what is futsal and how is it different from regular soccer:

Futsal is a very competitive and enjoyable sport that provides young players an amazing platform to develop their soccer skills with the ball and work on their all-round soccer ability. 

Futsal is a fast-paced indoor game played on a hard surface, with a field the size of a basketball court. This smaller field significantly increases the number of touches and time young players spend on the ball, as well as shooting opportunities and goal-scoring! The ball is also heavier than a regular soccer ball, greatly impacting how long it stays on the ground. This is very helpful when learning new foot skills and allowing young players to use their feet effectively in many different ways. 

When watching Futsal, you will notice players frequently using the sole of their foot for control and implementing various moves (our coaches will teach these moves and skills during the technical sections during each Futsal class). Consequently, players will develop fast foot skills, learn how to pass quickly and make better and more decisive decisions with the ball. When young Futsal players transfer these skills to a full-sized soccer field, significant evidence shows that players will progress faster than their counterparts who only play soccer.

We can’t wait to see your children grow to love the game even more while developing great skills, playing with friends, and having competitive games in an enjoyable and positive environment.  

Coach Richard Shaw

Shaw is a native of Blackpool in Northwestern England, is a former Professional and All-American soccer player. Shaw, who graduated with academic honors from Le Moyne College, also had huge success on the soccer field during his collegiate years; winning a National Championship, becoming a three-time MVP, and being named the first All-American since 1977 on the Le Moyne’s Men’s Soccer team.

In addition to college soccer, Shaw played in the UK with Blackpool FC, Fleetwood Town, and Kendal Town, and had trial spell at Burnley FC, before moving full time to the U.S. In 2012, Shaw finished his professional playing career with the Syracuse Silver Knights in the MASL.

While coaching college soccer at Le Moyne, Cazenovia College, and SUNY Adirondack, Richard continued working in youth soccer. In addition to developing Invictus FC with his good friend and colleague, U.K. sport scientist Paul Mairs, they also co-wrote the bestselling book ‘Coaching Outside the Box: Changing the Mindset in Youth Soccer’; and this material has been endorsed throughout the world, including recognition in various national coaching curriculums. Shaw also works as a soccer commentator and analyst for Division I college soccer on ESPN, and has developed several initiatives and programs to help develop youth soccer throughout the U.S.

Coach Sal Penta

Penta has been a youth soccer coach for over 25 years, guiding teams on all levels including recreation, travel, premier, and high school. He spent 12 years at Connecticut Football Club coaching on the girls side from U11-U18 along with helping out at Summer clinics and other training programs. Sal was also the head girls soccer coach at Southington high school from 2001-20013 during which they were undefeated state champions in 2002. He was inducted into the Connecticut Girls Soccer Coaches Association Hall of fame in 2019. Sal is presently the head girls soccer coach at Kingswood Oxford Prep School.

Penta is also a physical therapist and strength and conditioning coach, specializing in performance training for soccer players of all ages. He works with players individually and in small groups not only to improve technical ability but to aid in athletic development and injury prevention.