The mission of BC Soccer is to develop the game by inspiring British Columbians to lifelong active, inclusive and team play. Those of us who love the game know its merits as a great physical activity for people of all ages, particularly the next generation of young Canadians whom we hope to see leading active and healthy lifestyles. We also love our game because it is such a global game and because it is accessible to people of all ages, cultures and economic means. As a team sport, it teaches team play and team-building, also important for the young people who will serve as our leaders of tomorrow.

Yet one of the aspects of soccer which inspires me most is that it not only works at so many levels of age and skill level, it works in different forms.

The FIFA World Cup and the major leagues in Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania and North and South America showcase the 11-a-side game that is soccer to most people watching on television or in stadiums around the planet. It is only the main platform, however. We have small-sided soccer played outdoors. We have beach soccer, one of the hottest extensions of the game – to the point where FIFA is holding World Cups for beach soccer. We have indoor soccer played in hockey arenas.

And we have Futsal: Indoor soccer played five-a-side on gymnasium style floors.

It might surprise some of us who are more focused on the main platform of the game that Futsal too, has its own World Cup sanctioned by FIFA – and has operated at that level since 1989! But it shouldn’t surprise those of us who love soccer that Futsal itself is a great game. Moreover, it is perfect training for soccer players, especially given how essential speed and skills become in the tight playing dimensions.

If you haven’t had the chance to check it out, there’s no better opportunity than the third annual Richmond Futsal Fiesta, which is coming up January 8th-9th at the Richmond Olympic Oval. The Fiesta will feature teams from across the province for two days of fun and games. It’s a great introduction to Futsal and in our view, a terrific new opportunity for player development.

Working with the local organizing committee, BC Soccer is proud to be offering optional Futsal instructional clinics for coaches and for all age groups in conjunction with the Fiesta, at no additional charge. We welcome you to take advantage of these opportunities and see how teams from your club, district or league could participate.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of BC Soccer, I strongly encourage you to look into how your organization could benefit from the Richmond Futsal Fiesta in January. Check it out at www.bcsoccer.net for more details.

The Richmond Futsal Fiesta is of course only one of the many terrific opportunities for competition and player development made possible by our membership and the network created by our clubs, districts and leagues. CLICK HERE for more on our BC Soccer-sanctioned tournaments.

Given our vision at BC Soccer is to pursue Canada’s foremost integrated soccer development system built upon club, school, varsity and professional team excellence, it strikes me that by promoting and developing soccer at all levels and in all forms, we’re increasing our chances of bringing more participants to the game at the grassroots. And if we’re doing that, we’re improving the opportunities we have to make the most of a good thing for the big game…the Global Game…at all levels of play.