The Arlington Elite Futsal program (EF) provides players with an opportunity to receive a comprehensive Futsal experience during the winter months (early December through late February). We encourage all those who love the sport of futsal to explore an opportunity to learn from futsal certified coaches who have a passion for teaching the unique, fast paced game. Designed for players seeking the highest level of futsal competition, the Elite Futsal program will feature two practices per week, league games, and local/state/regional tournaments with the opportunity to qualify for national championships and international events. In addition to the Elite Futsal Program, the club will also offer additional futsal-specific programming available to all players during their regular winter team training. The Elite Futsal program will be run by Grady Renfrow, Sascha Filippi & George Hales. 

Vision: The vision of Arlington’s Futsal Academy is to inspire and empower players through the game of futsal. Arlington’s Futsal Academy will continually strive to provide the best developmental environment for futsal and soccer players in our community.Arlington’s Futsal Academy aims to help young athletes reach their full potential by nurturing technical excellence, promoting character building through teamwork and sportsmanship, as well as fostering a diverse and welcoming environment. Arlington’s Futsal Academy aspires to create a lasting impact by instilling a culture of dedication, respect, and resilience for players who aspire to thrive at the highest levels of the game. 

Mission: Arlington Futsal Academy provides a unique learning environment for serious and committed players who have a desire to learn the game of futsal while leveraging futsal to improve their outdoor soccer skills and match impact. The competitive futsal programming encourages players to stretch beyond their comfort zone and challenges players to compete with pace, technical precision, tactical awareness, and confidence.

AGE GROUPS

The Elite Futsal program is open to players  in the U9-U19 (Players Born 2015-2005) age group. Age groups will have one to two teams with 8-10 players per team.

PLAYER SELECTION

Prospective Elite Futsal players are identified in a variety of ways. These may include: futsal tryouts, coach or staff recommendations, performance in previous futsal programs, and/or experience in other Arlington Soccer Programs. Coaches are considering variables such as a players’ comfort level and experience in the game of futsal, availability for team training sessions and games, and ability to execute with and against the highest level futsal competition.

We recognize futsal as a unique sport, and while there are many similarities to outdoor soccer, a player’s abilities may differ between the two sports. The selection process for prospective players is intended to evaluate futsal-specific skill. Below are the key qualities of a futsal player:

• Uses sole to control the ball
• Confident dribbler
• Confident shooter
• Effective passer
• Good decision making
• Quick to transition on/off the ball
• Proficient 1v1 attacking and defending
• Comfortable playing in tight spaces
• Ability to use both feet and all surfaces

Due to the smaller roster sizes in futsal (eight to ten players) and shorter season (three months) the program focuses on placing kids on teams where they can both find success and be challenged during the fast-paced season.