A RENOWNED sports broadcaster has joined the drive to encourage children to take part in the 2022/23 Pokemon Futsal Youth Cup.
With registration now open, Clive Tyldesley calls on teams across the country to sign up through a masterclass video.
The nationwide tournament returns in November and culminates at the national finals in June 2023.
Mr Tyldesley said: “Futsal is the perfect way to build your skills and prepare you for the traditional game.
“Focusing on accurate passing and strong ball control, futsal has been adopted by some of the world’s leading football nations because of the way it develops team play and individual skillsets.”
The collaboration sees the commentator team up with Pokemon and England Football to show what the sport of futsal is all about.
Mr Tyldesley uses his football knowledge and world-renowned voice to create an educational video that showcases the sport to prospective players and coaches.
Futsal is a dynamic format of football which focuses on technical skill in tight spaces.
Played using smaller, heavier balls and with fewer players than in regular 11-a-side football, it’s a fast and frenetic way to improve technique and control.
Last year, over 900 teams from across the country took part in the 2021/22 Pokemon Futsal Youth Cup, 24 were from Berks and Bucks FA.
The competition is designed as a pathway for players to hone their skills for the traditional game in a fun and supportive environment. It’s open to boys and girls teams from under 10 up to under 16.
Louise Gear, head of development at the FA, said: “We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to work with both Clive and Pokemon to highlight the development power that futsal possesses.
“We’re excited to see how the 2022/23 season of the Pokemon Futsal Youth Cup unfolds and encourage as many youth team coaches to register their teams for the national competition.”
Pokemon is the title partner of the FA’s Youth Futsal Programme, which aims to work with boys and girls aged eight to sixteen.
Peter Murphy, senior director of marketing at the Pokemon, spoke of his excitement for this year’s tournament.
He said: “It has been great to work with Clive, one of the iconic commentators of the game, to raise awareness of this fantastic sport.
“His passion for the game is evident and we’re grateful to be given the opportunity to use this to educate children about futsal and how this season’s competition can improve their skills.”
For more details, or to register, click here
