Results tagged “futsal” from 100 Percent Soccer

The backers of Torrance's planned state of the art Futsal facility in a former warehouse on Maple Avenue have signed a lease for the 73,000-square-foot building and are projecting a December opening.

Dubbed South Coast Soccer City, the refurbished building will accommodate five Futsal fields with modular flooring and two artificial turf fields, a 4,000-square-foot training center, four party rooms, a homework room, cafe/lounge and store selling Futsal equipment.

Paul Higgins, president of South Coast Soccer City, said it will be the largest facility in the U.S. dedicated to the fast-growing sport.

"Soccer City will not only help address the lack of fields and playing opportunities for players of all ages in the region, but will help redefine the way young players develop their soccer skills by introducing them to a version of the game that emphasizes creativity, skills and ball control," he said.

Full eight-week leagues should begin Jan. 3, 2010.

"We can provide playing and training time for not only young players and adults, but also create innovative toddler programs, Mommy and me programs and other programs that enhance the soccer experience," said Kevin Gilmore, president of parent company Socal Soccer City Holdings, which eventually hopes to open additional locations in the region. "The fact that we found a location in Torrance is an added bonus given the city's strong soccer tradition and high youth participation levels."

Torrance is the birthplace of AYSO.

For updates on Soccer City, check out their Twitter feed.

And if you haven't experienced Futsal before, take a look at this video:

If approved, financed and built it will be called South Coast Soccer City.

I'm told it will look very similar to the picture that accompanies the story.

The usual crew of anonymous bigots has hijacked the comment section at the bottom of the story, so allow me to clarify one thing: no taxpayer money is involved.

This is an ambitious venture and some folks I've talked to worry those involved may be reaching a little too far. Nevertheless, given the demand for fields in the greater L.A. region, there should be plenty of interest from varying demographic groups (and yes, to answer another question I received via e-mail, there will be adult leagues for men).

Frankly, I've barely played soccer since moving to Torrance from Ventura, so I'm looking forward to this, too, assuming it gets off the ground (the backers declined to tell me how much they're spending on this and I have the impression they still may be looking for investors).

The backers understand the risks involved, BTW. Kevin Gilmore observed that because this is the first purpose-built facility of its type they know of "therein lies the challenge and the opportunity."

BTW, I was told it will cost about $550 per team for an eight-week season, which isn't bad split up between 8-10 people. And no, you can't sign up yet.

The proposal calls for seven fields: three 49 feet by 90 feet fields, one 60 feet by 120 feet, one 60 feet by 120 feet field (the size required for international play) and two 40 feet by 90 feet field turf arenas.

A few futsal facts (culled from the project's overview):

*Futsal is not played with walls like traditional indoor soccer in the U.S. and therefore is considered the best way outdoor soccer players can train indoors "to refine and maintain their control, skill and touch."

*Futsal is considered one of the fastest growing indoor sports in the world and is played by 12 million people worldwide, including 70,000 in the U.S.

*"In futsal you need to think quick and play quick so it's easier for you when you move to normal football," said Pele.

Updated: It was approved by the Planning Commission.