New Zealand U18 Futsal teams introduced this year

More talented Kiwis will soon get the chance to compete on the global stage in the rapidly-growing sport of futsal after the establishment by New Zealand Football of three new national teams, including male and female age-group U18 squads.
 
The two U18 squads and also a new Futsal Ferns squad will complement the existing Futsal Whites national men’s side and create a clear player development pathway to senior international level for secondary school boys and girls players.
 
The introduction of the new teams arrives after a period of huge growth for the indoor small-sided game since it was brought under the umbrella of New Zealand Football in 2010. There has been a 340 per cent increase in playing numbers in the past six years with over 22,000 futsal players now registered and the New Zealand Secondary Schools Sports Council officially recording futsal as having the largest percentage growth of all its codes throughout that time frame.
 
While all areas of futsal have flourished, the women’s game has experienced a particularly high rate of development with a 23 per cent rise in participation since 2015.
 
Both U18 national teams will also soon be in action on home soil at the inaugural OFC Youth Futsal Championship, hosted in Auckland from October 4 to 7. There is plenty for the teams to play for as that tournament doubles as the qualification process for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
 
“Player development is always at the forefront of our decision making and these national team programmes will offer our talented youth players another opportunity. It is extremely exciting and we are looking forward to seeing how this pathway is able to positively influence more junior and youth players to pursue futsal,” says New Zealand Football Chief Operating Officer Dave Payne.
 
“The standard of the National Women’s League, university and youth championships is a good indicator that regional federation day-to-day development is rewarding us with a national talent pool.”
  
In addition, the NZF National Youth Futsal Championships continue to attract huge numbers with over 700 players set to converge on Central Energy Trust Arena in Palmerston North over three days from this Friday for the 2017 edition of the tournament.
 
“With the introduction of the new national teams, the talented young players that emerge from tournaments such as these now have a clear pathway right to the top and a range of opportunities that have never been on offer before,” Payne says.
 
“It is incredibly exciting for everyone involved and will stand the game in good stead as New Zealand Football continues in its aim of making futsal the nation’s best and biggest small-sided sport.”
 
Upcoming Futsal National Teams Events
 
Futsal Ferns vs New Caledonia
Trans-Pacific Series
September 12, 13, 14
ASB Baypark Arena, Tauranga
 
Futsal Whites vs New Caledonia
Trans-Pacific Series
September 12, 13, 14
ASB Baypark Arena, Tauranga
 
New Zealand U-18 Men and New Zealand U-18 Women
OFC Youth Futsal Championship (qualifiers for 2018 Youth Olympic Games)
October 4 – 7 
Bruce Pulman Park, Auckland

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