Most parents will be on the look-out for something to keep their children busy during the school holidays. Matamata Swifts may well have one of the best options available.

The Swifts, better known as a football club, are promoting the sport of futsal during the holidays by turning over their holiday programme to the only FIFA and NZ Football endorsed version of 5-a-side football.

Dwayne Barlow, the Swifts’ Club Development Manager, is pleased the club is incorporating futsal into its development programmes. “Futsal, first and foremost, is fun. As a sport it is quite distinct from football, but it offers the opportunity for players to hone their football skills as well as learning some new ones,” says Barlow.

Futsal was invented in Uruguay but popularised globally by the role it has played in the development of most of the top Brazilian players. It is one of the fastest growing sports in New Zealand and is one of NZ Football’s key focus areas.

“The programme is open to children aged 5 to 13 and club members and non-members alike,” says Barlow. “If you’re interested in having a taste of something a bit different I’d encourage you to come along for a look.”

Better still, futsal is played indoors so attendees will have the added bonus of keeping dry and warm while learning some fun new skills.

The programme will be held at Matamata College and will run from Monday July 13 to Wednesday July 15. Click here for more information.