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