CHANGING
THE GAME
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CHANGING
THE
GAME
ABOUT THE AMERICAN FUTSAL FOUNDATION
FOUNDING
ROOTS
“Futsal was born out of a need. We didn’t have a place to play, so we created a way to play in a smaller space. We created a game that enhanced technique, without violence, and we formed teams to play.”
The American Futsal Foundation is rooted in the Futsal Renaissance that began in the 1950’s in the 'futebol halls' above the streets of South America. Our founders helped to shape the game as it is known today - from the rules of the game and the size of the court, to developing the Futsal ball’s unique, light weight and low-bounce.
Futsal and all that surrounds it was born of a need; created by a community to solve a problem. The American Futsal Foundation seeks to introduce and teach Futsal to as many children as possible, instilling in them the same sense of creativity, spirit, and freedom of those visionaries who created this wonderful game and inspired a world-wide movement.
The American Futsal Foundation's guiding inspiration comes from our Founder, Antonio "Zego" Azevedo's lifelong commitment to futsal and his attention to the youth game.
Guided by his transgressive ideology, the Brazilian coach ended his successful career in the elite ranks at a relatively young age. His fame was already world-wide and individual offers were not lacking, but Zego chose a path dedicated to the sport, itself. Over the past 4 decades, Zego has developed futsal programs with global recognition and grassroots futsal movements in the humblest locales. On his journey, Zego has mentored and trained some of the world's best coaches and players and has inspired individuals, clubs, and nations to embrace and promote futsal's benefits in schools and communities.
"The base is being neglected, and it has to be recovered." The American Futsal Foundation is working to build the base, to recover to sport those without a path, and to create a sustainable movement that will forever change the youth sports landscape.
GUIDING
INSPIRATION
PHILOSOPHY
MISSION
VISION
OUR PHILOSOPHY
CHILDREN LIKE TO PLAY
Children should have the opportunity and motivation to participate in competitive sport regardless of physical attributes, gender, ethnicity, or zip code.
CHILDREN ARE CAPABLE
Children are innately capable of solving problems within their environment with high levels of creativity and efficiency.
CHILDREN SHOULD HAVE FREEDOM
Children should be given the freedom try their own solutions without fear of judgement or condemnation, and taught to believe in themselves and their decisions.
CHILDREN ARE THE FUTURE
Children will produce genius if their own character is allowed to develop and they enjoy relative autonomy in their own solutions and expression.
VISION
FUTSAL IS THE SOLUTION
Youth sport is seeing dramatic increases in costs and decreases in participation rates. Futsal decreases costs for families by expanding usable space in local communities, providing access for children otherwise left out. Futsal's unique game characteristics do not favor size, speed, or strength; it is a game for truly everyone.
FOOTSTART PROGRAM
Futsal is the perfect game for children. Around the world, millions of youth players as young as 4 years old are enjoying Futsal's benefits. The American Futsal Foundation's FootStart Program specializes in creating an environment that stimulates a love for sport.
ALT-ATHLETES
Futsal provides a new pathway for millions of current and future athletes who do not fit the mold of traditional American sports. Futsal provides access to team sports with the frequent opportunity for individual expression.
GRASSROOTS TO INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
In 20 years, Futsal has the opportunity to evolve from a local, grassroots movement to becoming a sport that places athletes from the United States on the world stage. Through Futsal, we can provide a child with a pathway, an adolescent with identity, a teen with a scholarship, and a young adult with a dream.
OUR MISSION
PROVIDE ACCESS TO SPORT FOR ALL CHILDREN
Children should have the opportunity and motivation to participate in competitive sport regardless of physical attributes, gender, ethnicity, or zip code. The American Futsal Foundation provides access to a sport that can be played, enjoyed, and dominated by anyone.
CREATE AN INFRASTRUCTURE FOR FUTSAL
The United States possesses the largest youth sport infrastructure system in the world, but it has not been optimized. Through rehabilitation projects, the American Futsal Foundation is able to provide access to sport for thousands of children in each local community.
FOSTER A HEALTHY DEVELOPMENTAL ENVIRONMENT
Families and coaches should work together to ensure that children are receiving the encouragement and support that is essential to their development as both athletes and individuals. The American Futsal Foundation will replicate in the United States an environment that Zego has instilled in dozens of countries worldwide.
ESTABLISH A NATIONAL SYSTEM OF PLAY
Regular competitive play within a community is the first step to establishing a national framework. The American Futsal Foundation helps communities create infrastructure, form teams, and host competitive matches.