Getting a kick out of studying futsal
After completing his FA level two in coaching, he decided to relocate to the UK to do his UEFA B in coaching, which takes a total of nine months to complete.
Ryan Macfarlane, SuperSport United Soccer School Benoni coach, has relocated to the United Kingdom to gain further qualifications in Futsal football.
He is also hoping to create various pathways for children from South Africa to experience football in the UK.
After completing his Football Association (FA) level two in coaching (futsal licence), he will be embarking on completing his UEFA B in coaching, which takes a total of nine months to complete.
“It is the highest qualification when it comes to Futsal in the world,” explained Macfarlane.
“With the pandemic affecting countries around the world, all football courses have been put on hold for the time being.”
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Macfarlane has, however, used his time wisely by learning from various coaches at academic and soccer schools in England.
He has gained knowledge from top coaches on the best ways to develop youth players, knowledge which he will be sharing with his fellow coaches in South Africa.
“When the time is right and the world has returned to some form of normal, I will also be bringing academy coaches from England to South Africa to host holiday clinics at the Benoni Country Club,” he said.
In England, the FA believes children need to play football, especially during times of crisis as the health benefits are vital.
“I am in full agreement with their stance and wish those in power in South Africa would follow the same path that various other countries have taken when it comes to assessing the importance of grassroots football,” Macfarlane explained.
“Children need to play football. I hope the return of competitive grassroots football in South Africa isn’t too far away.”
While Macfarlane is in England, the children at the SuperSport United Soccer Schools Benoni are still in the hands of some fantastic coaches who boast many years’ experience in coaching youth football.
Macfarlane encourages all parents to bring their children to the school for a free taster session to see exactly what their training is about.
“We coach children the same way they are coached in Brazil. We focus on developing two footed players who are technically good on the ball. They learn to master the ball and play plenty FDS (Futsal) to do this,” he said.
He said FDS is a valuable tool used to develop youth football players.
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“In Brazil the majority of children play FDS until the age of 12 before turning to grass football because statistically you touch the ball 600 per cent more often in a game of FDS than you would in a 90-minute game of grass football.
“Players like Neymar, Christiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi grew up playing futsal and they all say it has played a huge role in their development.
“I believe futsal is the best way to develop footballers. If we employ such an approach in South Africa, who knows, we might birth the next Neymar, Ronaldo or Messi,” Macfarlane concluded.
