Long Island Futsal Academy is a U.S. Youth Futsal Sanctioned Academy from Long Island New York.  Established in 2016, LIFA was created for boys and girl players between the ages of 7-16.  Their goal is to prepare players for U.S. Youth Futsal I.D. Programs and form LIFA Teams, in which the teams would compete at the U.S. Youth Futsal Tournaments.   

Under the leadership of Chris Sanders, LIFA currently have 3 trainers who have all completed the NSCAA futsal course and hold a National C course soccer certification.   

Their coaches focuses on futsal techniques and demonstrate the proper ways to get the most skill-development out of Futsal. 

History:

Chris has been involved with Futsal for 8 years.  His journey began as a Futsal Referee. Chris said, “It was a way to ref games throughout the winter”. Chris became a U.S. Soccer Futsal Certified Referee. 

Later, Chris began coaching boys and girls Futsal teams, who competed in a local Futsal League. A 8-week Winter Futsal League in Long Island.  

Chris said “I found that my players really enjoyed the game and wanted to play more often than the 8-week winter season.  Chris decided to form the Long Island Futsal Academy.

LIFA was sanctioned by U.S. Youth Futsal March of 2016.

Training Program:

LIFA host (3) 8-week training Seasons throughout the year. 

• Summer Season - Beginning of July to end of August
• Fall Season - 2nd week of November through the beginning of January
• Winter Team Academy Season - January through March 

Their training session teaches the basics of futsal.  As the basics become masters, the players are moved to team play and instructional scrimmages.

Growth: 

LIFA have experienced some nice growth since their launch last year.

• July 2016: LIFA had 46 registered players.
• January 2017: 100 players were registered

Chris's Daughter:

Chris’s oldest daughter plays Futsal as well.  “She began loving the sport and aimed to compete at a higher level” Chris said.  He continued.  “She (Emily Sanders) has since been a part of the U.S. Youth Futsal Youth National Teams in 2015 and 2016, which competed in Costa Rica and Colombia”

Why U.S. Youth Futsal:

Chris stated the reason why he affiliated with U.S. Youth Futsal is “Our academy wanted to be connected and affiliated with an organization that has the ability to offer opportunities beyond our local league”.

Parents on Futsal:

Chris said the feedback from the parents are: “They love the way Futsal had challenged the kids to always be aware during the game. I see the game as a great teacher and the rapid style fits the mentality of today's youth”. 

For more information on Long Island Futsal Academy.  Visit their website.