OXFORD MAIL YOUTH LEAGUE

OXFORD Blackbirds Under 9s manager Stuart Parsons believes the introduction of futsal is a step in the right direction for the league, writes MATTHEW BRUCE.

Indoor futsal tournaments will take place this winter as one of the league’s three ‘trophy events’.

Parsons said: “It’s the way forward for the future of football in this country, all the continental teams do it and they’re successful as a result.

“It seems like we’re finally catching them up.

“When you have a smaller pitch and fewer players it means they get more time on the ball, which can only be good for their development.

“A friend of mine bought a futsal ball for his players a few years ago and they were the best passing side I’ve seen for their age group.

“It’s great for developing players because it will encourage them to pass the ball and keep it on the ground.

“In futsal you can’t play long-ball, with that ball it isn’t physically possible.”