A new home at Ngā Puna Wai will give a heart to Futsal, bringing the community back into one brand new venue and a creating a space to call home.

According to Mainland Football Futsal Development Lead Chris Sinclair, the sporting future depends on it. “The only way futsal can expand and grow is with this newer venue and more courts.”

In November 2023, the futsal community celebrated Opening Weekend at Ngā Puna Wai with the delivery of their junior and youth competition.

Chris praises the “community feeling” for players, coaches and referees alike.

Despite being a sport that experienced exponential growth between 2011-2019, clubs and competition remained dispersed across the landscape in post-quake Christchurch.

In 2019, the sport in Canterbury found itself with “nowhere to grow,” according to Ronan Naicker, of New Zealand Football.

With this exciting new shared home at Ngā Puna Wai, futsal is expected to grow from strength to strength, and build on particular appeal to women and girls.

“The format is a lot more appealing to everyone, when compared to traditional football – it’s not as daunting as five on five,” says Ronan Naicker, New Zealand Football Futsal Development Manager.

Ronan cites the success of futsal in Dunedin’s Edgar Centre environment as an example of how an all-weather space works wonders, encouraging the community to “get your mates together” and enjoy a sense of safety and routine.

“In Dunedin, everyone comes to the same place at the same time every week. It’s like a festival vibe. Growth in any sport relies upon being able to create that fun.”

Another winning formula at Ngā Puna Wai is the aspirational aspect – young players being able to see athletes who compete on the international stage. Pair that with the opportunities for families to try different sports on adjoining courts – from Mixx.nz to rhythmic gymnastics and volleyball – and futsal’s future has never been so bright.

“Families can have children doing different sports in one place,” Chris agrees. “This will quickly become the best sports hub in the city.”

Article added: Tuesday 14 May 2024