1. Soccer Players Square off in... What?
What is Futsal?
By Susan Margrave, Collegian Reporter
Futsal is a variant of soccer that is played on a smaller field and mainly
played indoors. It’s considered a version of five- on-a-side soccer.
Played between two teams of five players each, with one of the players as
goalkeeper, futsal is played with a smaller and slightly heavier ball that has less bounce
than a regular soccer ball.
The playing surface and ball create an emphasis on improvisation,
creativity, and technique as well as ball control and passing skills in small spaces.
The University of Jamestown held its fifth annual futsal tournament on
Valentine’s Day weekend. The games got underway at 10:30 in the morning and lasted
until 10 pm, with the playoffs the following morning.
Both the women’s and men’s teams had four squads compete, with one team on each side
made up of seniors and alumni.
This year the tournament had teams come from North Dakota, South
Dakota, Minnesota, and as far away as Canada. Along with college teams there were also
youth and high school teams.
The Jimmies played against everyone except the Canadians, and did a
good job of holding their own.
Several of the Jimmie teams made it the playoffs, with one winning it
all.
Women’s head soccer coach Nick Becker, who helped set up the
tournament, said, “This tournament gives our players an event to play in the winter to
motivate them and to help fundraising.”
Players from both the men’s and women’s teams worked concessions,
helped referee, kept track of time and the score, and shagged balls. It was a great chance
for both teams to work together and learn other aspects of the game.
“The tournament is important for all players; it teaches different work
rates and is a good experience for freshmen who haven’t played futsal and is [also] a
good tune up for the older players,” said coach Becker.
2. The tournament offered older players a chance to gain leadership skills
and help younger players gain more experience. Good collaboration and teamwork
helped everyone improve with each game played, and made for a fun and competitive
environment.
The Jimmies host this futsal tournament every year and encourage their
friends and peers to come out and watch them play.