Courtesy: Sky Tyne and Wear


Futsal Gets A North East Foothold: Dean Gordon Launches Sunderland League

by Mark Masterton

Futsal is the fastest growing sport in the world and former Middlesbrough and Crystal Palace left back Dean Gordon is working to build a following for it in the North East.

He was at the Sunderland Academy 360 complex to launch a new five-a-side Brazilian futsal league franchise run by his company Pro-motiv8.

Dean Gordon said: "In Futsal the ball is smaller and heavier than in regular football, it's played on a handball sized court, and the goals are smaller and higher than those you find in regular five-a-side.

"It makes for better, more entertaining, faster football, and it's good for people who like to pass and move and like to show off their skills."

Futsal originated in South America during the 1930s as a solution for a shortage of football fields.

t has developed into a football talent production line, with the likes of Ronaldihno, Zico, Cesc Fabregas and Xavi using it to hone their skills.
Futsal is a regular component of Barcelona's training regime, and Gordon is keen to boost the sport's popularity in the North East to help produce technically gifted footballers of the future.

Gordon said: "If I'd had futsal when I was younger I think I would have been a much more technical footballer than I was, I enjoyed a good career but I think I could have been better technically.

"I think playing Futsal helps young people and I just hope more and more people come and try it out."

For further information on how to take part in Futsal in the North East, click here.






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