Futsal attracts growing audience

Futsal attracts growing audience

JAKARTA: The Indonesian Futsal team has just concluded its
training program in Lampung, attracting 225 participants over the
weekend.

The team, a cooperation between the Soccer Association of
Indonesia (PSSI) and fastfood chain McDonald's, has held training
programs before in Bandung, Denpasar, Jakarta, Makassar, Medan
and Surabaya.

Futsal originated in Latin America and is similar to indoor
soccer.

In Lampung, half of the participants were elementary school
students who were also members of local soccer training schools.

"The public here are very enthusiastic about developing
futsal. The number of participants was much higher here than in
other cities," said Ronny Pattinasarany, a member of the team, in
a written statement.

Meanwhile, Koko Hadiaono of McDonald's Indonesia said the
company would invite other companies to develop futsal.

"We will also support PSSI in hosting the Asian Futsal
Championship to be held from Oct. 22 until Oct. 31 here," he
said. -- JP