Futsal Fury

Futsal Fever
Story by Tara Hefferan
Photos by Alexis Mercer

As World Cup fever swept the globe, Futsal Lion Cup fever overtook Newaygo.  More than 250 players across 36 teams participated in the 2nd annual Futsal Lion Cup held at Newaygo Public Schools this past weekend.        
 
Teams traveled from across Michigan to Newaygo to play three futsal matches on Saturday.  Futsal resembles soccer but is played indoors with just five players per side.  The small field—the size of the gym’s basketball court—and its hard surface make futsal a fast game that requires precision passing, receiving, and shooting.  Games are brief and intense.  

All matches were played in the schools’ gyms, with more than 500 spectators rooting for their favorite players and teams.  The atmosphere was electric, with cheering, chanting, and singing marking each goal, steal, and good play.  The top finishers in each age bracket were called back for semi-finals and finals matches on Sunday.  In the end, medals and trophies were awarded to the top three teams in each age bracket.   
 
Nearly double in size from last year, the Futsal Lion Cup was organized by Coach Jesus De Leon and the Newaygo Boys Soccer Team as both a fundraiser and a community affair.  By all measures, the tournament was a great success.  An army of volunteers served as referees, organizers, door agents, and registration officers.  Several local businesses sponsored the tournament, including GM Wood Products, Leprino Foods, Newaygo Brewing Company, Tote-Ally Unique, and Riverwalk Nutrition.  Moreover, Coach De Leon wanted to give back to the community,  partnering with Newaygo County Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect “to collect donations and funds for the families and children in need in our community.”  

In reflecting on what he would remember from the tournament, Coach De Leon said, “I will never forget all the volunteers, for all their time and effort. I could not have done it without them.  All screams when a ball hit the back of the net, a thunderous roar full of excitement and cheer.  All the criticism and complaints, because you learn to cope with it, and it allows us to be better next time.  All the parents, players and coaches that approached me to say how great the tournament was.  Everything.  I will remember everything.”    
 
Coach De Leon said that our area has many talented soccer players, and the tournament allows them the chance to play top competition in a challenging environment.  He hopes to be able to organize the tournament again.  But, for now, Coach De Leon wants everyone to know just how grateful he is to all the people who made this year’s tournament possible and in the process gifted our community with the “beautiful game.”