2016: Series Futsal’s season of change

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestmail

The year of 2016 has been a break out season for Series Futsal, with the emergence of famous players frequently gracing the courts, along with a ‘Fans First’ outlook.

The 2016 season has seen many new initiatives implemented. Here is a look back at the major changes that have occurred in 2016.

– NAME CHANGE
In April 2016, the name of the game changed. Long known as the ‘V-League Premiership’ the name of the Victoria’s leading futsal competition changed to ‘Series Futsal Victoria,’ heralding a new era of futsal in the sporting capital of the world.

The name change also saw the FAFL (Futsal Oz Australian Futsal League) change its name to ‘Series Futsal Australia’ – a three-day national tournament held twice a year.

– FUTSAL OZ LIVE
Arguably the biggest one-day futsal event ever held in Australia was played out at the State Netball and Hockey Centre on July 2.

Three games were played, with Balwyn defeating Carlton in the curtain-raiser, Melbourne defeating Sydney in a spirited womens match before the feature game between Pascoe Vale and Fitzroy, featuring futsal star Falcoa and international football star Douglas Costa.

Over 2000 guests enjoyed the three games, plus live entertainment. Futsal Oz Live 2 is currently in the planning stages and will return in 2017.

VIDEO >> Highlights from Futsal Oz Live

– RULE CHANGES
It was the most controversial change of 2016 and it got the punters talking! For the 2016/17 season, Series Futsal organisers introduced two significant rule change to the elite level, with throw-ins allowed and a ‘no draw’ policy that sees drawn games settled with a 10 metre penalty shoot-out.

The reaction to the rule changes was mixed, with some players and teams up in arms about the drastic changes.

While the jury may still be out on whether the changes are good or bad, the one thing it did do was get people talking about futsal, which was a great outcome for Series Futsal and the sport in general.

– FULL-TIME THOMASTOWN
Another change for the 2016/17 season was the relocation of all Series Futsal matches to the Thomastown Futsal Oz Stadium. Located on Settlement Road in Thomastown, the four-court stadium is now known as the ‘home’ of Series Futsal, with every mens (Sunday afternoon) and youth and womens (Wednesday nights) played at the world-class venue.

– THOMASTOWN GRANDSTAND
To cater for the increasing amount of fans getting involved at the elite level, a new grandstand was created for the main court at Thomastown.

The grandstand can hold up to 500 guests, with plans to allow for more seating behind the goals.

– FAMOUS PLAYERS
The standard of players involved at Series Futsal is increasing all of the time, and the height of the bar was reset when French freestyle ace Sean Garnier was invited to play for Fitzroy in two matches.

And wasn’t it a popular addition! For two consecutive weeks, Garnier helped fill up the Thomastown grandstand with fans keen to see the fast moves.

VIDEO >> Sean Garnier’s Series Futsal debut

Series Futsal Victoria would like to wish players, managers and fans of Series Futsal Victoria a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

The next round of Series Futsal will be held on Friday, January 13, 2017.