SNN Staff
Posted: Thursday, November 1, 2012 11:30 am

Sean Bowers and 619 Futsal prepare for a second winter season

Soccer News: Registration for 619 Futsal's Second Winter Season Closing November 5

Teams and Players Encouraged to Sign Up while Openings Remain

Claudio Reyna’s vision for U.S. Soccer includes Futsal and the U.S. Development Academy now includes Futsal in its player development program. Futsal helps develop footskills, speed and agility and is highly recommended for player development - and it is fun for all.  These fast paced and high scoring games are great for team bonding.

One year ago Sean Bowers, former U.S. National Futsal Team captain, was preparing for the opening weekend of the new 619 Futsal, based at Miramar Community College. Fast-forward twelve months, and Bowers is getting ready for the first anniversary and the second winter season of the very successful program. In addition to winter and spring seasons, 619 Futsal also provided a popular summer camp program where players worked directly with Bowers.

Registration for the new season will close on Monday, November 5, and spaces for teams are rapidly filling up. Bowers is expecting 60 teams for the Winter League, an indication of the growth in popularity of futsal. As more clubs and teams learn the value of playing the game, partiicpation in leagues such as 619 Futsal's Winter League becomes even more important.

When asked if he was surprised with the success of 619, Bowers said, "There is nothing like this in San Diego and futsal training is critical to the success of technical development.  These games offer tons of touches on the ball -- 10x the amount of touches in an hour than in outdoor soccer.  619 Futsal allows the team to train together to develop better individually and collectively... but yes, the success of our league has exceeded my expectations."

The first winter season opened with over 50 teams and over 500 players signed up for divisions from U8 through adult. The spring season saw the number of players soar to over 700 as more club teams discovered the fun, excitement and skill-building opportunities of futsal. Registration is now open for the second winter season, and you can expect slots to fill up quickly. Fees are the same as last year, $550 for a youth team and $595 for adult teams.

619 Futsal, which is affiliated with United States Youth Futsal and U.S. Soccer, came about because Bowers saw the need for American youth soccer players to experience the same game that helped develop such stars as Pele, Ronaldo, Messi and Ronaldihno.

“As a nation we need to get better at the technical side of soccer,” Bowers explained at the opening weekend in 2011, “and I think this is one way we can do it.”

Over the two sessions, hundreds of young players have had the chance to develop their technical skills while playing the world’s version of indoor soccer. Futsal is recognized by FIFA and is played in gymnasiums, parking lots and on other sites around the globe.

Two dozen countries will meet in Thailand from November 1-18 to determine the 2012 FIFA Futsal World Cup champion. Sadly, the United States will not be among the countries vying for the top after failing to qualify in the CONCACAF Qualifying tournament in Guatemala.

One of Bowers’ goals is to help change that in the future, by promoting the game in Southern California, a hotbed of youth soccer. “Other countries, especially the countries that are good in soccer, have youth futsal programs,” said Bowers. “We’re really the only country that hasn’t established that. We’re getting there, but we haven’t established it yet. Hopefully the kids who play here will grow up and be good at futsal and represent our country like I did.”

Bowers is not alone in seeing the need for, or the advantages of, playing futsal. Mike Gentry, Director of Player Development for 619 Futsal and the father of two players, has seen his daughters’ skills improve after playing futsal. He noted that the smaller size pitch and fewer players involved increase the number of touches each player gets during a game.

Other parents have also taken note of the improvements their young athletes have made after playing the game. “My two girls play on the same 619 Futsal team and their soccer skills have improved from their experience,” said Dave Mohr, a father watching a futsal match. “Although the environment is quite competitive (a good thing), the girls are encouraged and feel free to try new skill moves without a lot of pressure.”

Ellen Montgomery, another 619 Futsal parent, was enthusiastic about the gains her dauther Timell had made from just one season. “The fast pace of the game has allowed her to develop her quickness and footwork,” Montgomery said. “Understanding that she was able to control the balls movement was the biggest surprise for her.”

Bowers said, "This futsal league let's players improve their footskills while having a great time playing and getting 100 to 200 hundred touches on the ball. This is great for player development."

The winter season will open on November 18, 2012, and run through February 17, 2013. All matches will be played on Sundays, except for November 25, December 23 and December 30.

Teams can chose to play up or play their age group for State Cup.  

Boers said, "This futsal league let's players improve their footskills while having a great time playing and getting 100 to 200 hundred touches on the ball. This is great for player development."

For more information, or to sign up, visit 619 Futsal.

Related Article: All Agree Sean Bowers' 619 Futsal is a Success