Courtesy: FIFA.com (click here to watch the VIDEO!)


Living for futsal

Friday 26 October 2012

As futsal is one of the most popular sports in Paraguay, FIFA TV and FIFA.com went along to a youth team's training session for a closer look. The youngsters there all share the same dream: the FIFA Futsal World Cup.

Both players and coaches in the South American country work hard to achieve that aim. Many of them dedicate their entire lives to the discipline, aware that futsal is perhaps the best possible way of training for football on a full-size pitch, as technique and creativity are essential qualities.

FIFA has supported futsal projects in Paraguay for over five years, a fact which has led to a six-fold increase in the number of players around the country. Considering that iconic figures such as Pele and Ronaldo learned their trade on a futsal court, it is small wonder that these Paraguayan youngsters dream of following in their footsteps.



Courtesy: FIFA.com


Kia Motors leads the way for FIFA Futsal World Cup Thailand 2012

Thursday 25 October 2012

The delivery of 60 vehicles by Kia Motors has ensured that teams and officials at the FIFA Futsal World Cup Thailand 2012 can expect to travel in comfort and style as they progress through this exciting tournament. This expectation follows the event’s official vehicle handover ceremony which was held yesterday at the Kia Centre in Bangkok.

The handover ceremony was witnessed by representatives from FIFA, the LOC, Kia Motors Thailand as well as the local media. The co-operation of all event stakeholders in staging a successful event was the key message conveyed by the event dignitaries. In line with this, well-equipped Kia models such as the Rio, Picanto and Carnival will be at the disposal of the participating teams, FIFA and LOC delegations, referees and media representatives when the tournament kicks off on 1 November.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Worawi Makudi, FIFA Executive Member and the President of the Football Association of Thailand, underlined the commitment of the Thai people in staging a historic futsal tournament. “This FIFA Futsal World Cup has captured the imagination of futsal fans in Thailand. We are looking forward to hosting a truly memorable tournament as the 24 teams battle for the most prestigious title in international futsal. We are pleased that our commitment is also matched by FIFA Partners such as Kia Motors who have provided these vehicles.”

Mr. Jo Kyoo Wan, the Head of Kia Motors Thailand, expressed his confidence that the Kia vehicles will make an important contribution to this seventh edition of the FIFA Futsal World Cup. “We are sure that the Kia vehicles will mirror the exceptional performances that will be seen on the pitch during the FIFA Futsal World Cup. Our award-winning models such as the Picanto and Rio will add reliability, comfort and safety to the event transport operations. We are immensely proud to be working with FIFA and the LOC in their quest to produce a tournament of the highest standard.”

Besides the provision of the event vehicles, Kia Motors will also engage with young fans through the activation of the Kia Mascot Friend Programme. This programme has proved to be extremely popular at previous FIFA events and will see 22 special-selected children having the opportunity to walk and dance with the Official Mascot as a part of the mascot’s pitch side activities.






Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com