Ambitious aims for Futsal

Excellent progress
UEFA itself has identified lofty targets for the administration of Futsal's future, in tandem with its 52 member associations. To help achieve these, after ten years of excellent progress under its football development division, Futsal was moved to the professional football division last year, under the guidance of Giorgio Marchetti, where it would sit alongside major football events.

'Extremely exciting'
The Italian is vastly experienced in the eleven-a-side game but has the enthusiasm and direction necessary to take Futsal forward. "This is a challenge but it is extremely exciting," he said in a speech designed to prompt and provoke discussion. Describing the last ten years as a "decade of growth", Marchetti outlined how more and more nations had turned to Futsal.

'Final four'
Currently, 34 countries are actively involved in the UEFA competitions but the plan is to extend further. Ways of improving are always being assessed, such as modifications to the UEFA Futsal Cup for the continent's top club sides. The UEFA Futsal Committee has proposed a new 'final four' that will replace the current semi-finals and provide a thrilling climax to the cup.

Perfect format
"Final four is a new format," Marchetti said. "It works very well in other indoor disciplines like basketball and volleyball, and we think it is perfect for indoor sports. We think it will give more value to the UEFA Futsal Cup." The plan will be put forward to the UEFA Executive Committee, with possible implementation for the 2006/07 edition.

Clear plan
For the UEFA European Futsal Championship, UEFA is looking to have 39 nations competing in qualifying for Portugal 2007. The targets do not stop there, though, with an aspiration of getting 46 on board by 2009 and, all being well, "everyone participating by 2011". There is also a goal to boost attendances from the 66,470 seen last year to 135,000 for the 2007 event.

Good development
Marchetti added: "It is ambitious but we will not give up the objective of having all member associations participating in Futsal. We think it is essential for the good development in our continent." He underlined why Futsal has moved departments, with the aim of making the most of the game's marketability and strengthening its image.

Star system
Mindful that many present were at varying levels, he ran through a series of pointers for those new to the Futsal family and for those trying to strengthen their position. From sponsorship to developing a 'star system' of top players, he also identified several areas where the élite countries could still grow. For all 52 nations, he said: "It is important that Futsal learns the right lessons from football's past."

'Win-win'
He explained what UEFA was doing. Futsal will benefit from the EUROTOP programme, which will see the 2007 and 2009 UEFA European Futsal Championships benefit from the sponsorship package put in place for the UEFA European Football Championship. Marchetti described it as a "win-win solution", which was "a great opportunity for sponsors" and would "increase the popularity of our tournaments".

'Great opportunity'
There are also plans in the pipeline for a youth tournament, probably for Under-21s, and also for a women's event. There will be a fresh look at marketing and more workshops and forums. In conclusion, Marchetti told those present to consider bidding for the 2009 EURO finals, describing it as "a great opportunity" - one which would surely just require a vision, a dream.