The Irish FA was proud to host a UEFA Futsal Conference which welcomed over 70 delegates from eleven countries across Europe to Belfast for four days.
The purpose of the conference was to examine the theory and practical elements that will make up the course content for the Futsal UEFA B Licence. The conference was a huge success due to the combined efforts of a variety of partners.
Irish FA Futsal Lead Jonathan Michael commented, "It is been a tremendous privilege to welcome all the delegates and tutors to Northern Ireland this week and I must thank UEFA for the opportunity. I would like to thank all the staff at the Europa Hotel for their first class service throughout the week in providing accommodation and conference facilities for the duration of the conference. Thank you to the staff at Lagan Valley Leisureplex and the Sports Development Unit of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council for providing a fantastic Futsal facility for the practical elements of the course. Thank you to the players of Belfast Metropolitan College and their tutor Tiernan Lynch for their support and participation in the practical elements, the boys demonstrated excellent attitudes and worked very hard in every session."
Jonathan added, "The Irish FA were pleased to offer delegates the opportunity to attend Titanic Belfast for a tour of the museum experience and hold the official dinner in the impressive Bridge restaurant. Thank you to all the staff at Titanic for their help in coordinating a memorable night and showcasing the best of Belfast. The audio visual elements of the event were covered by Magpie AV and I would personally like to thank Ian Mahon for his expertise during the course of the event. Thank you to our community partner McDonalds for supplying water and fruit packs during the course of the conference. Finally, thank you to our friends at McCombs Travel and East Belfast Taxi’s for providing transport throughout the duration of the conference, their efficiency and professionalism was first class."
The Irish FA have recently established introductory Futsal education courses for both coaches and referees and are currently designing a Futsal Level One Coaching Award which will be delivered within the next twelve months. The Irish FA also have ambitions of being able to deliver a Futsal UEFA B Licence in a number of years once the game has become fully established throughout the country.
