Semi-professional SA players sign up for new SA Futsal League

MORE than 100 semi-professional soccer players have signed up for a new futsal competition which will run out of the Gepps Cross SuperDrome from next week.

MORE than 100 semi-professional soccer players have signed up for a new futsal competition which will run out of the Gepps Cross SuperDrome from next week.

The SA Futsal League will feature a three-tiered senior men's competition and has hit its 32-team capacity after a surge of interest from elite players.

The competition's joint director Raf Frisina said he was thrilled with the level of interest in the league which is not affiliated with Futsal SA.

"It was just an explosion of interest when people heard we were starting this competition,'' Frisina said.

"Futsal is a growing sport and I think people have been waiting for a competition like this here in Adelaide.

"We will have a website which will run articles and videos of matches and try to create an elite competition.

"The aim is to turn this into a semi-professional league within four to five years."

Futsal is played on a court which is smaller than a traditional soccer field and has only five players per side.

The sport requires good close ball control and a high aerobic running capacity.

Among the Football Federation of SA Premier League players to commit to the competition are Michael De Bono (Adelaide Galaxy) and Perry Mitris (MetroStars).

"Of the 326 players signed up about half of them play in the State or Premier League,'' Frisina said.

"I think it's attractive for these guys because it keeps them together as a team and keeps them sharp."

The senior competition kicks-off at the SuperDrome on Sunday, September 15.

The SA Futsal League also has junior competitions starting on Saturday, September 14, and has vacancies for teams.

For more information visit safl.org.au