By Doug Reed - @DougReedFutsal

Andy Reading, full time professional goalkeeping coach for Al-Wahda Sports Club in Abu Dhabi, is used to breaking new ground for English futsal. He was the first professional player from the country when he signed for Romanian side ACS Odorheiu Secuiesc in 2004 and now he is the first professional English futsal coach.

England is way down in the unofficial futsal rankings and their clubs have had poor results in Europe which means the reputation of English futsal abroad leaves a lot to be desired. This makes it more difficult for an Englishmen trying to establish himself in the futsal world. The fact that he was selected for the goalkeeping coach position by one of the most well-known Spanish coaches, Pablo Prieto, when he could have turned to a fellow countrymen makes his achievement all the more impressive. He has chosen to speak to FutsalPlanet exclusively for his first interview since signing for his new club.

Have you enjoyed your first few weeks working as a full-time goalkeeping coach?

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time so far being involved within a professional sports environment. Working on a day to day basis in futsal is a dream come true, I will cherish every minute of this wonderful opportunity to be part of the sport I love. The biggest thing for me so far is that I can focus training on very specific areas, skills sets and cover all aspects of futsal goalkeeping purely because I have the time and freedom to do so. Because of the amateur status of futsal in England my times working with goalkeepers were very limited. I’m excited that I can able to put together a training plan that can accommodate the long list of futsal goalkeeping objectives we need to cover, It’s very exciting times ahead.

How have you found working with Spanish coach Pablo Prieto?

I have to pinch myself when my name is mentioned is the same breath as Pablo, its very surreal to working with a world renown coach, I’m very lucky. Pablo is a wonderful coach and a lovely man to; his knowledge of futsal is exceptional. His attention to tactical detail is unparalleled and the way these details are incorporated into training is great to watch. I’m learning the Spanish way of tactical thinking and coaching which for me is a priceless experience, no stone is left unturned!

How did you arrive to becoming a full time goalkeeper coach?

It’s a five year journey; Essentially I have been serving my futsal coaching apprenticeship in which I have met some great people in futsal who have given me wonderful opportunities. I have had the pleasure to work and learn with great coaches and great goalkeepers. I have visited many countries from New Zealand, Croatia, France, Holland and Brazil to name but a few, acquiring knowledge from wonderful coaches like Scott Gilligan, Mico Martic, Nacho Garrido, Michel Liveriani, Marcel Guillermo Rodrigues, Sion Kitson and Adriel Nunes. Working with Mico on a futsal clinic was a special moment for me. On a domestic level people within the FA have provided me with opportunities to cut my coaching teeth within several varied futsal projects, I must extend my thanks to Simon Walker, Ian Bateman, Paul Harrison, Tony Elliot and Graham Keeley who have helped greatly to let me develop my skills. There are many more people who have helped me on my journey for which I am grateful to all.

The club’s Futsal Director had become aware of my futsal experiences, my commitment to futsal, and the time I have invested to develop my coaching and knowledge, and as a result he kindly offered me this exciting role. It has been 5 years of hard work but it has been worth it!

What advice would you give to other coaches to develop their knowledge and experience?

Soak up as much futsal as you can, by this I mean watch as much futsal as you can, coach as much futsal as you can. Analyse and study as much futsal as you can. If you can visit clubs, coaches and organisations abroad particularly in the highly reputable futsal countries like Spain and Brazil this will be a very worthwhile experience for any aspiring coach. There is a reason why Spain and Brazil are the best in futsal, they have the best knowledge, experience, infrastructure, players and coaches of the game. You will learn so much from being around the best in the business, for example, my trip to Brazil highlighted the importance of the very small specific details that are required within futsal goalkeeping. It raised my knowledge to a new level, I hope in the future that I can do a similar trip to another major futsal country in the near future, all information is good!

Can you tell us about Falcao’s recent visit to one of your training sessions and his relationship with the club?

Yes Al Wahda had the pleasure and privilege to meet Falcao at a recent training session, he gave a talk to the players about all things futsal which was followed by a question and answer session, and this was a great experience for all concerned. He is a great guy and a great player and you could see that the players were hanging on every word. Falcao will hopefully be visiting the country again for several projects that will promote futsal in this area the perfect person to raise awareness of this great sport.









Posted by Doug Reed -@DougReedFutsal --> info@futsalplanet.com