Futsal's Road to the 2022 Saskatchewan Winter Games

Jan. 27, 2021

Saskatchewan Soccer Association (SSA) is proud and excited for Futsal to make its debut in the Saskatchewan Winter Games in 2022. Over the past several years Futsal has been a growing game in Saskatchewan, and we look forward to working with our Membership to continue grow the game through this tremendous opportunity.

Saskatchewan Winter Games

The Saskatchewan Winter Games will be hosted in Regina from February 20-26, 2022. The year 2022, will also mark the 50th anniversary of the Saskatchewan Games, and it is sure to be an event to remember. There will be more than 1,800 athletes, coaches and officials from 17 different sports gathering in Regina to share in the thrill of competition and camaraderie on the provincial stage.

For futsal, our goal is to field U15 (players born in 2007/08) female and male teams in each of the 9 Sask Sport Districts. Saskatchewan Winter Games team selections are open to all participants and are operated in partnership with the Sask Sport Districts. Information on player ID Camps and evaluations will be made available later in the year once Coaches have been selected. Coaching and Team staff applications are now available and will close March 15th, 2021.

Learn more about the Saskatchewan Winter Games here.

What is Futsal?

Futsal is the only version of the indoor game recognized by FIFA. It is played 5-aside on a smaller, hard court surface, with a low bounce ball that allows each player to make technical and tactical decisions in a productive environment that still encourages the physical and social elements associated with soccer.

Why Futsal?

Futsal is an ideal sport for communities of all sizes - All you need is a hard surface, indoor or outdoor, a ball and nets. Roster sizes are smaller than traditional soccer, making it easier for smaller communities to form leagues with more teams.

Futsal is an ideal sport for Saskatchewan Winters - Futsal is fun and a great way to stay active throughout the Saskatchewan winters.

Futsal has more of everything that players love?- More shooting, more goals, more action! Players rotate positions throughout the game, so every player is 100% involved in every game.

Start-up costs are minimal - Funding is available through MAP Grant Special Projects to help Member Organizations get their programs up and running.

Futsal is a great skill developer?- The game develops quick reflexes, fast thinking, and pinpoint passing. Futsal uses a smaller, heavier, low bounce ball. The game is played on a hard court so the ball travels much faster than on grass.

Futsal is the foundation of Superstars -Pele, Messi, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho have all credited Futsal to be an important piece of their development to become the superstars they are today

Launch a Futsal Program

Our goal is to have futsal opportunities for players in every corner of the province, leading up to and as part of the legacy of the Saskatchewan Winter Games. Learn more about starting a futsal program in your community by starting here with our Futsal 101 Webinar. It is 24 min long and will give you the basics on the Futsal Rules to help you gain the knowledge and confidence to launch a program in your community.

Also, join our February 11th Member Call (details below) and reach out to us! Octavian Iliuta, our Coordinator of Competitions, will be happy to help guide you along the way.

Member Call - Intro to Starting a Futsal Program

Member Organizations and individuals interested in starting futsal and supporting the growth of the game in Saskatchewan are welcome to join us on March 4th at 7:00 PM (postponed from Feb 11th) for a Member Call to learn more.

Click here to register

Funding

Member Organizations can apply for up to $5000 in funding through MAP Grant Special Projects to help with starting up or expanding their current futsal programs.

The MAP Grant application process for 2021 will begin in April. Learn more here.

Coaches

The application process for coaches for the Saskatchewan Winter Games teams is now open. Coaches are required to hold a minimum C-Licence for the Saskatchewan Winter Games, however, there is no futsal experience necessary to apply and coaching education will be available leading up to the event.

Click here to apply: Coaching and Team staff applications

*Deadline to apply is March 15th, 2021.

Referees

Futsal has its own unique rules.

The Futsal Referee Entry Level online module is available to both new referees and existing soccer referees. Registration can be completed online through your Member Organization Ramp Registration portal.

Futsal Development Work Group

Since 2016, SSA has had a Futsal Development Work Group. This group has been a great asset to SSA and the development of futsal in our province. Their expertise will continue to be invaluable in the build up to the Saskatchewan Winter Games. The current members of the group include:

Rahim Mohamed - SSA Director of Soccer (Chair)

Jerson Barandica-Hamilton - Saskatoon Futsal League

Peter Morris - TDsoccer

Michael Jakubiec - Yorkton United Football Club

Jaime Meza - Saskatoon Futsal League

Kevin Wagner - Lakeland College

Jason Jones - JJ Soccer

Octavian Iliuta - SSA Coordinator of Competitions (Support - Competitions Development)

If anyone has interest in joining the Futsal Development Work Group contact Rahim Mohamed.