The Inaugural Season of the Edmonton Futsal League and the Kings University Eagle
Futsal, the exciting and fast-paced variant of soccer, has been steadily gaining popularity worldwide, and Canada is no exception. In Edmonton, the Edmonton Futsal League (EFL) has stepped onto the scene with its inaugural season, bringing with it a wave of enthusiasm and anticipation. One notable participant in this exciting league is the Kings University Eagle, a team eager to make their mark on the burgeoning futsal scene.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Todd Van Driel, the head coach of the Kings University Eagle, and the Athletics and Recreation Coordinator for the school, to discuss their involvement in the EFL and the importance of futsal in player development.
Q: What attracted your club to the league?
"In short, simply the chance to play in a formal futsal league in Edmonton," Coach Van Driel explains. "Futsal is an amazing sport, and one of the fastest growing in the world, and Canada, and we want to be a part of its growth in Edmonton. Our team is involved in the ACAC futsal league, but we are hungry to play it more."
This hunger to embrace the essence of futsal in a formal league setting is a testament to the sport's growing influence in Canada, and the Kings University Eagle is eager to contribute to this development.
Q: How important is futsal on player development, in your opinion?
Coach Van Driel is quick to emphasize the significance of futsal in player development. "For players growing up, the stats speak for themselves – for example, 600% more touches on the ball compared to the 11v11 size game means players are better able to master the ball and the decision making that comes with it. At an adult level, it is an explosive and safe way to play the indoor game. Many pro players attribute their success to their involvement in youth futsal. From there, there are even added opportunities to play at a semi-pro/pro level in the sport of futsal."
Futsal's unique characteristics, such as the small-sided nature of the game and the emphasis on close ball control, foster players with exceptional skills and decision-making abilities, which can significantly impact their overall development.
Q: What are your expectations for the inaugural season?
"For the inaugural season, I am hoping that we are able to simply provide the opportunity for players hungry to play futsal a chance to play—the rest will take care of itself," Coach Van Driel states. "Secondly, a key to this league will be growth - I want others to see this league and want to be a part of it. I think that the EFL will do a great job of providing an experience that is different than any other offering in Edmonton, and it will naturally entice more to join and aim to be a part of it. The opportunity for Provincials and Nationals (and hopes for future CONCACAF participation) is already unique. I'm excited to see the EFL provide something many people in this city have been craving."
Coach Van Driel's expectations for the EFL's inaugural season reflect the league's commitment to not only fostering a thriving futsal community but also providing a platform for aspiring players and teams to make their mark on the sport. The EFL is poised to revolutionize futsal in Edmonton, and the Kings University Eagle is ready to be a part of this exciting journey.
As the Edmonton Futsal League's inaugural season kicks off, it's clear that the passion for futsal is alive and well in Edmonton. With teams like the Kings Yniversity Eagle joining the league and advocates like Coach Van Driel, the future of futsal in Canada looks brighter than ever. Fans and players alike can look forward to a season filled with exhilarating matches and a true celebration of this thrilling sport. The EFL promises to provide an experience that will leave an indelible mark on the Edmonton sports scene and beyond.
