In the ever-evolving landscape of sports development, futsal stands out as a powerful tool for nurturing football talent from the grassroots level. 

With its fast-paced, skill-intensive nature, futsal not only hones technical abilities, but also offers an accessible platform for schools and communities with limited infrastructure.

Futsal, played on a smaller pitch with fewer players and a low-bounce ball, emphasises close control, quick decision-making and creativity.

 These are the very skills that form the foundation of exceptional football players. 

Globally, some of the most celebrated football stars like Lionel Messi and Neymar attribute their early technical development to futsal. 

This connection underscores the importance of integrating futsal into grassroots football programmes, where the focus is on individual skill enhancement and tactical awareness.

In Namibia, many schools face challenges in providing proper football facilities due to budget constraints and limited space. 

This is where futsal offers a viable solution.

 Requiring only a modest-sized hard court like a netball or basketball surface, futsal eliminates the need for large grass pitches and extensive maintenance. 

Schools struggling with infrastructure can easily adopt futsal as part of their physical education programmes, fostering participation without the financial burden of developing full-sized football fields.

Moreover, futsal’s structure of five players per team ensures more touches on the ball, and greater involvement from every player. 

This promotes quicker skill acquisition, improves game intelligence and builds confidence. 

For young athletes, the opportunity to frequently engage with the ball in a competitive yet development-focused environment is crucial for their growth.

Including futsal in school fitness programmes not only addresses infrastructural limitations, but also provides an inclusive, engaging platform for talent identification. 

Through inter-school tournaments and development leagues, promising players can be scouted and nurtured, creating a robust pipeline of football talent. 

The sport’s accessibility and focus on technical excellence make it an ideal breeding ground for future football stars.

As Namibia continues to make strides in futsal’s growth – evidenced by the recent successes of both the Men and Women’s National Futsal Teams debuting in the Futsal African Cup of Nations – investing in grassroots futsal development is a natural next step. 

By integrating the sport into school programmes, we can inspire a new generation of technically-skilled, tactically- aware footballers ready to shine on both national and international stages.

Futsal is not just a game. 

It is a gateway to greatness. 

Let us give our youth the platform they deserve.

*Benjamin Ashikoto is the technical director of Futsal Namibia. The article is written in his private capacity.