Friday, March 8, 2013

Interested in Futsal?

FCT is calling all futsal players in the following age categories:

U6 "JR" Kiddie Futsal
U8 "SR" Kiddie Futsal
U10, U12, U16, U17, U18, Men's

Please send an email to admin@futsalclubtoronto.com

Thursday, March 7, 2013

1st Annual FCT Gala & Awards Night

FCT is proud to announce its 1st Annual Gala & Awards Night on March 24, 2013. At "Dave & Buster" sports eatery in the city of Vaughn.

The gala will be a milestone night for FCT futsallers & club members to celebrate the achievements of all players from the U10, U12, U16 Boys/Girls, Goalkeepers & Men's divisions.

The ceremony will also highlight this years events, future program details which commence April 2013 and extend to April 2014 along with a much awaited announcement.

Technical Director Roy Blanche and Director of International Exchange program Rubio Mileo Guerra will be in attendance via video conference for the evenings events.

Annual Gala & Awards Night details:

Date: Sunday, March 24, 2013.
Venue: Dave & Busters (in the private venue showroom)
Address: 120 Interchange Way, Concord, ON, L4K-5C3
Time: 6:00-7:30pm Dinner & Awards
Time: 7:30-9:00 Futsal program details
Ticket price: Adults (14+) $20-Child $15

(prices include dinner & $10 power playing card for entertainment area. Cash bar avail.)

We extend an invitation to the public to join us from 7:30-9:00pm

TIckets available now. For additional information please call 647-997-8376 admin@futsalclubtoronto.com

We look forward to a magical night of PURE FUTSAL and celebrating achievement and highlighting future events.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

FCT Duo making strides in Kuwait Futsal League

Futsal Club Toronto delegates Rubio Guerra, Head Coach of Al Arabi SC Futsal & assistant coach Roy Blanche, elevate the club after securing a 5-1 win over first place team Qadsia in Kuwait Futsal League action today.

FCT congratulates the team on their impressive win and wish them all the best throughout the second round games.



Monday, March 4, 2013

FCT Canadian Futsal Kings dominate Defi-Futsal Courts

FCT Canadian Futsal Kings dominate Defi-Futsal Courts

The Final of the 2013 Defi Futsal Tournament was a lesson in futsal for the region of Ste-Hyacinthe, Quebec. Futsal Club Toronto's Men's squad played a very systematic approach, touching and rotating the ball finding the back of the net between the black and white posts at Collège Antoine Girouard during the 5th Annual Defi Futsal Tournament this past weekend.

The tournament was comprised of over 50 teams in four divisions: Masculin élite, Masculin compétitif, Féminine élite, Féminine compétitif all vying for the title-2013 Defi Futsal Champions. 

FCT's King of the Courts made a clear statement in their first game match vs Nouvelles-Frontières finishing off with a 6-3 win. Nouvelles-Frontières were faced with an unknown challenge and FCT clearly demonstrated to all the challenges that "indoor soccer" players face when matched up against a futsal specific club.

"First half was a sluggish start for the squad due to the seven hour drive the night prior to our arrival into Ste-Hyacinthe. We were unaware of the caliber of  Nouvelles-Frontières let alone the rest of the clubs participating this weekend; however, we only imagined a physical, fast paced game all characteristic of soccer players in the province of Quebec. We managed to find our groove within the later start of the first half and going into the second half. The second half, we demonstrated our futsal flare, something we have been training hard at in Toronto months prior to the tournament", commented Head Coach Lorenzo Redwood.

The second game of the preliminaries was against Rimouski the defending 2012 Champions, "we expected a tough game going into the match and we respected the competition that we were facing. We went in full force and played a defensive approach going into the game until we were familiarized with their system; with that said mid-way through the game we changed our approach and dominated the game 4-0."

The management at Futsal Club Toronto decided to withdraw interest in any present leagues in the Toronto area for the 2013 season, which meant the men's squad went into the tournament without any exhibition games played. However, the team is comprised of many veteran players like Captain Alvaro Yaques, Timo Garzon, and Matthew Rios which were the solid foundation the squad relied on for most of its success. After day one of the event, the team was able to gel well among new members and this clearly solidified the relationship of all players and mentally made them stronger entering into day two, this marks the beginning of a strong relationship for the squad.

As day ones competition was tough for some, those that did not survive the group stage matches saw most teams packing their bags for the long drive home. All victorious teams were in attendance for the FCT matches as they displayed excitement among the fans for their magical talent and confident ball movement displayed on the court, the spectacle prepared the competition and they etched and executed a plan for day two of the competition, "The contending teams went into all three games with a well thought out plan defensively and attacking; FCT stuck to the game plan and left teams trailing in their wake. We proudly thanked the crowd for their support and lifted the 2013 Defi Futsal Cup with grace and style"- commented Coach Redwood.

Coach Lorenzo Redwood & Captain Alvaro Yaques
The invitation from Defi Futsal Association founder, Vincent Cournoyer was greatly received by FCT Management and confirmed their attendance with great honor  The weekend long tournament was run like a well oiled machine and without hiccups and their was great energy on and off the courts. The organizing committee scored an A+ for their organization and dedication to the development of futsal in the region of Quebec. 

Getting to Know U16 Player Jonathan Seguin



Left-to-right: Coach Yaques, Head Coach
Redwood & Mentor Coach Jonathan Seguin
during a U10 training session.

Getting to know U16 Player and Mentor-Coach Jonathan Seguin

Monday, March 04, 2013.

During last Wednesdays practice we were able to identify an up and coming futsal player Jonathan Seguin; also known for his excellent training and dedication to the U16 training program. Jonathan has been a tough contender and a player growing into his role on the court & during the FCT U16 program. He has been a crucial player for the squad during league competitions and definitely has been working hard at progressing in the sport. We took time to conduct a Q&A on Jonathan and this is what he had to say:

Why did you choose to take up the game of futsal?

This is my second season playing futsal with Roy Blanche and Lorenzo Redwood. Due to prior commitments I was limited to only training once a week. I chose to play futsal because I enjoy how fast paced the playing is. I’m a small guy so I also choose futsal because there is a lot less contact compared to outdoor soccer. Another reason I decided to play futsal is because I learned that the majority of the Brazilian national team all started by playing futsal, some didn't change from futsal to outdoor soccer until they were fifteen. Fustal is also a great way to train for outdoor soccer, it helps you with all aspects of the game because you are doing similar things, but it is a smaller space so you have to think faster.
 
How do you compare it to soccer?

I would say that futsal requires quicker ball movement and speed, while with soccer you have a larger area to send long and through balls. Futsal and soccer are practically two different sports but are very similar. It is played like basketball with formation/coverage like zoning or man to man. Soccer is more of its own marking/formation style. Not all soccer players can play futsal; but most futsal players can play soccer really well.

What have you learned through the mentor program?

The mentor program was a different experience for me; I learned how my coaches feel when they are trying to teach a drill or a play. The players I have coached are very talented and I am happy I am helping them pursue their career in futsal. The mentor program also helped me realize that helping the younger players in any way is vital to the improvement of FCT as they are the future of this club.

Entering into the final 4 games of the Futsal League in Toronto how does FCT sit in the ranks & what do you make of the rest of the season?

Jonathan Seguin during league action vs Caledon
We are currently in third place in the league and I feel that our team has the ability and skill to get to the finals; however, it will require us to take what we learn from practice and implement it into the game. I see the U16 squad in the finals because we have the skill to make it there, but we need to implement it into our play on the court.

You train with the FCT Men’s players once a week, has that experience improved your game? How has it helped you grow as a player?

Training with the men’s team is the best way any younger player could improve. Being able to learn exactly how high level futsal is played is very beneficial and probably has helped the whole U16 squad tremendously. If one of the men’s players saw you do something they think you could improve on they would help you fix the error either during or after the practice.

How can you sum up Head Coach Lorenzo Redwood?

I've known Coach Lorenzo for about two years and he is among the best futsal coaches in Canada and provides some of the best training I have ever had. He has been through the whole futsal experience and knows how to train a player to the best of their ability.

You entered into the season working directly with Coach Roy Blanche who is now in the Middle East; please describe his impact on your game?

I have known Coach Roy for two years as well, he knows how to keep a tight ship meaning when it’s time to be serious he doesn't let anyone fool around. I have only ever played futsal through Roy and the improvement he has made on my playing abilities is substantial. Even though Coach Roy is primarily a national futsal goalie, he managed to be a technical director for one season of outdoor training with another academy and he offers excellent coaching for on-field players as well as keepers.

Coach Alvaro Yaques is a new addition to the staff at FCT how has his training impacted you thus far?

I am just getting to know Coach Alvaro and so far he is definitely very skilled as a futsal player and as a coach. He has some drills that I have never seen before and knows how to improve a player’s game. He is a very technical player and is very committed to helping the players with their technique. He also frowns upon using anything but the sole of the foot to control the ball.

Lorenzo Redwood commented, "Jonathan is a committed to excellency futsal player. He is dedicated to the training and to his own personal improvement on the court. Futsal is a game of system and it is important that you as a player are able to support your team; he is a selfless player and brings out the best in his team mates. He is definitely shaping into the complete futsal player and we look forward to our continued training with Jonathan".

Mentor coach Jonathan Seguin trains three times a week with the club, assists during Saturday training's at FCT's futsal venue and plays in the Toronto Futsal League every Sundays at West Humber Collegiate Institute. Jonathan, Futsal Club Toronto wishes you the best of luck.