Several parents have inquired about the distinctions between the Academy and the Teams. This explanation clarifies the differences and outlines our plans for the future. It also provides some guidance for parents in what is most suitable for their child.
You can access a PowerPoint Presentation that we shared on Zoom at the bottom of this blog.
STRUCTURAL DIFFERENCES
Futsal Escocia, a VAT-registered limited company of which I am the sole director, operates the Academy as a business. VAT registration has facilitated growth and will continue to do so, although it also entails additional expenses. Currently, approximately 450 children participate in weekly futsal activities, including academy sessions and 2v2 games. The Academy welcomes children of all ages, races, genders, and abilities.
The Teams are run as a non-profit group. Everyone involved is a volunteer, including myself.
Teams were organised to give players a chance to participate in matches. These teams welcome boys and girls, and all Academy players are offered a reduced fee.
We have a complete male pathway with teams from u7 to adult, with around 200 players involved.
We have ambitions to complete a female pathway to replicate the male side.
DIFFERENCE IN PHILOSOPHY
The Academy is structured to develop the INDIVIDUAL for futsal and football. Sessions are designed to develop all aspects of a players game, with different themes each week. Our 'Developing the Player' programme has had massive success over the last 10 years with over 140 players progressing to a pro football environment and 12 players going on to respresent Scotland at football (8) and futsal (4). Those numbers are pretty incredible for Fife.
The Teams are about developing the player, within a TEAM. Our objective is to prepare the players and to provide a pathway to our adult teams.
Our first team contains 3 players who have been involved in futsal since we started 10 years ago and we have players approaching that milestone in our adult squads and u16s.
OUR VALUES
Our values are shared by both the Academy and the Teams.
These values are crucial for the development of individuals, and especially for the players.
THE FUTURE OF THE ACADEMY
We have had a lot of success over the last 10 years and we would be crazy to venture off what has made the Academy and our players successful.
I believe in futsal and what we deliver at Futsal Escocia, but that doesn't mean we cannot improve in what we deliver.
Growth presents various challenges. Within the Academy, we have children with diverse abilities and levels of motivation; each child is unique, and we endeavor to create an environment that caters to their individual needs.
We have plans to reintroduce our Futsal Niños section for 3-5 year olds after Easter. These sessions will include learning motor skills, the fundamentals of futsal/football, fun games and basic Spanish.
Off the back of parent feedback, we also plan to introduce the following:
Our biggest obstacle is hall hire availability. Small Group Sessions may take place as football to futsal sessions on astroturf.
THE FUTURE OF THE TEAMS
We are proud to have completed the male pathway and to have one of the best futsal structures in not just Scotland but across Europe.
There are areas we want to improve and most of it comes down to futsal knowledge and awareness.
Futsal has crossovers with football but we also have to recognise that futsal is a sport in its own right with a lot of differences.
We plan to hold coach education days and additional camps to enhance the futsal understanding and knowledge of our coaches and players.
Our aspiration is for our first team to win the Scottish Super League and qualify for the UEFA Champions League. We also hope our players will gain exposure to the highest level of futsal and further international experience.
Players become eligible for our adult teams upon reaching the age of fifteen. We presently have a first team and a B team, and we plan to add a C team in the future.
Our youth programme will maintain our Futsal Escocia winter leagues from November to March, and our 3v3 leagues from April to October. The 3v3 format is valuable for developing players' technical skills, decision-making abilities, and comfort in one-on-one situations.
External matches and tournaments will be available for all age groups. Selection will be based on effort, attendance, and performance.
We are optimistic about an u16 league starting for the 2025/26 season. This would include home and away matches against futsal clubs across the country.
If this is successful, we would push for a similar league to be introduced at u14 from the following season.
Last December we took a couple of squads to Belfast and we want to expose our players and parents to more futsal by entering futsal tournaments in 2026. We had hoped to enter tournaments in 2025 but this gives us time to prepare properly both on and off the court.
We are also hosting tournaments at Michael Woods over July and August. Selection for these will be based on effort, attendance and performance.
PARENTAL GUIDANCE
It can be difficult for parents to select what is best for their child. Most kids will say they want to be a footballer but the reality is 99.9% won't.
We are trying to create an environment that is suitable for EVERY child.
For those that just want to have fun and play, the 2v2's and our future Games Only sessions are most suitable. These sessions have minimal coach input and lots of contact time with the ball in a game setting.
For those wanting to be coached, our Academy sessions, provide expert coaching to develop all aspects of your child's game. The small group sessions will provide a more personal touch.
For those looking to progress in futsal, we will look to start invitation only sessions. These will focus on FUTSAL methods and more in depth tactical elements.
If you have any questions about what is best for your child, don't hesitate to contact us.
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