Turf field Futsal: starts Nov 17th at the Athen High School stadium

New program:  The winter turf field futsal program at the high school is a collaborative effort between Athens High Soccer, GASA, Athens Community Soccer, and Athens Futsal.   The program runs on Sunday afternoons from November into April and provides scheduled times for family futsal on the turf field of Athens high.  The program will support the development of youth players (from U8 through high school) and adults in a playing environment focused on fun participation and peer mentoring.  The fee for the turf field program will raise funds for GASA and equipment for highschool soccer and futsal.

Purpose:  This program creates wintertime opportunities for players of all ages to develop their skills, enjoy the game, and build community with other futsal/soccer players in Athens.  To support the development of youth players in an environment focused on skill and fun.  

Three fundamental rules of Athens Family Futsal:

1. Have fun!
2. Don't hurt anyone (including yourself)
3. Take it easy on those that need to taken easy upon.

Sign up online:

1. Become a member of Athens Community Soccer 
1. Includes membership in ACS spring, summer, and fall programs
2. Adult annual fee $35
3. Youth annual fee $20
2. Join the "Turf field futsal" on the ACS page  [This new page is not yet available]
1. Adult fee $20
2. Youth fee $10
3. Athens high student:  No charge

[Note:   Turf field futsal is a brand new program, so the page for it does not yet exist at ACS.  We are working on it and will let everyone know when we get it set up-- thanks for your patience!  Ted]

Where:   1 High School Drive, immediately off of Johnson Road in the Plains, the turf field in the stadium.
When:   Sundays 1:00 to help set up;  Play 1:30 to 3:30   (within constraints of reasonable winter weather) 

Bring:

• Shin guards and shoes:  cleats, turf shoes, and indoor shoes all work.  Cleats or turf shoes will be best for most players.
• Different layers of clothes: long underwear, sweatshirts and jackets, hats, gloves, as well as large t-shirts.
• T-shirts in several color options (dark, light, red) for outer layer (over sized tshirts).  We will have pinnies, but might need some fields to go with dark or light shirts. 
• Water
• Desire to have fun, play well, and help others learn.

What is Athens family futsal?  Futsal is played on a lined field with a low bounce ball that allows from greater control and encourages skillful, team play.  Our games are self officiated based on principles of fair play and compassion for fellow players.  Teams are formulated with the objectives of parity and maximizing the enjoyment and learning of all players. All players are field players, and the ball may not be picked up or touched with hands or arms.  Kicks or shots on goal are only scored if they are low (approximately knee height or less).  Height exceptions are made for artful shots made with the head, chest, or thigh.  Long shots on goal are not allowed. Plays out of bounds are restarted with an indirect free kick.

Mission of ‘Athens Futsal’ the organization
    Athens futsal is an Ohio University and Athens community based group that includes futsal players of all ages, genders, abilities and backgrounds.  We are dedicated to fostering opportunities for members of the broad OU and Athens community to develop the love of the game, improve skills and abilities, and to foster friendship and community among all players.  We do this by encouraging inclusive participation in recreational, just-for-fun games and by actively demonstrating our commitment to fair play, and compassion for the safety, enjoyment, and development of all players.   See more details on the Athens Futsal Mission.

Exciting Prospects for Futsal in Athens

Athens Futsal is looking forward to a new chapter for the local community.  We are teaming up with local soccer organizations (GASA, ACS) and the highschool soccer coaches to offer family and youth pick up futsal on Sundays during the winter months.  We will play on the all weather turf field at the high school.

The inaugural event is planned for Sunday, November 17th, at 1 or 1:30 in the afternoon.  Check here and on the FB page for further details.