Futsal Fever Hits Green Ridge Recreation Center

It’s a clear case of “if you build it they will come” when it comes to Roanoke County and the Valley Association Football Club (valleyafc.org).  VAFC is a non-profit organization that oversees recreational and travel soccer for Roanoke County.  Outdoor playing space has long been at a premium in Roanoke County; the new Green Ridge Recreation Center (roanokecountyparks.com) helps fill in the gaps as they currently have a rental agreement with VAFC during off hours. When you can’t play soccer outdoors, Futsal, an indoor version of the game, is a great alternative.

Futsal originated as a training concept to improve players’ skills.  It is designed to be played indoors – without being able to use the walls as a tool.  A regulation Futsal ball is heavier and slower than a traditional soccer ball, making the play slower and more controlled. After playing Futsal, players find when they play the full game their skills are improved and they react well under pressure.

Local players are registered with the Virginia Youth Soccer Association.  A team roster can include up to ten players, though there are never more than six (five field players and a keeper) on the field – or indoor court – at any one time. Players are assigned to an age and gender appropriate team.  Steve Karras, President of Valley AFC, said that they are partnering with Green Ridge to host the first annual Roanoke County Futsal tournament to be played the weekend of February 12-14.

Invitations have been extended statewide and there is still time for local youth to register for the tournament. They can register at valleyafc.org.  Registration fees cover the cost of the facility, equipment, referees and insurance.  “We are excited because some college age teams have agreed to play on Friday, which exposes our youth to a different caliber of play” said Karras.

Pete Haislip, Roanoke County Director of Parks and Recreation for the last sixteen years, expressed satisfaction at the good stewardship involved in offering space to organized leagues in the after hours. Other interested groups should not delay in contacting Green Ridge; a lot of the available space has already been taken just a month after opening, and opportunities can be limited.  There is a set rate for space with a sliding scale quantity discount.

Haislip said that on Monday, January 18th, Martin Luther King Day, 1,400 people walked through the doors of the multi-generational complex at Green Ridge Recreation Center.  He is amazed at the volume of “open play” participation at the center, sometimes numbering as many as 100 people at any given time.  The center currently has a roster of 4,000 members.