaches Rafael and Felipe. “All the players learned so much at the tournament and they played some fantastic futsal - particularly in the latter stages as they grew in confidence”, said Empson. For us, it was confirmation that our style of futsal, which promotes flair and creativity at all times, can be successful at this high level, when the pressure is on.” “And while there were some outstanding goals and individual performances from our players, what also shone through was team spirit of the whole Auckland contingent, the players and their families. We all can’t wait for 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 5-5 v Northern NSW Won 6-2 v Western NSW Won 6-3 v NSW Lightning Drew 2-2 v ACT Cobras Won 5-2 v Queensland Won 6-2 QF v Southern NSW Won 8-1 SF v NSW Lightning Won 2-1 Final v ACT Cobras Won 4-2 Auckland Sampa 11 Boys - 1 Anton MOORE, 3 Rory KELLY, 4 Jacob HOLMES, 6 Amanpreet BAINS, 7 Jack KELLY, 8 Andre MUNRO-WILSON, 9 Matthew HARLAND. Auckland Rio 13 Boys - 1 Mitchell BRADLEY, 2 Ermal FUSHA, 4 Orlando KWOK-CAMERON, 6 Jimmy TOOHEY, 7 Oscar RAMSEY, 8 Jake PORTER, 9 Isaac MOFFAT-YOUNG. Auckland Sampa 13 Boys - 1 Jono WESTON, 3 Reese COX, 4 Sean CLARK, 6 Dylan BURNS, 7 Phillip PAUL, 8 Harry BELL, 9 Lance MEREFU. Auckland 14 Girls - 1 Danielle BRADLEY, 2 Catherine CLARK, 3 Libby TWISS, 5 Mary PHIPPS, 6 Sophie NATHAN, 8 Kate CRICHTON, 9 Chloe OCKLESTON.

NEWS

New Zealand Football| FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White

Graeme Dell visit

New Zealand Football| FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White

While Dell recognises that futsal is a game in its own right, he was also quick to highlight the benefits of futsal on the wider game. “It is important to acknowledge that futsal is a significant contributor to the technical development of young players. Whether or not they continue on in futsal or transfer those skills into football, there is no doubt the game is a real facilitator for skill development.” “And that is borne out by the number of continental players we see in England, week in week out – players we eulogise – all of whom have grown up playing futsal,” he said. NZF Futsal Development Manager Dave Payne was delighted to have Dell assisting with the early stages of the development of NZ Football Futsal’s coaching framework. Futsal in New Zealand received a major boost recently with the visit of Graeme Dell, the head of the Football Association’s futsal coach education programme and the man widely credited with introducing futsal in the UK.

went on to head coaching roles at Wycombe Wanderers and with the British Universities national team. He was Chief Scout and Centre of Excellence Director at Queen’s Park Rangers and a regional coach at The FA National School Centre in Lilleshall.

Dell delivered a workshop to key New Zealand Football and regional football federation staff at Manukau Indoor Sport Centre in early March, as part of the process for the integration of futsal into the junior and youth framework of the Whole of Football Development Plan.

During this time he has worked with many of England’s finest coaches, including Bobby Robson, Roy Hodgson and Don Howe. Dell said he was encouraged by the recent steps NZF had taken in integrating futsal into its programmes and emphasised the benefits of NZF and The FA working together to share their knowledge of futsal.

The workshop concentrated on futsal skills for beginners and the experiences Dell has had developing grassroots and elite futsal programmes for The FA since 2003. As well as coaching England’s futsal team at the 2004 and 2006 UEFA Futsal Championships and the 2008 FIFA Futsal World Cup, Dell has had an extensive career as a football coach and player educator. After becoming the youngest coach to hold The FA Full Coaching License at 21, Dell

“In terms of futsal development, it reminds me very much of where we’ve come from in England,” he said. “Its an exciting position you find yourselves in - you have very enthusiastic people, you’ve done a lot of research into futsal around the world and now you have this added element of coach development, which is at the forefront of our thinking at The FA as well.”

“Graeme’s record in over 25 years of working with The FA is phenomenal – he has crossed over from football to futsal and vice versa and his work developing and educating about the game really speaks for itself. Graeme understands the game at all levels. There is so much we can learn from his experience – its been fantastic to have him on board,” he said. Payne also stressed that the futsal coaching programme under development will be specific to the New Zealand environment. “We’re looking at all the best futsal structures around the world - Brazil, Spain and now England, through our work with Graeme. Our hope is to take the best from these programmes and utilise our local knowledge to come up with a unique solution – a New Zealand programme, styled for New Zealand players.” Above: Graeme Dell (right) with NZ Football Futsal Development Manager Dave Payne.

New Zealand Football| FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White

The Futsal Whites jet off to Suva in May for the 2011 OFC Futsal Championships, a tournament that doubles as the Oceania qualifying tournament for the 2012 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Thailand. The New Zealanders are seeded third in the tournament, behind crowd favourites and current OFC Champions Solomon Islands and hosts Fiji. It’s a massive occasion for the Futsal Whites and for the development of the game of this country. POWER OF FIVE takes takes a look at the tournament draw and the fifteen players who have been in camp with coach Matt Chandler preparing for a shot for glory...

SUVA 2011

World Cup Qualifiers

Eight OFC Member Associations will participate in the OFC FUTSAL CHAMPIONSHIP 2011: Dates: 16 – 20 May 2011 Venue: Vodafone Arena, Suva, Fiji Format: 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 shall be declared the OFC champion who will also qualify to represent OFC at the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2012 in Thailand. Group A 1 Fiji [FIJ] 2 New Zealand [NZL] 3 Vanuatu [VAN] 4 Kiribati [KIR] 16 May FIJ vs. NZL VAN vs. KIR SOL vs. NCL TAH vs. TUV

Group B 1 Solomon Islands [SOL] 2 New Caledonia [NCL] 3 Tahiti [TAH] 4 Tuvalu [TUV] 17 May FIJ vs. VAN KIR vs. NZL SOL vs. TAH TUV vs. NCL

Top: Futsal Whites pivot Tariq Assad links up with target Mickey Malivuk in last’s years titanic battle with Fiji in Suva. Futsal Whites won 6-4. Above: Three time OFC Champions and 2008 FIFA World Cup finalists Solomon Islands represent New Zealand’s biggest threat at this year’s qualifying tournament. PHOTOS: OFC

18 May KIR vs FIJ NZL vs. VAN TUV vs SOL NCL vs. TAH

19 May [Semi-Finals] 1A vs 2B 1B vs 2A

20 May [Finals] 7 vs 8 5 vs 6 3rd Place Match Gold Medal Match

2011 TRAINING SQUAD

New Zealand Football| FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White

Futsal Whites

Elias Billeh East City Hugely experienced Billeh returns to Fiji for his fourth OFC Championships. Supreme technique and courage are the hallmarks of the East City man, who starts the campaign as NZ’s No. 1 keeper.

Dylan Manickum East City The most exciting young futsal player in New Zealand returns to the Futsal Whites after a 12 goal haul in the National League. Quick and skilful, Manickum has the x-factor and importantly for New Zealand – the ability to score decisive goals in the big games. Watch out Oceania.

David Plowright Capital City Futsal Plowright forced his way into the Futsal Whites after a memorable NZ Football National League in which he picked up the Golden Glove. Tall, fearless and a great shot stopper, he will push Billeh hard for a place in the starting lineup.

Callan Manickum East City Cousin of Dylan, Callan is the ‘bolter’ in this squad after an excellent season with East City. Can play anywhere and adds flair off the bench. Scored vital goals in the National League and is a definite one to watch for in the future.

Tariq Assad Capital City Futsal Assad’s assured performances in Fiji last year coupled with his vast experience make him a key man in coach Chandler’s plans. Always does his job. Defensively - there is no one better in the squad.

Lucas Da Silva Capital City Futsal Brazilian/New Zealand pivot Silva was in top form in the National League, leading Capital City to second place. With his sublime touch and ability to dictate the tempo of the game, Silva can make the game look easy. Coach Chandler will be looking for big things from his playmaker on his second visit to Fiji.

Marvin Eakins East City Skipper Eakins has been a major figure in previous Futsal Whites campaigns and returns this year after an excellent season for Hawke’s Bay United in the ASB Football Premiership. Outstanding in Fiji in 2010, Eakins’ experience, leadership, technique and ability to weigh in with vital goals are crucial to New Zealand’s hopes.

Miroslav Major East City The mercurial technician Major has had a stellar twelve months in futsal. Outstanding in Fiji for the Futsal Whites last August, he continued his form into the National League with some mesmerizing performances at pivot for East City. More likely to be used by coach Chandler in the flanker role, where his ability to get forward and beat defenders at will can have a devastating effect.

New Zealand Football| FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White

Miroslav Malivuk Capital City Futsal With ten goals in the 2010 OFC Futsal Championships, including a first half hat trick against Solomon Islands, Malivuk was one of the stars of the tournament. Tall, strong and has pace - Malivuk can also turn quickly and is a superb finisher. Only injury will prevent the Futsal Whites first choice target from making his mark again in 2011.

Said Soleimanpour Capital City Futsal Battled hard in Fiji in 2010 and started to hit top form when it mattered in the National League this year. 6’4” and a real handful for defenders, Soleimanpour showed genuine class in the 2011 National League Final and won’t disappoint in Fiji if given the chance.

Nathan Robertson East City The hugely experienced former Futsal White captain returns to the side after stamping his class on the National League. Yet another powerful attacking option for the New Zealanders, Robertson’s presence on and off the court is going to be huge for the Futsal Whites.

Greg O’Connor Red Sox Manawatu 2008 Futsal White O’Connor exploded back on the scene, carrying his red hot form from the first training camp of the year into National League Series Two. A constant threat on and off the ball, O’Connor is equally at home at target or flanker.

Brayden Lissington HB Futsal After missing the 2010 National League, Lissington has it all to do to make the final squad. A young flanker with a ton of flair and confidence, if he can rediscover in the training camps the form that got him to Fiji in 2010, he will be hard to leave behind.

Jakub Sinkora East City Former National League footballer Sinkora got better and better throughout the National League and played a key attacking role in East City’s sixty-plus goal campaign. Energy, pace and a predator’s instinct make him a real danger man.

Daniel Koprivcic East City The O-League Golden Ball winner was a surprise choice for many, but has obvious quality, goal scoring prowess and plenty of futsal experience. Along with Malivuk, Soleimanpour, Robertson and O’Connor, ensures NZ will always have pace and power in the target role.

Matt Chandler Coach A career defining tournament for Chandler as he leads the Futsal Whites for the second time. A master of dressing room psychology, the Hawke’s Bay United technician will leave no stone unturned in the quest for qualification. Sure to have a couple of surprises up his sleeve for his Oceania rivals. PHOTOS: Inspire Photography, Damian Briggs Photography

Futsal Whites coach Matt Chandler is the man responsible for leading the Futsal Whites into the most important campaign in their history. A highly experienced football coach who has worked with Steve Coppell, Tony Adams and Bobby and Jonathan Gould, Chandler is also a futsal technician highly committed to the world’s fastest growing indoor game. THE POWER OF FIVE talked to him as he was preparing the programme for the 2011 OFC World Cup Qualifiers.

New Zealand Football| FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White

PHOTO: Inspire Photography

INTERVIEWMatt

Chandler

New Zealand Football| FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White

“

TECHNICAL, TACTICAL AND OVERLOADS ARE ALL KEY FACTORS...FUTSAL ISN’T ABOUT TRICKS. YOU MUST BE ABLE TO PLAY EACH POSITION IN THE TEAM.

Tell us about your first exposure to futsal. When was this? England was the first time in what was then futebol de salon. This was through Simon Clifford and an FA coaches clinic around ten or so years ago. He did a display on the benefits and I was hooked. The game has evolved since then and now futsal is the game we all know and love. In the academies we utilised it as an indoor game. Moving to New Zealand, I meet Carlos Farias and Mike Groom - both advocates of the game in Waikato. Carlos coached the New Zealand team for a while. I was ‘sledge-hammered’ when I watched the Cambridge open grade football team (players aged 12-13 years) which had many of the Brazilian Futsal School players in it. And then again, when five of the Cambridge squad - all futsal players - were selected for New Zealand football camps. Mike also had a New Zealand ‘spin’ on it. He has a huge passion and has had many international players come through his programme and they are outstanding technicians. I watched and learnt from both these men and also developed my own style of coaching the game. You were responsible for introducing futsal to Hawke’s Bay in 2006. Tell us a little bit about this. I watched young players in Hawke’s Bay and saw that they needed technical development and support. With Paul Toohey, who was also

a strong believer in technical development through small sided games and a group of outstanding people I helped set up HB Futsal. We are seeing the benefits in our teenage players in Hawke’s Bay now.

”

There are coaches around who believe futsal gives players bad habits. What would you say to these people? Rubbish - they don’t understand the game - it isn’t about tricks etc. Futsal is a tactical game and you must be able to play each position in the team due to its rotational nature. This develops holistic players. There are many good futsal players playing in top leagues and internationally. The facts don’t lie.

and found out I was good as a fullback and had a ‘cultured’ left foot. I played in semi-professional leagues in my late teens and very early twenties as a left back. Then I went in goal when our number one got injured and that was it - I was back between the sticks and I stayed there. I then played in Australia in the Melbourne state league at 22, got engaged and then went back to the UK at Ryman then Conference leagues playing in goal for many sides around the south east. I began coaching goalkeepers and worked a lot with my very young sons and enjoyed teaching them. Funny - but not surprising, my sons are a goalkeeper and defender! I was then becoming injured a lot so I decided to move into coaching. Within five years I worked my way through the UEFA qualifications, gaining my UEFA ‘A’ Licence in 2003. I was working as Centre of Excellence/Academy Director at Wycombe Wanderers in my last job in the UK.

Before we move onto the Futsal Whites, just tell us a little about the early part of your career in football - playing days and then coaching. I played in goal in my teenage years and was a county player. I was lucky enough to play for England schools once. I had trials at many professional clubs and was at Southampton on a long term trial and was released for being too small. Hence I didn’t want to play in goal anymore

Who were some of the people you worked with as a coach? Did anyone in particular influence your coaching style and career? What did you learn from them? Barrie Quin at Brentford was Academy Director when I was assistant and was an influence on what to look for in developing players and Geoff Taylor the youth coach and ex-premier league coach with Sheffield United was a very astute coach. Wally Downs, the first team coach at Brentford

What do you see as the major benefits of futsal for young players? Technical, tactical and overloads are all key factors in the development benefits, as are the physical fitness components.

New Zealand Football| FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White

PHOTO: Inspire Photography

was a really funny man and set play master. I still unashamedly copy his ideas. He is now at West Ham as first team coach. I also followed the then Brentford manager Steve Coppell to Reading - both were big role models on player relationships dos and don’ts for me. Steve and Wally took a very young Brentford team onto a playoff in the Championship, losing to Stoke City at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. At Wycombe Wanderers, Colin Barnes, was an outstanding identifier of talent and a good developer of young goalkeepers. Also the first team coaches there - Tony Adams, ex-England and Arsenal captain, displayed how difficult it was for a high profile ex-international professional to work at a level that demanded a huge amount of understanding of youth development and players who are not international and have not played in the premier league. John Gorman was replaced by Tony Adams; John had been England assistant coach and assistant at Tottenham and Southampton. I liked his attitude to players and staff; he displayed respect to all at the club and he

had an influence on how I act although he didn’t realise how much in a short space of time he was liked by all. He is Assistant Manager at MK Dons now. Jonny and Bobby Gould were enjoyable to work with at Hawke’s Bay United. Bobby was a comedian and knows how to lighten a dressing room and also how to get close to players. He has a deep knowledge of game play. Jonny has a fine playing record and demands a lot from his players, but is passionate and intelligent. His thoughts and ideas were helpful to me in terms of working in a smaller franchise (player numbers). His standards of play are hard to meet for some players but I admire him for not lowering the bar and demanding more always. He has a great sense of humor and together we needed that at times. We didn’t always see eye to eye and had a few disagreements but that never came between us or our philosophies. We respect each other and have an understanding of each others qualities and I hope we work together again.

It’s great to see NZ Football supporting futsal - the return of the Futsal Whites has been a major highlight on the local scene in the last year. How have you enjoyed coaching futsal at international level? Very much. Working with a group of people who are committed to a cause and willing to work towards barrier-breaking goals is fulfilling and rewarding. And its great to be developing ‘role models’ for our young futsal players The side performed well at the OFC Championships in Fiji last year. What did you see as the team’s strengths and weaknesses? Organisation was a strength and also a weakness. We were organised but not fully all of the time. I believe fitness - both mental and physical, is the key to this. We had good players and defensively we had outstanding periods but not for the duration of whole games. We need to have strength in depth to compete and I feel we have now got this going into our new campaign in Fiji 2011.

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New Zealand Football| FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White

WE NEED TO HAVE STRENGTH IN DEPTH TO COMPETE...WE’VE NOW GOT THIS GOING INTO OUR NEW CAMPAIGN IN FIJI 2011. What about the other teams in Oceania? The Solomon Islands have set the benchmark in our region. What qualities do they bring to the game? Flair, technical ability and passion. Plus the age of the team is young. Due to their ages their movement is outstanding! It would be dangerous to underestimate the other Oceania teams in this year’s World Cup Qualifiers. Tahiti were technically very good last time and Fiji and Vanuatu both gave New Zealand a tough time. New Caledonia managed to beat a tired NZ side on the last night, so would you agree, its really ‘up for grabs’ this time round? Yes - totally agree. The team that is best organised on and off the court will win and I hope we can achieve this but everyone else is striving for that also. The other Oceania teams are targeting futsal as their best opportunity for a place in a World Cup so you can imagine the effort and support they will get to achieve their desired outcome. We beat Fiji and were up against the Solomons but lost our last game so total concentration is needed. I think we could have an edge mentally if we ‘prepare to win’. You’ve spoken before about the change of format to the tournament (group play, followed by semi final and final). You feel that this will suit New Zealand? Yes I do and it gives us an opportunity in a one-off game in a semi-final and also all the teams play the same amount of games at the same time, with no rest days. We didn’t get a rest day last year because ours came on day one! Our loss to New Caledonia was on the last day and we were jaded - but no excuses, as everyone this time has the same court and game time.

New Zealand Football| FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White

The inaugural NZ Football Futsal National League has been another highlight on the futsal calendar this year. Obviously this will have been of major benefit to the NZ players going into a World Cup Qualifying tournament. Were you impressed by the standard of play in the National League? Yes. The benefits are that the players will have been training and playing and also maintaining fitness. The standard was good and it improved throughout. Well done to Dave Payne and all the coaches and players for this league and having very good commentary and coverage online helped the product be seen by a wider audience. You have picked an exciting squad for the training programme leading into the World Cup Qualifiers. Any thoughts on the qualities of this group of players? Experienced and talented, but also a group that will work hard and as people will get on. I will learn more about the new introductions in camp, but our players must play in the team and not for the team. No one is bigger than the team, or more important. It was a tough end to your ASB Premiership campaign in your ‘day job’ at Hawke’s Bay United. To miss out on qualification after being two minutes away from Hawke’s Bay’s first ever playoffs must have been tough on your young squad... It was a big, big blow. We had the best ever start recorded by our franchise and also the highest league position. We then went and won for the first time in Auckland (against Waitakere United) so to not qualify was unreal. So close - 88 minutes - a goal is scored and your training session just ends.

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We were gutted - the boys literally fell to the floor. We had not lost for five games and then to not qualify at the end was tough. But we will learn and hopefully move on. But for a province like ours with obvious challenges, I was pleased we were noticed and recognised. Has your football background been of major benefit in your futsal coaching with the Futsal Whites? And is futsal now influencing your football work with United? I have implemented similar physiological, psychological and team building components to both forms of the game, and have always had futsal as a training component at Hawke’s Bay United. Futsal is very similar but smaller in scale so there are cross overs. I think my experience of man and team management has been of benefit in the Futsal Whites and the international games have helped me better understand the needs domestically. The World Cup is a long way off, but it must feel like it is achievable? I love this quote and use it a lot in the teams I work with - “The winner is not always the biggest, strongest or most talented. It is the one who refuses to give up - keep hanging in and keep believing”. That is the mentality we will take to Fiji.

Around the Centres

New Zealand Football| FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White

East City Origins East City Futsal was established in 1987 at the 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, Women Recent club champions Spring 2010: • Premier Grade - Arabian Knights • Senior B - Sureshot • Masters - No names • Senior B - Hand of God • Women’s Open - Chelsea Notable players/club members Currently East City has eight players in the Futsal Whites training squad for Fiji - Elias Billeh, Nathan Robertson, Miro Major, Dylan Manickum, Callan Manickum, Jakub Sinkora, Daniel Koprivcic, Marvin Eakins. Club coaching programmes The club currently has training/coaching sessions available for senior players. Coming events • 2011 South Pacific Tournament • Elite inter-club futsal competition in the 12/13th grade range Club news/plans • Our Premier League is arguably the best competition in the Auckland region and played on a full international court.

Contact Email futsal@mandata.co.nz East City Administration Line 579-0652 Rose McCarthy 021 989 906 www.ecisc.org.nz

Auckland Futsal Origins Established 2009. Futsal - Brazil’s fun, fast, skill game for footballers. Delivering leagues, tournaments, academy training, rep programmes and international tours. Competitions • 7-17th grades, U20 Metro and local competitions; • Men/Women Premier, A1, A2 and local competitions (social, mixed); • Futsal centres in Auckland City, Auckland East, Harbour, Hibiscus Coast • New leagues starting May 2011 information & registration at www.aucklandfutsal.org Recent club champions • Mens Elite - City: Mangaba FC • Metro Boys 11-12th grades: Onehunga Reds Notable players/club members • Auckland Rio - Australian National Futsal Boys Champions 2011 • Auckland Sampa - Australian National Futsal Boys quarter finalists 2011 Club coaching programmes Authentic Brazilian futsal programme for ages 5-17 years - delivered by exprofessional Brazilian players & coaches.

Contact Sarah Payne 021 472 438 sarah@aucklandfutsal.org Craig Empson 021 322 522 play@aucklandfutsal.org www.aucklandfutsal.org Club news/plans • FFA Austalian National Futsal Championships 2012 (Age Groups: 11-16 yrs, U20) • International Tours to Brazil and Spain - (to visit Barcelona FC’s professional futsal team)

HB Futsal Origins HB Futsal started with a four team junior league at a Napier primary school in 2006. Since this time we have expanded our local leagues, organised three national junior/ youth tournaments, Copa Junior de Futsal (regional tournaments) and HB Secondary Schools and Primary Schools tournaments. Competitions Around 50 teams from Under 9s through to Men’s Premier League, operating out of two Napier-based venues. We have two seasons - Spring and Summer. The main focus at HB Futsal has been on junior/youth leagues. Notable players/club members National coach Matt Chandler and Futsal White Brayden Lissington. Club coaching programmes The club has organised coaching programmes over the last few years in conjunction with Hawke’s Bay United

New Zealand Football| FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White

Football Academy. This included the Kick Off Programme for Under 6s. In Term One 2011 we launched a pilot programme Escola de Futsal (School of Futsal) which sees Futsal Whites coach Matt Chandler and players Marvin Eakins and Lucas Da Silva working with players aged 9-13 years. Club news/plans Future plans included developing Escola de Futsal and launching a men’s premier league on a full international sized court in winter 2011. In 2011 we are hosting the NZ Football Futsal National Junior/Youth Championships at the PG Arena. We are also looking to host Level One Coaching and Refereeing couses this year and hope to employ a development officer in the near future. HB Futsal is also assisting with the inaugural NZ Master Games Futsal National Tournament on 29/30 October. Contact p.toohey@hfutsal.org.nz www.hbfutsal.org.nz

Capital City Futsal Origins Formed 2008. Competitions Over 70 teams, from primary, through the Kiwi Sport College Programme, to adult social and competitive - across five venues. Recent club champions • U13 Thorndon: Island Bay Team Awesome; • U13 Newtown: AC Island Bay Notable players/club members Whizz-kid Izaac O’Hara (aged 17 years,

PHOTO: OFC

pictured above) has played for the Futsal Whites, for Wellington in the National League and captained Wellington High School Team at the 2011 College Nationals. Tariq Assad, Said Soleimanpour, Lucas da Silva, Micky Malivuk, Khalid Rhazouk and David Plowright also have made the Futsal Whites during the past year. A couple or rising starts to watch out for - Seth Ashworth and Zedan Motu. Both young boys are excelling against kids a few years older in the youth leagues. Club coaching programmes At the start of this year our first representative team was formed, with our U12s competing in a tournament in Napier. We envisage one for every age group by the end of the year. School holiday programmes provide introductory coaching for all-comers. Our National League team is coached by Brian Blellock, and high school teams are receiving coaching in preparation for upcoming

tournaments. Development Officer Matt Fejos has his Level 1 Oceania Certificate and recently his first English FA Futsal qualification, and does much of the youth coaching. Club news/plans We have a new twelve court stadium with an office and two full-sized futsal courts to move into in October. This is a huge step representing our rapid growth from small voluntary organisation to governing body of a major sport. Contact matt@futsal.net.nz 021 971 798 www.futsal.net.nz

New Zealand Football| FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White

Mainland Futsal Mainland Futsal has opened its doors and is off and running – despite the earthquake. Based out of Bishopdale YMCA, we are running competitive leagues from 1st May, Leagues consist of juniors, youth, girls and seniors. Because space for indoor sport is so limited in the city right now the leagues are filling fast and spaces available are disappearing every day so a second centre will hopefully be online in June. Already clubs like Christchurch Futsal, 2 teams, Christchurch Thunder, 4 teams, and Coastal Spirit, 2 teams, have joined, along with numerous other individual teams. There is a Level One Referees Course booked for 26th June in Christchurch and coach education and player improvement is at the top of everyone’s minds. In a city which is trying its hardest to return to ‘normality’ it is excellent to see so many young players getting futsal going so quickly. For more information on the area go to www.mainlandfutsal.co.nz or search for the Mainland Futsal Group on Facebook.

Top: Josh Santich tussles with Jack Hawkins for the ball while referee Lyall Sinclair looks on; Centre: Logan Hall, supported by Josh Santich, makes a break against Connor Dunick and Jack Hawkins in a recent match between the ThunderHeadz and Coastal Spirit; Dylan Chadwick looks on; Bottom left: Liam Gerathy shoots at goalkeeper Taylor Thompson; Bottom right: Dylan Chadwick defends against Jack Hawkins.

New Zealand Football| FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White

Queenstown Football Futsal

Other NZ Football Futsal Centre Contacts

Origins Formed 4/5 years ago.

Joga Futsal (West Auckland)

Competitions Leagues - we cater for ages 7-17 years. Notable players/club members Several of our players have travelled to national competitions throughout New Zealand and Australia. Club news/plans Current season will run in Term 3 of the school year, beginning on 5th July. Contact Damien Hochberg www.Queenstownfootball.com info@queenstownfootball.com 0272919884

Playbeautiful10@gmail.com

Manukau Futsal

Mike.ibbertson@manukauleisure.co.nz

Wairarapa Futsal peter.cox@sparc.co.nz; paul_burns@xtra.co.nz; gray3@orcon.co.nz

Red Sox Manawatu Futsal bergie007@vodafone.co.nz

Marlborough Futsal marlboroughfootball@xtra.co.nz

Nelson Bays Futsal sportsmall@xtra.co.nz

West Coast Futsal

sport@greyhigh.school.nz

Queenstown Falcons Futsal marcosmelo1313@hotmail.com raulharpya@yahoo.com.br

Wanaka Futsal cecis@xtra.co.nz

Football South-Futsal kneepads@paradise.net.nz danagray@es.co.nz footballmike@ihug.co.nz

New Zealand Football| FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White

INTERVIEW East City’s Miroslav Major is a key figure in the Futsal Whites’ quest to qualify for the 2012 FIFA Futsal World Cup. A brilliant attacking force from either pivot or flanker, Major lit up the court with his performances in the inaugural National League last summer. The are fewer more exciting sights on the local futsal scene than Major on the ball - either dictating the tempo from the back of the court, or surging forward on one of his trademark runs... THE POWER OF FIVE caught up with the Futsal White No. 5 on his return from the week long training camp in Napier in April.

When I was 18 I started playing for the Central first team in the National League. I played there for 7-8 years and won two National League titles. I then moved to Mangere United and have also played for Lynn Avon United and Metro AFC. I also spent one season with Auckland City team in the NZFC. This year I am concentrating on futsal and when the World Cup Qualifiers are done I will be joining Mangere United.

Miro, tell us about your early days of football - schools/clubs/academies played for. I started playing football when I was five, with Chromos in Zagreb, Croatia. I played there until I was 10 and then switched to Dinamo Zagreb. I also played for the Zagreb U12 and U14 selections and moved to New Zealand in 1994.

Your skill on the court has been one of the exciting features of this year’s National League. When did you first start playing futsal? How did you get introduced to the game? First of all, thank you for your kind words, I have been playing indoor football since I was 12 years old - although in Croatia we played with the normal ball and 6v6. I started playing futsal 7-8 years ago at ASB stadium and fell in love with it straight away. I got introduced to futsal by my friend when he asked me to play in his team in a futsal tournament at ASB stadium.

What about senior football in New Zealand. What teams have you played for? Are you playing football this year? When I came to New Zealand I started playing for Ellerslie AFC and Penrose High School. I then moved onto Central United, having one season for the U16 Central team and one season in the reserves.

What appeals to you about futsal? Has it helped your football? It appeals to me because it is a very fast and tactical game where players need to have a lot of skill and understanding for the game. Futsal has helped a lot with my ball skills and understanding of the tactical side of the game.

Tell us about your role as a pivot in the East City team? I have been used as a pivot as Marvin was playing in the ASB Premiership and wasn’t available for us this year. I enjoy pivot as you get to control the game more from the back and pick and choose moments to go forward, speed up the game and slow it down depending on the state of the game we are in. I believe I have a good understanding of the game and am able to control the game when needed! The Futsal Whites seems to use you more as a flanker. I have to admit that I do enjoy playing on the flank very much for the Futsal Whites, it gives me much more freedom to attack which I think is one of my strengths! Though East City didn’t make the final of the National League, it was a very entertaining team to watch. Are you pleased with how the season went? Very pleased - it was disappointing to lose to Capital City Futsal in the semifinals, especially when we beat them in the pool game 9-1. This year we had a lot of young players and it was great for them to play such a tournament as it can only make us better. I would like to thank the Maccabi team from Australia for participating in the tournament as its great for us to play against better teams as that’s the only way to move forward and make ourselves better.

New Zealand Football| FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White

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AGAINST SOLOMONS WE NEED TO TRY AND KEEP THE BALL FOR AS LONG AS WE CAN ...LAST YEAR WE SPENT ABOUT EIGHTY PERCENT OF THE TIME DEFENDING.

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PHOTO: Inspire Photography

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NEW ZEALAND FUTSAL IS DEVELOPING VERY WELL, I BELIEVE WE ARE TWO STEPS AHEAD OF WHERE WE WERE LAST YEAR.

New Zealand Football| FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White

Has playing in the National Futsal League helped you in your preparations for the Futsal Whites? The National League this year has been a huge help in the preparation for the World Cup Qualifiers coming up in Fiji,the level of competition was very high and we need to play a lot more games like that in order for us to improve as a team!

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PHOTO: OFC

As you build up to the 2011 OFC Championships, what is the feeling amongst the squad? Do you feel you have a chance of qualifying for the 2012 World Cup? The squad this year is looking goodand we all feel like we have a big chance to qualify for the World Cup. We had a great experience last year and this year we added some very good players to the squad including the Oceania Player of the Year, Daniel Koprivcic, and the ex-Waitakere and Auckland city player Jakub Sinkora. These two players bring a lot of experience and ability to the team and we believe we can challenge anyone with the squad we have. Obviously Solomon Islands are a big threat to everyone. How about the other island nations? Any thoughts on who the other strong contenders are and how New Zealand can combat them? Solomons are by far the toughest opponent we have faced - they play some amazing futsal and it will be a tough task beating them. We obviously have a lot of respect for Solomon Islands and relish the chance to play them again. Against them we need to try and keep the ball for as long as we can as last year I think we spent about 80 percent of the time defending which made us very tired. But the first half performance against Solomon Islands last year when we were 3-2 ahead gives us a lot of hope that

we can produce quality with which we can play against them. From the other teams I would pick out Fiji and Vanuatu - both of which are in our group. Do you think futsal in New Zealand is developing well? Is there anything you would like to see to help build the game in this country? I think that New Zealand futsal is developing very well, I believe we are two steps ahead of where we were last year. I would like to see more tournaments like the national league happening throughout the year and maybe a few trips over the ditch to play top Australian teams as I believe playing these teams will make us better.

Obviously qualifying for the 2012 World Cup is a huge ambition for you. Do you have any other plans for your futsal and football over the next year or so? Qualifying for the Word Cup 2012 is not only an ambition - it is a dream for all of us in the New Zealand team. Representing your country at the world cup at the sport we all love is something words cannot describe, a huge honour and privilege and I hope we will be able to make this dream come true! Next years plans all depend on whether we qualify for the World Cup 2012 - if we do - futsal will be all I will be concentrating on.

Calendar

2011/12 CALENDAR 2011/12

New Zealand Football| FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White

Sunday 1st May 2011

NZF Level 1 Futsal Referee Course

Football South Futsal-Wanaka

8th May 2011

NZF Level 1 Futsal Referee Course

Capital City Futsal

Sunday 22nd May 2011

NZF Level 1 Futsal Referee Course

East City Futsal

Sunday 26th June 2011

NZF Level 1 Futsal Referee Course

Mainland Futsal-Christchurch

Friday/Sat/Sun 21st-23rd July 2011

NZF-Futsal National Junior/Youth Championships

Hawkes Bay Futsal

Sat/Sun 29th-30th October 2011

NZF-Futsal National Masters Championships

Hawkes Bay Futsal

Sat/Sun 22nd-23rd October 2011

Females in Futsal National Championships TBC

Late November 2011

National League Series 1 TBC

Late January 2012

National League Series 2 TBC

Mid March 2012

National League Series 3 TBC

March 2012

New Zealand Secondary Schools National Futsal Championships TBC

Lev Lewis (Maccabi Hakoah) and Matheus Decnop (Capital City Futsal) in action in Game One, Series One of the NZ Football Futsal National League. PHOTO: DAMIAN BRIGGS PHOTOGRAPHY

New Zealand Football| FUTSAL “The Power of Five” Black & White